Asakusa Kinryu No Mai Part 3

The procession for the Kinryu no Mai includes.
The priests.



There is also the local maiko that are dressed in kimono.
Key members of the temple.



The Hayashi is performed by childeren pulled in a cart. The Children beat the taiko drums providing a cadence for the procession. The Hayashi also includes flute players.

Asakusa Kinryu No Mai Part 2

Here is a view of the Kinryu in the open lot to the left of the temple.



Notice that the Dragon is movements are manipulated by poles.

Asakusa Kinryu No Mai Part 1

On Wednesday, October 18, 2007 the gang headed to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.

Today was a special day. It was the day that the Kinryu No Mai would be performed.
The Kinryu No Mai is translated as the Golden Dragon Dance. The official name of the Sensoji Temple is Kinryuzan (Mountain of the Golden Dragon)

According to the legend, 1000 pine trees suddenly appeared overnight near the temple on the March 18th. After three days, a golden dragon measuring 100 shaku (approx. 30 meters) descended into the pine trees from the heavens and was never seen again. The Golden Dragon Dance is based on this story.

The Golden Dragon Dance has been performed since 1958.

The Kinryu is paraded through the gates of the temple.


It twists and turns as it makes it way though the crowd to the steps of the temple where it pays tribute to the temple.