Kawagoe Matsuri

Here is a scene from the daytime procession of the dashi on the main streets of downtown Kawagoe.

The dashi are impressive.

I am amazed how the dashi are maneuvered through the city streets avoiding light poles and power lines. Often there is a person manned on the roof of the dashi to navigate through the streets. That is a job I would not like to have.

Sounds like a job for the "low man".

Kawagoe Matsuri

Here is a video from the daytime at the Kawagoe Matsuri.
The dashi (mountain carts) are about two stories high. Each neighborhood cares for its dashi. It is a source of pride as the community cares for the dashi and performs at the annual festival.

This dashi was on display at one of the neighborhood shrines.

Each of the carts have a theme and are from a historical tale featuring a daimyo, shogun or other character.



Often there is hayashi that accompany the float. These floats are big enough to have a stage with a taiko drummer, flute player and a person dancing.



Shown here is a performance with taiko, shakuhashi and a dancer.