Shinto laymen

Goshinkasai Motomiya Reisai Festival

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November 8th 2009
Every October 24, on top of Mt Komagatake in Hakone, the Goshinkasai Motomiya Reisai festival takes place. It is an important festival for the Hakone shrine and it consists of lighting a fire of which burning coals will be distributed to all related shrines in the area. This year, the top of Mt Komagatake was covered in clouds which gave a special feel to this matsuri. In the photo to the right, ... read more

Asia » Japan » Kanagawa » Hakone

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more