Shinjuku Autumnal Equinox Festival 2008

Aya told me that this Autumnal Equinox Festival held in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan is held only once every four years, so I felt lucky we were able to catch the latter half of it.  This festival was not altogether different than most other festivals in Japan.  However, we were able to see shrines pulled not just by Japanese men, but also Japanese women and another small shrine by just young Japanese children.

The activities originated from a shrine on Ome Kaido street that is home to an obon festival in August that I have witnessed several times in the past.  When not in use, the main shrine and its grounds look almost like a haikyo, and if passed at night, looks down right haunted.  This was a bright and sunny early afternoon, however, so on this occasion it felt properly festive.

In the shade by the entrance to Nishi-Shinjuku station (Marunouchi line), say what looked like the royalty of Shinjuku along with assorted elders (see above photo and gallery below).  Most were dressed in white, but as pictured above two were in bright red.  I wonder if they are really some kind of local Shinjuku royalty or just dressed up playing a role for the festival?  

I was most definitely not the only photographer out there.  There were many people toting serious cameras.  I was not so focused on shooting, though, that I wasn’t swept up in the chanting and energy of the crowd.  I actually set my Nikon D80 down a few times and clapped and chanted along.  It’s not often I feel it at such festivals, but maybe as this one was rare and presumably special, I couldn’t help but participate in at least a small way, rather than being only an observer.  

SHINJUKU AUTUMNAL EQUINOX FESTIVAL 2008 PHOTO GALLERY:

SHINJUKU AUTUMNAL EQUINOX FESTIVAL 2008 HD VIDEO: