Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri Festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

This is one of the Edo Greatest Three Festivals and called Mizukake Matsuri (festival of pouring water to mikoshi carriers). I went out to the shrine first to get a map and se what the shake down was:


they had martial arts. i caught some kendo:


and swords:


and grilled rice balls (YUM!):


i saw a bit of the kids version before making the long ass trek to the big one:


what a great area for kids!


and on to the main event!!







a local man gets his hose:





the band offered rhythm and encouragement:




pretty awesome stuff!