Lost in Tokyo - Sanno Matsuri (山王祭) @ Hie Shrine (日枝神社)

Similar to Tsukiji Shishi-Matsur, Sanno Matsuri has a long history dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). More importantly, Sanno Matsuri is one of the three major Edo Matsuri and the three major Matsuri in Japan.















This significant festival is scheduled with various events for 11 consecutive days at Hie Shrine in mid-Jun annually. Among the events, I was attracted to go for  the children blessing ceremony because it is not common in other festivals.
















When the religious music started, all visitors automatically walked aside to allow the Shinto staff and participants going towards the giant hey ring in front of the main hall.
































 

















With a wish that their children can grow up healthily,  a number of parents enrolled into the ceremony for their beloved of 3 to 6 years. The children in ancient costumes were accompanied by their parents and even grandparents received blessing from the religious staff.

















Then, the children walked through the giant hey ring and went into the main hall.




















The main hall was where the major part of the blessing ceremony took place.





































A little girl hang up her wooden wish board in the Hie Shrine before the blessing ceremony. Sweetie, may I know what is your wish?















It is said walking through the hay ring can make your sins made in the first half year to be forgiven and then you can live happily with your loved ones.

















A good time to savor the tradition Japanese tea.















Tributes from different companies and individuals.
 
















In the evening, you can appreciate dancing and music performance. I planned to go but my sour legs didn't let me go.















Stalls for the festival.















Hie Shrine, the venue of Sanno Matsuri was once the first rank of government supported shrines. Nowadays, it remains as one of the most popular shrine in Tokyo. (There are escalators at the side for people who can't really manage the stairs).















The shrine is the house for a sword which is a national treasure.















2 of 3 portable shrines which will be carried in a parade held in even-number of years. The parade will visit the palace for blessing the royal family and Tokyo citizens.

















A decoration dedicated for blessing in the year of sheep. 















A female religious staff.















Beautiful decorations of hte shrine.















 Great to see this counter which dedicated to support the northeastern part of Japan. The unfortunate area is still suffering from the impact due to earthquake happened in 2011.