Image search results - "matsuri"
000-IMG_7073.jpg
Dai-hiwatari Festival, Mt. TakaoMore pictures here
001-00IMG_9270.jpg
Sadly, the Tokyo Jidai Matsuri no longer held. It used to be held annually on Nov. 3 (Culture Day) in Asakusa, Tokyo.the Tokyo Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Historical Periods) is a parade tracing the history of Tokyo with over 1,600 people dressed in the respective period's costume. This is the lead float playing music. It took about an hour for the parade to reach Kaminarimon Gate.

Lead Float: Edo festival music played by children. Kodomo Edo-bayashi yatai
先導 子供江戸囃子屋台

001-9132-20.jpg
One of the Big Three Festivals in Tohoku, the Kanto Matsuri has men in happi coats balancing tall paper lantern-bedecked bamboo poles, called kanto, on their foreheads, shoulders, hand palms, or hips. Held on Aug. 3 to 6 near JR Akita Station.A kanto is carried to the festival site before nightfall.
001-IMG_0563.jpg
Established in 1617, Tsukiji Hongwanji temple is the Tokyo headquarters of the Nishi Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu sect. The present temple, based on Indian architecture, was built in the 1930s.The temple is the only one in Japan which is under the direct control of the sect. Its head priest is the Monshu Abbot himself. April 8 is observed as Buddha's birthday, called Hana Matsuri ("Flower Festival) in Japan.
001-IMG_0710.jpg
One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals held on May 15. The Aoi Matsuri's colorful procession of over 500 people in Heian-Period costumes start off at the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace and head for the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所: The first ox carriage waits for the procession to start. The ox carriage is called a gissha. 牛車
001-IMG_0784.jpg
The Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri Festival is held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a post town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. Numerous events and activities are held such as flea markets, street & stage performances, and Japanese danThis was the first time I saw hula dancing in Shiga. Surprised to see hula dancing (Kusatsu Station plaza).
001-IMG_2055.jpg
Held annually on May 4, the Misaki Shrine Fire Festival (hi-matsuri) has local people carry 2-meter long torches from their homes to the shrie where a 5-meter tall pile of bamboo is lit to make a towering inferno.A taiko drum is also carried and beaten.
001-IMG_2258.jpg
Held on Dec. 2-3 by Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of Japan's Big Three Hikiyama Float Festivals. Ornate floats are pulled along the city's main streets until they reach a large plaza at night where they are lit with lanterns. Fireworks then serve as the climax. Photo: Seibu Chichibu Station
001-IMG_4035.jpg
Yasukuni Shrine during the Mitama Matsuri before dark.
001-IMG_6755.jpg
Held for two evenings on Aug. 14-15 during the obon season, people light their torches at Gosha Shrine and proceed to Hibarino park where the torches are thrown up to a large pine tree. The more torches get stuck on the tree, the better the next harvest.This is Hibarino park. The pine tree on the right of the small hill is the target for the torches. This park also serves as the Otabisho during the Hino Festival.
001-IMG_8562.jpg
Kanayama Jinja Shrine is a small shrine within the grounds of the Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine near Kawasaki Daishi Station. On the first Sun. of April, it holds this now-famous Kanamara Festival nicknamed the Phallus or Fertility Festival. Festival starts at 11 am. But a large crowd was already there well before that time. Entrance to shrine on the day of the Kanamara Festival. (If you're below age 18, please leave now.)
001-IMG_9141.jpg
At 2 pm, the 18 portable shrines gather at the Ohara Fishing Port. 大原漁港に参集
001-IMG_9810.jpg
Kawagoe Matsuri is a parade of ornate floats during the day and evening in the city's old town of traditional buildings. Around 15 floats appear during the festival. Held on the third weekend in Oct. Main road where the festival will climax in the evening.
001-NEPU3.jpg
Moving the Neputa floats into position.Held during Aug. 1-7, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri is without the rowdiness of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. Instead of the haneto, there are many children pulling the floats with ropes. The main floats are fan-shaped and more two-dimensional and lantern-like. As with the Nebuta floats, the Neputa floats are handpainted and illuminated from the inside. There are two parade routes which are followed alternately on different nights. On the 7th, there is only a daytime parade from 10:00 a.m. If it rains on any day, the parade may be canceled.
001_0220-13.jpg
Held in July, Narita Gion Matsuri Festival has ornate floats pulled on the streets of Narita and to Narita-san temple. Pulling a float on the street
001_2527.jpg
From late April to early May, five long strings of giant carp streamers swim in the air high above the Sagami River in Sagamihara, Kanagawa. This event was started in 1988.
001_7491.jpg
The biggest taiko drum festival in the Kanto region is held annually in April. Various taiko drum troupes perform for two full days on various outdoor stages in Narita, including the main stage in front of the Narita-san temple.
001_9162.jpg
One of two giant kitesThis festival has two giant kites and two smaller (but still large) kites. Resting on its side, the kite was scheduled to fly at 2 pm. The kanji characters read "Michi no Eki" in reference to a new train station built in the town.
001_9664.jpg
Festival's focal pointThis grass hut is at the center of the festival site which is within the Sakitama Tumuli Park. It will be burned later in the evening for the festival's climax.
002-00IMG_9272.jpg
This page is a complete English guide to all the groups that appear in the parade. The parade assembles behind Sensoji Temple and starts at 1:30 pm from Nitenmon gate. The procession then goes down Umamichi-dori street, passes by Matsuya Department Store.先導 子供江戸囃子屋台
002-9132-23.jpg
The festival is held along a straight, 800-meter section of San'o Odori Road, a 20-min. walk from Akita Station.In the evening, the main event starts at 6:38 p.m. with a taiko drum-beating performance or minyo dancers on San'o Odori Road. At 7:17 p.m., some 200 kanto are carried into the street to the sound of flutes and taiko drums. At 7:40 p.m. following a brief address by the city's mayor, the performance begins as the kanto are raised all at once.
002-IMG_0561.jpg
Tsukiji Hongwanji temple gate with wisteria crest.The emblem is a wisteria flower and symbol of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
002-IMG_0725.jpg
The bull was mooing all the time and was very restless.Do bulls moo or do they snort? This was making a loud noise.
002-IMG_0799.jpg
Hula dancing at Kusatsu Station plaza. Also see the video at YouTube.
002-IMG_2060.jpg
Procession of local residents carrying torches to the shrine. Map
002-IMG_2259.jpg
In front of Seibu Chichibu Station
002-IMG_2910.jpg
Yasukuni Shrine's main torii during Mitama Matsuri
002-IMG_3033.jpg
The Azuchi Nobunaga Festival's main venue was here, next to Azuchi Castle (hill on right). MAP
002-IMG_6757.jpg
Entrance to Gosha Shrine. 五社神社
002-IMG_8563.jpg
Shrine banners and cherries in full bloomThe red banner says "Kanayama Jinja" with an phallus (erect) logo on the top.
002-IMG_9144.jpg
They run around while carrying a portable shrine.
002-IMG_9877.jpg
One of the picturesque streets of the city.
002-NEBU2.jpg
The Nebuta floats are judged in a contest and various awards are given.The Nebuta floats are beautiful objects of light. They are swung left and right and all around. The crowd applaud whenever the Nebuta faces them directly. The sculpture's lights inside are powered by a noisy generator on wheels under the float. The parade progresses quickly and the splendid Nebuta figures pass by one after another. You have to be there in person to feel the power and presence of the giant Nebuta. They represent the very soul and spirit of men. It's enough to give you goose bumps.

The Nebuta floats are judged in a contest and various awards are given. The best ones are preserved at the Nebuta-no-Sato (Nebuta Village) after the festival.
002-NEPU1.jpg
There are three types of floats: the large fan-shaped Neputa, Nebuta-type figures, and the children's small Neputa.I got to Hirosaki early enough before the parade to see the floats lined up at the starting point. Hirosaki is a 30-min. train ride from Aomori, and best known for Hirosaki Castle during cherry blossom season.
002_0220-25.jpg
Pulling the float, Narita Gion Matsuri
002_2542.jpg
There are five rows of streamers. In Japan, the koi carp is regarded as a symbol of valiant manhood because it swims up the river against the rapids.
002_7503.jpg
002_9169.jpg
002_9684.jpg
Offerings
003-00IMG_9276.jpg
From Matsuya Department Store, the procession turns right into Kaminarimon-dori street which passes in front of the famous, giant red lantern called Kaminarimon Gate. Lead float with Edo festival music played by children. 先導 子供江戸囃子屋台
003-9132-21.jpg
A kanto is carried into the street to the sound of flutes and taiko drums.
003-IMG_0553.jpg
Temple gate and flag
003-IMG_0711.jpg
Norijiri horseman leads the procession. 乗尻The procession, called Roto-no-Gi (路頭の儀), is actually one of three rites performed during the festival.
003-IMG_0821.jpg
The Kusatsu-juku Honjin is decorated with curtains. MAP
003-IMG_2062.jpg
003-IMG_2264.jpg
Main street crowd
003-IMG_2917.jpg
Promenade to the shrine
003-IMG_3032.jpg
Lots of great local food and products were sold. Official website here.
003-IMG_4734.jpg
Pre-festival event held in the afternoon, Yamato Awa Odori
003-IMG_6768.jpg
Gosha Shrine torii
003-IMG_8574.jpg
Pumping (or humping) the...
003-IMG_9146.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.
003-IMG_9906.jpg
Children lead the way for a float at Kawagoe Festival.
003-NEBU0.jpg
According to one story, the Nebuta has its roots in the 8th century.According to one story, the Nebuta has its roots in the 8th century when there was a rebellion in Ezo (Hokkaido). Ordered by Emperor Kanmu to quell the rebellion, generalissmo Sakanoue no Tamuramaro went to Ezo. However, he failed to capture the elusive chief of Ezo who went into hiding in the mountains.

Sakanoue then set up a trap with large votive lanterns which were lit and accompanied by taiko drums and flutes. This lured the curious Ezo chief out of hiding and led to his capture. The large lanterns were the forerunner of the Nebuta.
003-NEPU2.jpg
Lunch break
003_0220-26.jpg
Tired from walking, Narita Gion Matsuri
003_2518.jpg
The cable length is 250 meters and 13mmm thick. There are about 1,200 carp streamers. They are reused every year and donated by local families. (I also noticed a few advertising carps.)
003_7500.jpg
003_9153.jpg
003_9658.jpg
Festival siteIt is a circular site with people sitting along the perimeter.
004-00IMG_0843.jpg
Lead float with Edo festival music played by children. The names of the children playing are written on the red lanterns hanging above. Kodomo Edo-bayashi yatai 先導 子供江戸囃子屋台
004-9132-25.jpg
004-IMG_0474.jpg
Play room for kids on Hanamatsuri
004-IMG_0723.jpg
10:30 am: Starting point at Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所 出発The procession is ready to depart.
004-IMG_0818.jpg
Shukuba Odori dance in the shopping arcade.Held 11:00 - 12:00
004-IMG_2063.jpg
The torch procession rings out.
004-IMG_2265.jpg
Floats parked along the main drag.
004-IMG_3035.jpg
Stage entertainment (Azuchi Castle ruins in background).
004-IMG_4276.jpg
Spotlights create a silhouette of the statue of Omura Masujiro (1824-1869) 大村益次郎, founder of Japan's modern army.
004-IMG_6760.jpg
004-IMG_8573.jpg
The festival is wildly popular with people from overseas.The shrine had various phallus props to pose with.
004-IMG_9153.jpg
They keep going round and round. Quite rowdy.
004-IMG_9908.jpg
004-NEBU3.jpg
The first Nebuta was a large paper lantern made in 1593.According to historical records, the first Nebuta was a large paper lantern made in 1593 by Lord Tamenobu of Tsugaru (now part of Aomori) for the Bon festival in Kyoto. The Nebuta Festival itself started in the late 17th century.
004-NEPU4.jpg
Fan-shaped Neputa float.The painted picture on the front of the Neputa depicts mostly warriors and on the back are beautiful courtesans.
004_0065.jpg
004_0220-29.jpg
004_7488.jpg
004_9177.jpg
Lowering the kite
004_9662.jpg
SpectatorsThese people are sitting in the best area to view the festival.
005-0330-15.jpg
I would say this is one of Japan's top five best places to see carp streamers at Kanna-machi, Gunma.
005-9132-28.jpg
The largest kanto is 12 meters high, weighs 50 kilograms, and has 46 paper lanterns. The smaller kanto are 5 and 7 meters high. The kanto symbolizes a ripe rice plant with unhusked golden grains (the paper lanterns). The festival is therefore a prayer for a good harvest.
005-IMG_0385.jpg
Hanamatsuri altar
005-IMG_0735.jpg
The procession basically consists of two columns: The Hon-retsu which includes the procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. It consists of men. The second and longer column is the Saio-dai-retsu consisting of women.
005-IMG_0826.jpg
Start of Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu Procession 草津時代行列
005-IMG_2076.jpg
Towering inferno of bamboo on fire. The shrine has a 5-meter tall pile of bamboo which is lit to make a towering inferno within the shrine grounds. Very dramatic.
005-IMG_2220.jpg
Ornate float is pulled along the streets toward Chichibu Shrine.
005-IMG_2930.jpg
A bon dance around the base of the statue.
005-IMG_3094.jpg
Demonstration of matchlock guns, Azuchi Nobunaga Festival in Azuchi, Omi-Hachiman.
005-IMG_6773.jpg
005-IMG_8571.jpg
Dickhead hat. Actually, I don't know what they call it, but that's what I call it.
005-IMG_9156.jpg
005-IMG_9928.jpg
005-NEBU4.jpg
Preparation for building a Nebuta sculpture starts right after the preceding Nebuta Festival.Preparation for building a Nebuta sculpture starts right after the preceding Nebuta Festival. During fall and winter, Nebuta artists conceive the ideas for the next year's Nebuta floats. The Nebuta figures depict some scene from kabuki or Japanese/Chinese history or legend. Once a theme is chosen, a sketch or design is made and presented to the sponsor (usually a company). Upon approval, actual construction begins.

During February and March, the smaller parts of the Nebuta figure, such as the hands and fingers, are constructed at home with steel wiring.

In May, a tent village is put up. In each tent, full-scale construction of the Nebuta is executed until the end of June. Steel wiring and slender pieces of wood are used to build the frame and props.

After the skeleton of lumber and wire is completed, about 400 light bulbs and fluorescent lights are installed inside. The lights are strategically placed so that the shadow of the lumber pieces is not cast outward.

Then comes the tedious task of pasting washi paper on the wire frame. This is done by highly-skilled housewives who have been doing it for 10 to 20 years. About ten of them work on one Nebuta, taking about 10 days. Since they have to work dextrously in all sorts of contorted positions, it is not a popular job and fewer women are willing to do it.

The paper is cut to fit the exact segment (usually rectangular) on the wire frame. A toothbrush is used to apply glue on the wiring and the paper is pasted and cut. Extra care is taken when the figure's face is papered. About 2,500 sheets of 531 x 393 mm paper are consumed in the process.
005-NEPU5.jpg
The floats were jerked left and right and spun around.At 7:00 p.m., the taiko drum-beating started and the floats left the starting point one by one. The beat of the taiko drums was the same as that in the Nebuta Matsuri. A few men stood on the top of the large Neputa and collapsed the hinged, top portion to clear overhead power lines. The floats were jerked left and right and spun around.
005_0221-19.jpg
005_7502.jpg
005_9226.jpg
005_9679.jpg
EntertainmentAn outdoor stage provides a variety of entertainment during the day.
005_9922.jpg
006-01IMG_9279.jpg
Tekomai geisha existed since the Edo Period. They served as side entertainment at festivals. They only sing traditional chant-like songs called kiyari originally sung by lumberers hauling wood. 手古舞These tekomai did not sing, so they might not be real. When they sing, they hold a fan to their mouth.

手古舞
006-IMG_0458.jpg
Pouring sweet tea over the BuddhaWhen the Buddha was born in Lumbini Garden in Nepal, sweet rain is said to have fallen. Thus, sweet tea is poured over the baby Buddha statue in the Hanamatsuri altar.
006-IMG_0739.jpg
"Heian" comes from "Heian-kyo," the former name of Kyoto city.
006-IMG_2081.jpg
Misaki Shrine Fire Festival in Aisho. The shrine has a 5-meter tall pile of bamboo which is lit to make a towering inferno within the shrine grounds. Very dramatic. Also see the video at YouTube.
006-IMG_2225.jpg
Chichibu Yomatsuri. Also see the video at YouTube.
006-IMG_2933.jpg
006-IMG_3096.jpg
They came from Hikone. 鉄砲隊演武(彦根鉄砲隊)
006-IMG_4462.jpg
Kusatsu Shukuba Matsuri is held on April 29 to celebrate Kusatsu's history as a stage town on the Nakasendo and Tokaido Roads. The main highlight is this Kusatsu Jidai Gyoretsu procession from 11:45 am to 2 pm. This is the Tokaido Road.
006-IMG_6769.jpg
Pile of straw to be lit. The fire is used to light all the torches.
006-IMG_8580.jpg
Carving daikon. Anybody can join in and carve. 大根削りLater to be auctioned off.
006-IMG_9138.jpg
A man who got bumped and fell is quickly brought to his feet by other people.
006-IMG_9930.jpg
Tekomai geisha lead the way for a float at Kawagoe Festival.
006-KANT8A.jpg
During the festival period, several events are held in the daytime. One is the "Kanto Challenge Corner" where the first 100 applicants on each day can try balancing the smaller kanto. Each participant receives a "Kanto Master" certificate. There is also the Kanto Myogi (Stunt) Contest where group and individual participants compete to be the year's best kanto technician.
006-NEBU5.jpg
There are fewer than 30 Nebuta artists in the world.The giant white figure is brought to life by a Nebuta artist who paints it all by himself. First, the figure's basic outlines are painted with black sumi ink. Liquid paraffin is then applied to prevent the ink from running. Then colored dyes are painted or sprayed. When it comes to the face, very special care is taken. If he makes a mistake on the face, the paper is torn away and new sheets are pasted on. The very last thing painted on the Nebuta are the eyeballs. They give the sculpture its soul.

The completed Nebuta is lifted from the ground by 50 people onto a 1.5-meter-high wheeled platform. An illumination test symbolizes the Nebuta's completion. To ensure easy movement on the street, the Nebuta float is restricted to a width of 9 meters and a height of 5 meters. The float also bears the name of the sponsoring company or organization. It costs 10 to 20 million yen to build and operate a large Nebuta float. Corporate sponsors think it's money well spent since the Nebuta makes a great advertising vehicle and enhances the corporate image.

Top Nebuta artists are given over 3 million yen to cover labor and materials costs. By the time all the bills are paid, the artist has less than one-third the amount as compensation. Obviously, Nebuta artists are grossly underpaid for their highly-appreciated work. It really is a labor of love, and not for the money.

There are fewer than 30 Nebuta artists in the world, and only three of them work as full-time Nebuta artists. Since there is no money in it, would-be Nebuta artists and apprentices are few. To make it worse, there are no governmental measures to help resolve the problem.
006-NEPU6.jpg
Nebuta-type float with a paper sculpture of a figure.
006_0221-22.jpg
006_7594.jpg
006_9215.jpg
006_9750.jpg
Festival participantsThey are dressed in the costume of the ancient Kofun (Tumuli) Period of Japan. They will be carrying torches from the nearby tumuli.
006_9946.jpg
Sagami River Koi-nobori
007-01IMG_9284.jpg
Tekomai geisha costume is partially masculine with trousers instead of skirts. Their right shoulder is "exposed" showing a flower design. They carry a red paper lantern imprinted with their names and use their right hand to drag a wand."Asakusa" is written on her lantern. 手古舞
007-8135-12.jpg
Carving daikon (old photo). These men were really good at carving the daikon.
007-IMG_0168.jpg
1. Fuji Murasaki (Purple Wisteria) by Kagurazaka geisha
007-IMG_0549.jpg
Hanamatsuri celebrates the Buddha's birthday on April 8. This is Tsukiji Honganji in Tokyo.The flowers symbolize Lumbini Garden where the Buddha was born in present-day Nepal.
007-IMG_0743.jpg
The Heian Period was when Kyoto was the capital of Japan where the Emperor resided.
007-IMG_0828.jpg
Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref. 大奥夢道中
007-IMG_2089.jpg
007-IMG_2228.jpg
007-IMG_3008.jpg
007-IMG_3101.jpg
Very loud boom. Also see the video at YouTube.
007-IMG_6772.jpg
White and red torii
007-IMG_9167.jpg
Nice mikoshi.
007-IMG_9933.jpg
Tekomai
007-KANT2.jpg
Balancing act. The kanto symbolize rice plants ready to be harvested.This is perhaps the most anxiety-provoking festival. Men in happi coats balance these tall paper lantern-bedecked bamboo poles, called kanto, on their foreheads, shoulders, hand palms, or hips. While watching, you can't help thinking, "Will it fall?" or worse, "Will it fall on me?" The candle-lit paper lanterns contrasted nicely against the dark sky.
007-NEBU7.jpg
The Nebuta festival is a great visual spectacle as well as a sound delight.The Nebuta festival is a great visual spectacle as well as a sound delight. The resounding beat of the taiko drums and the shrill of the flutes give the festival its soul. These are placed at regular intervals throughout the parade. The taiko beat is simple and repetitive, yet powerful and infectious.
007-NEPU7.jpg
Neputa float. All the floats are on wheels so these people are not actually carrying the floats.
007_0221-16.jpg
007_7600.jpg
007_9192.jpg
Patch up
007_9731.jpg
TumulusCherry trees are at the top.
007_9990.jpg
008-01IMG_9286.jpg
Tekomai geisha
008-8135-13.jpg
Carving daikon. Since some activities are conducted on the ground, the festival is also called Jibeta (Ground) Matsuri.Once upon a time, the festival was still mostly a local event with much fewer people.
008-IMG_0550.jpg
Baby Buddha statueLadles are provided for pouring the sweet tea over the Buddha. Sweet tea is also provided to worshippers. It symbolizes the sweet rain that fell when the Buddha was born.
008-IMG_0752.jpg
The Aoi Matsuri (Festival) used to be called Kamo-sai, after the name of the two shrines which hold the festival.賀茂祭
008-IMG_0758.jpg
One of six court dancers called maibito. 舞人
008-IMG_0832.jpg
Kusatsu Shukuba Festival, Shiga Pref.
008-IMG_2093.jpg
008-IMG_2274.jpg
Stage at Chichibu Shrine
008-IMG_3102.jpg
Demonstration of matchlock guns, Azuchi Nobunaga Festival.Even these people had to obtain police permission to bear and fire these feudal-era guns.
008-IMG_4296.jpg
Spotlights hit the torii.
008-IMG_6756.jpg
Torches
008-IMG_9169.jpg
One thing unusual about this festival is that they carry the mikoshi with their hands and arms only, and not on their shoulders.
008-IMG_9934.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.
008-KANT1.jpg
The objective is to balance the kanto steady enough so that the candles in the paper lanterns don't go out. The performer has to move about deftly whenever there is a gust of wind or when the pole starts to bend over. After attaining a steady balance, the skillful technician shifts the pole to other parts of his body while his surrounding colleagues clap and shout "Dokkoisho! Dokkoisho!"

Occasionally, someone loses his balance and the pole and lanterns come crashing down on the power lines, safety ropes, or right on the crowd. When I was there, one came crashing down on the crowd I was in. We all screamed. But it was surprisingly harmless. All the lanterns flamed out and some lanterns had holes. The lanterns were just relit and raised again. Falling kanto added real drama.
008-NEBU6.jpg
Distinctly-costumed dancers called haneto.Each Nebuta float is accompanied by thousands of distinctly-costumed dancers called haneto. The huge Nebuta overlook a sea of haneto out in front with their colorful flowered straw hats bobbing up and down. They jerk and jingle and hop all over the road while shouting "Rasse, Rasse, Rassera!" They twist and shout amid reverberating taiko drums and flutes.

Sometimes they form a small circle and dance in unison. Their costumes have little bells which often fall off. Little kids run and pick up the fallen bells on the road. It is a frenzied celebration. If you want to join in the fun, you have to rent or buy a haneto costume (for around ¥10,000).
008-NEPU8.jpg
Closeup of a Neputa float.Theories concerning the origin of the Neputa are identical to those of the Nebuta. However, in the 1880's, the Neputa gradually changed from human figures into a fan shape. The floats have come a long way since then. Candles have been replaced by generator-powered lights and the washi paper has been replaced by washi paper blended with nylon. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Culture Asset.
008_0221-23.jpg
008_7609.jpg
008_9213.jpg
008_9756.jpg
Shinto ceremonyAt around 6:30 pm, the festival climax starts.
008_9952.jpg
009-02IMG_0853.jpg
Magistrate Procession 奉行
009-8135-36.jpg
Forging a steel phallus (old photo)The demon living in the vagina of the women bit the man's phallus each time. So one guy made a steel phallus and the demom broke his teeth.
009-9132-31.jpg
The tallest kanto is 8 meters high. It is made higher by connecting bamboo pole extensions at the bottom. The more skillful men added more pole extensions than usual or fanned themselves with a fan while balancing the kanto. At halftime, everyone took down the kanto and they moved out. Another group of kanto masters came in and the spectacle restarted.
009-IMG_0004.jpg
009-IMG_0382.jpg
Children dressed for the chigo parade, Tsukiji Hongwanji, TokyoIt took a long time before they could get all the kids to settle down for the picture and to get all the mothers out of the picture.
009-IMG_0761.jpg
The procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. An Imperial Messenger. The horse is highly decorated. 勅使
009-IMG_0831.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.
009-IMG_2106.jpg
Torii at Misaki Shrine Fire Festival.
009-IMG_2280.jpg
Chichibu Shrine
009-IMG_2950.jpg
At night, 30,000 lanterns light up. A real summer spectacle.
009-IMG_3041.jpg
Boat ride along the moat of Azuchi Castle.
009-IMG_6784.jpg
After it gets dark, the pile of straw is lit and people come to light their torches.
009-IMG_9193.jpg
Tossing a portable shrine, a common sight during the festival.
009-NEBU10.jpg
The parade route is quite long, and it's crowded along the parade route near Aomori Station.The parade route is quite long, and it's crowded along the parade route near Aomori Station. If you want plenty of elbow room while viewing, go toward the end of the parade route where the crowd is sparse.

In recent years, the Nebuta Festival has seen disturbances caused by gate-crashing, young hoodlums. A large police force is put in place to prevent trouble.
009-NEPU9.jpg
People pull the float along.
009_0221-17.jpg
009_7557.jpg
009_9273.jpg
Moving the kite to launch point
009_9772.jpg
Torch bearers enter
009_9987.jpg
010-02IMG_0854.jpg
A magistrate (bugyo) in Edo could be a regional governor or government minister.
010-120_2035.jpg
Billboard depicting Ki-otoshi (Log Drop) at Shimosuwa Station.
010-126_2607.jpg
Shimosuwa Station on May 8, 2004. Here for the final three days of the Onbashira Matsuri's climax, the Satobiki when they haul the Onbashira logs to the Shimo-sha Shrines (Akimiya and Harumiya) and erect them.
010-9924-36.jpg
Tokushima Awa Odori dancer
010-IMG_0011.jpg
Kawagoe Festival
010-IMG_0145.jpg
Also see the video at YouTube.
010-IMG_0379.jpg
Children dressed for the chigo parade (photo session), Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tokyo
010-IMG_0763.jpg
The Aoi Matsuri started in the early Heian Period in the 8th century as a national or state-sponsored event.
010-IMG_0830.jpg
Official Web site here.
010-IMG_1018.jpg
Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine torii on New Year's Day. Nagahama's most popular shrine for New Year's worship (hatsumode). MAP
010-IMG_1838.jpg
Sumiyoshi Shrine is on the west side of JR Moriyama Station. This side has an area called "Fuke" written with the same kanji for "uwaki" (cheating on your partner).I wonder what married couples think of living in this area...
010-IMG_2108.jpg
010-IMG_2278.jpg
Chichibu Shrine offertory bin
010-IMG_2994.jpg
The lanterns are lit by lightbulbs, not candles.
010-IMG_3044.jpg
和船
010-IMG_4332.jpg
Several groups perform along the main road on the east side of JR Shinjuku Station. This is in front of Isetan Dept. Store.
010-IMG_6104.jpg
During July-Aug. 2007, I helped to make the Yokaichi giant kite at the annex of the Yokaichi Giant Kite Museum.where the giant kite is made. Every three years, the giant kite, flown every May in Higashi-Omi, is replaced by a new kite bearing a new design.The new kite was made during July-Aug. 2007, taking about 30 days. The kite is made by volunteers from the public under the instruction of the Yokaichi Giant Kite Preservation Society. For the first time, I helped make this giant kite which was first flown successsfully on May 25, 2008 at the annual kite festival.
010-IMG_6305.jpg
On July 16, the night before the Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko parade of floats, the Yoiyama display of floats lit up at night attract huge crowds in central Kyoto. You can also enter some of the grand floats.
010-IMG_6649.jpg
Lighting torches.
010-IMG_7258.jpg
Held during Aug. 3-5 at Taga Taisha Shrine, the Mantosai or 10,000-Lantern Festival is a night festival when numerous lanterns are lit within the shrine grounds. The lanterns are for the repose of ancestral spirits.
010-IMG_8577.jpg
Standing room only at Wakamiya Shrine
010-IMG_9182.jpg
010-IMG_9403.jpg
Way to Tagata Shrine from Tagata Jinja-mae Station. Shrine famous for numerous phallic objects used as offerings to the gods. The 1500-year-old shrine worships a deity called Tamahime-no-Mikoto who was a daughter of a powerful local lord from the 5th c.The Honen-sai or Honen (Hounen) Matsuri is held by Tagata Jinja on March 15 to pray for an abundant harvest. "Honen" literally means "Year of abudant harvest." Since a giant penis is used as an offering, it is popularly called the "penis festival."

The shrine is near Tagata Jinja-mae Station on the Meitetsu Railways' Komaki Line. From Shin-Nagoya Station or Shin-Gifu Station, go to Inuyama Station and transfer to the Komaki Line.
010-KANT6.jpg
Notice the little pad on his forehead where he will balance the pole next.It takes years to master kanto stunts. The best performers started training during childhood. From the beginning of July, you can see people practicing on Akita's uncrowded streets. Fathers teach their children as the rest of the family watch. Although today's kanto masters hail from various occupations, in the past, the kanto performers were mostly perfectionist artisans. The kanto is based on this artisan spirit. A kanto has to be constructed perfectly. Otherwise, it is remade all over again.
010-NEBU8.jpg
010-NEPU10.jpg
And sometimes they have to stop it.
010_0221-14.jpg
010_7511.jpg
010_9137.jpg
Festival siteThey did not allow people go enter the launch area at all times. Spectators were kept far away.
010_9776.jpg
Marvelous spectacle
010_9982.jpg
The longest carp is 10 meters.
011-02IMG_9293.jpg
Magistrate Procession 奉行
011-120_2037.jpg
Shimosuwa Station 下諏訪駅
011-126_2606.jpg
Onbashira monument in front of Shimosuwa Station. This Onbashira log was used in the opening ceremony of the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998.
011-91.jpg
The kanto's paper lanterns and the performers' happi coats are emblazoned with the crest of the respective city block.Thirty-seven city blocks were represented. There were also corporate logos on some lanterns.
011-IMG_0014.jpg
011-IMG_0388.jpg
Going to the chigo parade's starting point
011-IMG_0764.jpg
May 15, the day of the procession, is the festival's climax. However, there are other festival-related ceremonies and events before this day.
011-IMG_0835.jpg
011-IMG_1843.jpg
Sumiyoshi Shrine torii. Notice the torches inside the shrine. 住吉神社 MAPEvery Jan., both this shrine and Katsube Shrine light giant torches for the festival's climax. Unfortunately, you cannot see the festival at both shrines since they are held around the same time. Sumiyoshi Shrine's fire festival is smaller with fewer (six) torches which represent the head of the slain dragon.
011-IMG_2117.jpg
011-IMG_2288.jpg
Stage performance at Chichibu Shrine
011-IMG_3072.jpg
These boat rides are offered only during this annual festival.
011-IMG_4097.jpg
011-IMG_4353.jpg
A large crowd watches as the crowd-pleasing drummers bring a bit of Okinawa to central Tokyo.
011-IMG_6029.jpg
Entrance to the annex and a sign indicating the day's event or work. Today, July 7, 2007, was the Noritsuke Pasting Ceremony. 八日市大凧まつり のりつけ式
011-IMG_6314.jpg
Even before evening comes, a large crowd stop to see the Naginata-boko float at Shijo-Karasuma.
011-IMG_6663.jpg
The torch procession goes from Gosha Shrine to Hibarino park.
011-img_6827.jpg
011-IMG_7261.jpg
Taga Taisha Shrine torii near Taga Taisha-mae Station. MAP
011-IMG_8586.jpg
Packed path to Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
011-IMG_8686.jpg
A group of men carry a red and white pole in front of Inazawa Station, on their way to Konomiya Shrine.
011-IMG_9186.jpg
This is where they offload fish.
011-IMG_9406.jpg
Festival spectators come by the busload, including people from US military bases such as Yokota.
011-NEBU9.jpg
Children's night at Aomori Nebuta MatsuriOn the 2nd and 3rd, the parade is mainly for children who participate by pulling the floats. About 15 large Nebuta floats and some small Nebuta floats for the children are paraded.
011-NEPU11.jpg
Float pullers at Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri
011_0221-13.jpg
Narita Gion Matsuri
011_7531.jpg
011_7544.jpg
011_9141.jpg
011_9789.jpg
Parade aroundThe torch bearers parade around the entire perimeter before they gather around the hut.
011_9981.jpg
Koi-nobori carp streamers over Sagami River. Also see the video at YouTube.
012-02IMG_9292.jpg
Magistrate Procession. Bowing to Asakusa Temple.
012-120_2036.jpg
Store your luggage here. Not enough lockers at the train station so they provide this service. 400 yen/day.
012-126_2604.jpg
Entertainment stage in front of Shimosuwa Station.
012-IMG_0015.jpg
012-IMG_0391.jpg
White elephant to anchor the parade. Notice the Buddha altar riding on the top. Before she gave birth to the Buddha, Queen Maya dreamed of a white elephant.
012-IMG_0765.jpg
Over 500 people in the procession walk along the 8-kilometer route.There's a lunch break at around noon at Shimogamo Shrine.
012-IMG_0837.jpg
012-IMG_0970.jpg
July 7, 2007: The making of the giant kite started with Noritsuke Pasting Ceremony where the new design was announced and dignitaries pasted together the first pieces of the kite paper.
14163 files on 57 page(s) 1