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.

Kawagoe Matsuri

The highlight of our trip was the Kawagoe Matsuri.

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.