A brief look at the yearly Shinto festival of Rei-sai.
Last updated 2009-09-16
A brief look at the yearly Shinto festival of Rei-sai.
Mikoshi at a shrine in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture ©
This is a yearly festival on a day particular relevant to the shrine where it takes place. During this festival the local kami are carried in effigy round the town or village in an ornate litter (like a sedan-chair) called a mikoshi.
The procession is often accompanied by musicians and dancers, and the whole occasion is celebratory. More serious ceremonies also take place within the shrine.