Kawagoe is located approximately 35 minutes from Shinjuku, in Saitama prefecture.
We took the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe.
The Kawagoe Matsuri is known as one of the three major Matsuri (Festivals) in the Kanto Region.
Upon arriving at the train station, we found some coin lockers to store our jackets. We were blessed with a clear sunny day with temperatures in the 70's. As such, we did not need our coats during the day.
We exited the station and walked.....and walked. We did not realize that Kawagoe's main street was pretty far away from the Tobu and JR stations. We hiked about 10 minutes to the main shotengai (Shopping promenade).
Along the way, we saw the neighborhood mikoshi (portable shrines) and dashi (mountain carts) on display. Each neighborhood shrine is responsible for caring for the dashi and mikoshi. The dashi and mikoshi are pulled or carried by neighborhood citizens. The dashi and mikoshi had been staged in front of the Seibu rail station. This is the common staging area for the festival.
In the morning, prior to departing for the staging area, the mikoshi and dashi undergo a traditional ritual. There is a blessing by a shinto priest. Members of the neighborhood association and guests partake in sake for good luck. Often, there is the rythmic clapping that is so distinct to Japan that is used to bring good luck. And of course, last minute practice.
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