#1478

Tsukishima Mizukake Matsuri

Tsukishima is one of the small island in Tokyo Bay. It is famous for its monjayaki street today.

Tsukishima in English mean the Island of the Moon, which is quite poetic, but it used to be a place for fishing in the past (it must be why it is called so as fishing occurs early morning, before the sun rises). And the gods (kami) of the island are protecting the fishermen. The tradition was for the fishermen to go into the sea with the Mikoshi, the mini-temple that holds the kami's spirit and that they walk around the area protected by the kami. It must have been a huge fun to splash in Tokyo sea, for the kami themselves and for the fishermen but today, it is not possible anymore. So, instead of jumping into the sea with the Mikoshi, evrybody throw water at them: children, adults, firemen...

It is a huge fun, and, sincerely, watching all these men, soaked in water, is a thrilling experience. Besides, it is also quite refreshing.

It happens in August, but every 3 years.

Claire image

Claire

Belgium

Claire's other advice

Kasai Rinkai Park : enjoy the sea ! images

Kasai Rinkai Park : enjoy the sea !

If you want to get away from high-rise building without going too far, Kasai Rinkai parc is your place. One station before Disneyland (Maihama), on the Keiyo line, it takes you 20 minutes to get …

Enjoy the cherry blossoms images

Enjoy the cherry blossoms

Every spring, it is the same thing: everyone are getting very (positively) anxious and are looking forward to enjoying the cherry blossoms.Spring is there. 8 blossoms on a tree, and it's done. C…

Hot spring etiquette: Please, do hot-bath like a pro. images

Hot spring etiquette: Please, do hot-bath like a pro.

Hot springs are often marketed for their positive effects on health: skin, articulations, cardio-vascular system, muscular relaxation… depending on its mineral content, the hot water is supposed to h…

Indulge myself with a small luxury : a minitrip to Kusatsu images

Indulge myself with a small luxury : a minitrip to Kusatsu

Have you ever had that feeling that your mind is stuck with your work and you need to get away from the office for a while? Staying home is not an option because then, you will not stay focus on your…

A trip to hot springs? images

A trip to hot springs?

I remember one business meeting I attended and the quizzical look of my Belgian business partner when our Japanese host suggested a trip to hot springs together. We knew him very well, but…, a trip t…

Omotenashi - a tradition made famous by Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic 2020 images

Omotenashi - a tradition made famous by Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic 2020

Since Tokyo has been nominated to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, « omotenashi » has become the buzz word to epitomize Japan’s art of welcoming guests and attract tourists. But what do…

You might also like

Popular Yatai Foods: Yakisoba images

Popular Yatai Foods: Yakisoba

Yatai food stalls at festivals always include a yakisoba vendor. Yakisoba noodles are Japanese fried noodles, but they have nothing to do with soba. The noodles used here are more like the ones for r…

David image

David

Why Visit Japan in Summer images

Why Visit Japan in Summer

Japan is a true "year-round" destination, but if you like the heat - and lively festivals - then summer is the perfect time for you to visit!Summer in Japan lasts from about June to mid-September…

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan image

Andres Zuleta, Boutique Japan

Matsuri (Festivals) images

Matsuri (Festivals)

The best time to experience a festival in Japan is in from spring to fall. The best ones are in the summer, although many are technically in the spring or fall because their origins coincide with ha…

mikekato image

mikekato

Amazing Japanese Festivals in August images

Amazing Japanese Festivals in August

Many neighborhood associations take great effort to prepare for the yearly Matsuri (festival) in their area. This photo is taken in August as a group in the Noge area of Yokohama transports their O-m…

5@example.com image

5@example.com

Kameido Tenjin's birds for good fortune images

Kameido Tenjin's birds for good fortune

Kameido Tenjin Shrine (亀戸天神社) is known as a shrine for people who wish for success in their studies, like passing exams. On January 24 and 25, the shrine has a special event, the usokae-shinji (…

David image

David

Let a Lion Bite Your Head (for Good Luck) images

Let a Lion Bite Your Head (for Good Luck)

If you could use a little more good luck, let a lion help you. Lions protect many shrines and temples in Japan. The dance of the lion dispels evil and calls in good luck. For an extra dose of good lu…

David image

David