Fall Matsuri in Azabu Juban

We saw these flags all over the neighborhood in the days leading up to the festival.

"Matsuri" means "Festival" in Japanese.  In our neck of the woods, this year's fall festival was perhaps more subdued than usual, out of respect for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the north.  However, for us as Americans, it was still very exciting to witness!  It was held for a few hours on Saturday and again for a few hours on Sunday.

On the first day, several neighborhood associations each prepared a portable shrine, called a Mikoshi, to be carried by groups through the neighborhood to the local Shinto Shrine.

These men are taking a break from preparing their group's portable shrine.  Notice the offerings of greenery and mochi (rice cakes) for the Gods (kami).

Kaela next to a mikoshi.

Accompanying the groups up to the local Shinto shrine.

Arriving at the entrance to the shrine.

Here, groups are gathered and paying attention as a Shinto priest blesses each group and portable shrine.

Each group wore its own particular style of yukata (robe).

The next day, the groups paraded through the neighborhood, carrying the shrines and chanting.  It seemed to us like each group was trying to be the loudest and strongest.

Children join in by taking turns playing the Taiko drum.

This group was still carrying its shrine after we were long home and making dinner!  We heard the chanting and quickly opened our window to see the scene below. 

Here comes another group down our usually quiet street!