Nihon Musings

In Japan, great importance is given to honoring those that have passed on. The Obon festival honors the spirits of ancestors by lighting lanterns and praying at shinto shrines. One of the famous shrines in Tokyo where this is celebrated in a huge way is Yasukuni Shrine in Kudanshita. 29,000 large and small lanterns donated by families are hung along the walkways and the entrances to the shrine.In the evening light these lanterns look spectacular!

As I enter the huge tori or gate of the shrine I watch spellbound as the festival is underway with vendors selling toys, cotton candy and finger food of various kinds. It is hard to make a choice of what to eat, well for me actually it is, because I am a vegetarian, and I grab a corn on the cob:) I walk further into the entrance and there is plenty more to see. Paper lanterns with some amazing art work decorate the inner grounds of the temple.

It is hard to just pick a few paper lanterns to photograph, but I am in a hurry and want to make sure I get the best pictures I can while there is still some evening light.

I walk around the shrine to see the smaller lamps along the sides of the shrine. Around me there are groups of families, friends, senior citizens and teens, all enjoying the evening. I join the line of people bowing at the main altar and think of members of my family that have passed.

From Yasukuni Shrine I head to the moat across the road where lamps are lit in the water by families that hire boats. There is a little stage there where a singer with the most amazing voice is singing some beautiful songs. I even hear a wonderful rendition of “amazing grace” families in boats, crowd around the stage and listen.

This is truly a special way to remember those who have passed on. I will never be able to forget the ambience and the spirit that goes behind this celebration.