{"id":283,"date":"2005-05-21T01:29:40","date_gmt":"2005-05-21T01:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walking-ixus.net\/blog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2022-08-14T20:32:57","modified_gmt":"2022-08-15T04:32:57","slug":"sanja_matsuri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/walking-ixus.net\/blog\/sanja_matsuri\/","title":{"rendered":"Sanja Matsuri!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I often have to remind myself: This is a different trip then the last one, so go see different things!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"IMG<\/a>
Mikoshi at the end of their rounds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Today (since it was happening in the neighbourhood near my hotel) I went to check out the Sanja Matsuri<\/a>, the largest matsuri in Tokyo. Over 2 million people come to Asakusa to attend the matsuri centered around Senso-Ji Temple. It looked really fun and I would have liked to have particpiated. But after watching everyone sweat and heave in 28+ degree heat and humidity, it was better just to watch. And have a beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"IMG<\/a>
This isn’t all of the attendees. Although I thought it was. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Portable shrines called mikoshi each contain a kami<\/a> and these kami are paraded around Asakusa, stopping at businesses to spread luck and good fortune. They can be large or really large. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"IMG<\/a>
IMG 0076<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"IMG<\/a>
IMG 0124<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are little mikoshi for little people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"IMG<\/a>
IMG 0104<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"IMG<\/a>
IMG 0129<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The mikoshi get carried to the Senso-ji Shrine in Asakusa. The kami inside expect a fun ride, so everyone on carrying duty rock and roll in rhythm, lest the kami inside gets bored. Entertained kami = more blessings and good luck. So the trip to the shrine has to be fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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