"Mikoshi" - a portable shrine

This is Misaki Inari Shrine which is the guardian god of the Hotel Niwa Tokyo.

It is said that the Shrine was built at the end of 12th century and was relocated several times in the Edo period. Then in 1905, it was settled down in present place which is three-minute walk from the Hotel.

"Mikoshi" is a portable shrine which is usually kept in a treasure house in Shinto Shrine. When the Shrine Festival is held, the shrine parishioners carry it on their sholders and parade around the ward dressed in matching outfits called "Hanten".



The Mikoshi parade held infront of the Hotel Niwa Tokyo on May 3rd, 2010.

This year, before the parade, thankfully the people of the town came to the Hotel to display "Mikoshi" in the lobby.

This "Mikoshi" was made about 80years ago in plane wood, you can see the excellent workmanship of the carving by the creater.

These are the carvings of four scared animals or four mythological creatures which are Vermilion Bird (upper left), Black Tortoise (upper right), Azure Dragon (lower left) and White Tiger (lower right).

Finally, the displaying is finished. The golden phoenix is on the top of the "Mikoshi".

The "Mikoshi" will be displayed in the lobby until May 3rd, right before the festival starts.

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