Mitama Festival in 2017
The Mitama Festival in 2017. It was another year and another hot summer for this event at Yasukuni Shrine. I was better prepared and enjoyed it more than in 2016. My Pentax K-3 struggled with the night photography, but I had a good time. Maybe some of my pictures were okay!
If you don’t know about this festival, its purpose is to honor those who died defending Japan. Yes, I know the shrine is quite controversial for many people. But, let’s put that aside. The Mitama is one of those events you should visit at least once.
Thirty thousand lanterns, stacked ten high, are turned on at night. From the main entrance to the main gate, both sides of the road light up. That’s when the mikoshi (portable shrine) appears. It’s big and weighs about 1000kg. The crowd gathers around. Energy quickly builds.
Men and women who carry it bounce it up and down on their shoulders and occasionally spin it around. All the while, an enormous crowd cheers them on! Of course, everyone wants their pictures, and you are in an ocean of mobile phones.
They take a break at the main gate, long enough for everyone to catch their breath. Then, the mikoshi is picked up again and carried to Yasukuni’s main shrine. Believe me, when I say the event can be an experience.
It’s night, hot, and an enormous number of spectators surround the group carrying the mikoshi. There is so much excitement. Everyone leaves tired as their energy is all spent. But it is fun and friendly. I recommend it.
The Mitama Festival is over now, but it will return another year. Leave questions and comments below.
Camera for the Mitama Festival in 2017
- Pentax K-3
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more festival articles:
External articles about the Mitama
- Mitamamatsuri at Yasukuni Shrine – Event – on Tokyo Bling