All about mikoshi, Japan’s portable shrines–the spirit of god is on the move!

If you’ve ever experienced a traditional Japanese festival, you may have seen a group of participants carrying what looks like a miniature (sometimes grand) building typically adorned with a golden roof and pillars as well as intricate carvings. This is a portable Shinto shrine called mikoshi that is said to house the spirit of a god. It is carried around during festivals as a way to bring blessings and good fortune to the community. 

This is a custom that dates all the way back to the Heian Period (794 – 1185), and to this day, volunteers work together to *literally* carry this big responsibility on their shoulders. 

Speaking of carrying…one mikoshi can weigh up to a few tons! If you ever see the facial expressions of those who are carrying the mikoshi across town, you can easily understand that it is no easy load. 

During the Grand Festival of Shinagawa Shrine held in early June every year, you can witness the extraordinary scene of locals carrying mikoshi down very steep stairs, across town, then back up again at dusk. 

Learn more about mikoshi: https://shorturl.at/CLvvB

Grand Festival of Shinagawa Shrine: https://shorturl.at/lQCuE