2025/09/25

We joined the Hikawa Shrine Annual Festival!

Every year on the second Saturday of September, the Hikawa Shrine Annual Festival is held.

We carry Mikoshi (portable shrine) in the picture and walk around the town.

We at Sakura Hotel Hatagaya also prepare meals for everyone who participates in the mikoshi (portable shrine) procession each year. First, the children's mikoshi group arrived and enjoyed hand-rolled sushi, potatoes, and more. Everyone was full of energy, and seeing them with a great smile on their face filled us with energy too—thank you very much!!!

In the afternoon, the adult mikoshi bearers arrive.

Every year, guests from Sakura Hotel and Sakura House join us in carrying the mikoshi.

Learning how to set the headband,,,,,and,,,,,

then tying the OBI (a special belt for the festival outfit)

Finally they are ready to carry Mikoshi!!

Everyone looks splendid in their happi coats!（Japanese outfits for festivals, especially when carrying Omikoshi, portable shrine,）　They carried the Mikoshi with Japanese local members! I think even some Japanese people have never carried a mikoshi before, so knowing that makes me so happy—they've had such a valuable experience!!

After the Mikoshi, they enjoyed a special night market for the festival! Yammy!!

Moments like these, when overseas guests can join in these community interactions, are when I truly feel glad to be working at Sakura Hotel. Can'T wait next year!!