discoveringjapan: Mitama Matsuri みたままつりMid-July Mitama Matsuri, or Festival of Lights, is the bigges
discoveringjapan:Mitama Matsuri みたままつりMid-JulyMitama Matsuri, or Festival of Lights, is the biggest of the O-bon festivals held in Tokyo (the Obon is a Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors) . It occurs annually at the Yasukuni Shrine in mid-July (13th-16th in 2016). A sight to behold, 30 000 lanterns (chochin) line the promenade leading to the entrance of the shrine. The festival was inaugurated in 1947 for the consolation of the souls of the nation’s war dead, who are invited to celebrate with the living on these evenings. Festivities include food, music, dancing, costumes, and so on. The festival attracts thousands of patrons over its duration. Despite the moist summer heat, it is well worth the trip!Photos: https://lisatokyo.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/bon-odori-at-mitama-matsuri/ -- source link