Summer Festivals

Summer Festivals

Summer festivals are held at various locations in Japan around July and August. The mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) along with the ensemble parades through the town. Why is it that the locals celebrate summer festivals? In the past, medicine, food habits, and living status are not as good as they are today. Especially for cities with many people living, illnesses would be very rampant from rainy season til summer. From there, people carried the mikoshi that houses the god, and walked throughout the town. It is believed that by doing this, the god helps them by dispelling bad luck and sickness. A common way of parading the mikoshi is by lifting the shrine while exclaiming “washoi!”. Whenever there is a chance that a mikoshi parade is held near you, feel free to stop by and experience the unique atmosphere of summer festivals.