Sunday, November 2, 2008

Festival Celebration Nov : Japan ~ Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu


Feudal Lord's Procession in Hakone

An annual tourist event held on Culture Day (a national holiday), November 3rd, at Yumoto Onsen, Hakone. A procession of a total of 170 people dressed up as samurai warriors and princesses parades over a distance of some 6 km in the hot spring town.

Over 6km are covered on foot as costumed samurai warriors and princesses parade through Hakone for Daimyo Gyoretsu (Feudal Lord's Procession). While dance performances by Geigi and marching bands entertain, the words of 'Down! Down! The Lord comes!' echoing in the hot spring town under the autumn sky.Men armed with spears, bows and arrows or guns march on carrying their Lord, while leaders of the parade chant.

The festival begins at Sounji Temple with various activities carried out on the way before arriving at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel. Marching bands and the Daimyo procession are at the front and very end of the parade.

Geigi
, unique to the resort, also perform. They are known as entertainers of song and dance at Sake parties. Once the celebration is over, visitors can relieve themselves by bathing in the hot springs.


1 comment:

Marie Reed said...

Wow!!! I would love to see this in person!