I would like to call it good planning but it was just shear coincidence that we were heading to Yoyogi Park for a walk and the area was full of fully activity. We knew it was a public holiday but were pretty surprised to see such a big crowd at the Shrine until we worked out it was actually Japan's National day or Kigen-Sai. I think it is all about celebrating when the Emperor first sat on the throne and Japan was formed as a nation. I felt we were pretty lucky to be able to visit on such a special day.
We entered the park through the Torii gate at the southern end of the precinct.
Why Sake barrels or rice wine barrels at a Shrine. Reason being wine is supposed to bring you closer to God. Either way it makes a good photo.
We walked on the left side of the path as the middle was reserved for the Gods.
The main Shrine when entering we did the wash the left hand then right hand and a small bow.
It was like every local community group had there own costume and they were carrying heavy wooden mini portable shrines called "mikoshi" to and from the main shrine.
It looks like we had missed to main parade and ceremonies to the main shrine and everyone was was basically packing up and going home. Still it was all very interesting to see.
The official Precinct map.
We left the precinct through the northern gate and headed from the train station to work our way home.
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