Mitama Matsuri

The hottest months of summer are traditionally when Japanese commune with and honor the spirits of the dead. One such festival based around this idea is the Mitama Matsuri at the politically complex Yasukuni Shrine. Along the sando – the promenade leading to the main shrine – 30,000 lanterns are strung from towers of metal scaffolding to create a spectacular approach. The festival runs for 4 days from July 13th. The shrine is a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Honzomon and Tozai Lines as well as the Toei Shinjuku Line.

(Greg Lane)