Lost in Tokyo - Tsukiji Shishi-Matsuri (築地獅子祭) @ Namiyoke Inari Shrine (波除神社)

As stated in the preface, life is full of uncertainties. I planned to visit Japan after 13 June but I was forced to depart on 12 June because of package availability. This unexpected schedule forced me to give up a concert ticket of a rising pianist and even had to pay a bit more for the package. Luckily,  I found out there were 2 festivals I could enjoy during my trip later.

The first festival was Tsukiji Shishi-Matsuri held at Namiyoke Inari Shrine, Tsukiji Market. Tsukiji Shishi-Matsuri has a long history is a 5-day event takes place around mid June every year.

According to the official website, an 8-hour parade would be held in Tsukiji area on 13 Jun 2015. Sounds fun!

Let's check out the Namiyoke Inari Shrine, the start point of the parade first. The shrine is dedicated to pray for protection from disasters and bad luck, business prosperity, and the safety of construction work.


















There are tombs for popular sashimi and sushi ingredients, say egg, pawn and angler fish, etc.
















Beautiful flowers.
















On the special day, religious staff and participants showed up early for preparation.




















It is said participants will carry 3 portable shrines in the parade. Here's one of the beautiful shrines.




















A shrine in form of a lion-head. Pity I couldn't find the black lion-head shrine.




















A hay ring probably used for a ceremony.


























The portable shrine looks very heavy. Great that the representatives from the fish market dealers worked closely together to carry it throughout the Tsukiji area. It's notable that the participants counted beats while walking. The parade attracted numerous number of people to witness the highlight of the festival.




































This ancient fire-engine like stuff followed the portable shrine during the parade.


















On another side, there were many food stalls welcome the visitors of the festival.





 I had this grilled catfish. The whole fish is eatable but the tail part tasted too salty while the head part tasted bitter.




















Game stalls for kids.
















 

















In celebration of the festival, many dealers and their families shared food and drinks, chatting, laughing. This happy moments were probably the best program to them.

  





















Behind the scene, disciplined services were stand by.