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Kanto
The Noda Mikoshi Parade is the summer highlight of Noda City in Chiba Prefecture. Their mikoshi, or portable shrines, are very unique, including ones shaped like tree frogs, mythological lions and boats. They are gathered from all over and paraded around all in one spot.
The mikoshi traditionally rest upon two long carrying poles 10 to 12 meters in length, and carried around town to the unique rhythm of bangning on 18 litre soy sauce drums, the city's trademark product. Another unique feature is the parade call, which goes "Yanwari mae da!"
The finale is when all of the mikoshi meet and intersect in the streets among the cheers and calls of many viewers. The energy and presence is sure to impress!
The climax starts around 20:50 when the mikoshi start to come together and intertwine with each other in the main shopping district. While the streets are full of viewers and carriers, the mikoshi are carefully manuevered in and out just barely missing each other. Pay special attention to the carriers techniques.
Try to find the oddest mikoshi out of the bunch. The eyes of the tree frog mikoshi glisten and shine. At the child mikoshi parade, there is a "can" mikoshi, made from empty recycled tin cans, as well as "barrel" mikoshi that remind you of barrels of soy sauce, the specialty of the city of Noda. Try finding your favorite one!
Please do not ride the mikoshi.
Please do not touch the decorations.
Access to Noda City
[Nearest Station]
Noda City Station, on the Tobu Noda Line
Venue:
Tobu Urban Parkline, a 5min walk from Atago Station
Around the Noda City central shopping district
