・Want to experience Japanese culture?
・Interested in Japanese festivals?
・Love having fun?
・Want to try something unique?
Experience Japan to the fullest
by carrying a “Mikoshi”!
“Mikoshi” (portable shrines) are essential to Japanese traditional festivals.
However, only people involved in the festival can carry them.
Even Japanese people rarely have the chance, and most just watch.
“Since you came all this way, just watching is boring, right?”
We started this activity service to let tourists from abroad experience Japanese culture firsthand.
The fifth-generation chairman of a Mikoshi enthusiast club with over 50 years of history in Tokyo will guide you safely.
Let’s experience an exciting time together!
“Mikoshi” (portable shrines) are indispensable to Japanese festivals.
The sight of many people carrying a Mikoshi through the town while shouting is very dazzling and beautiful.
Let’s briefly explain what this “Mikoshi” is.
Each shrine in Japan has a designated area to protect, and the people living in that area are called “Ujiko” (shrine parishioners), and the god enshrined in the shrine is called “Ujigamisama” (guardian deity).
Shrines hold festivals once a year, and on the festival day, Ujiko carry the Ujigamisama on a Mikoshi and parade through their town, purifying disasters and impurities, and expressing gratitude for the year.
Originally in Japan, there was a vehicle called “Koshi” used to carry court nobles, and when moving, multiple people carried it.
The Mikoshi came to be called so because “gods” were temporarily taken out of the shrine and placed on the “Koshi.”
According to old Japanese documents, Mikoshi were already being made in the Nara period (720 AD), and in the Muromachi period (1300s), festivals similar to the present form were held, and Mikoshi were carried in various places.
Since Mikoshi carry gods, their shapes and decorations are made to resemble shrines.
This is why they are translated into English as “portable shrines.”
Therefore, Mikoshi have Torii gates, and the roofs are often shaped like the main hall of the shrine that owns the Mikoshi.
Also, many decorations are magnificent, and just like shrines, they incorporate many Japanese architectural techniques, making them true works of art.
The size and decoration of Mikoshi vary, and comparing each one is one of the pleasures of the festival.
The call when carrying a Mikoshi, “Wasshoi,” is well known in Japan.
However, in reality, it seems to vary by region.
In areas centered around Tokyo, calls such as “Essa,” “Soiya,” and “Oisa” are often used.
When carrying a Mikoshi, make calls in sync with the surrounding carriers and liven up the atmosphere.
Let’s carry the Mikoshi while observing the rules and having fun!
Please select the event you would like to attend
*Costume and souvenir details differ for each plan.
Choose your desired festival date from the event schedule.
Choose the number of participants and select a plan for each participant.
Proceed with payment.
After payment is approved, you will receive an email with a URL to submit participant information. Please access the URL and submit the required details.
After your participant information is approved, you will receive another email with a URL to submit costume sizes for each participant. Please access the URL and submit the sizes.
Once your costume sizes are approved, you will receive an email with information about the meeting point on the day of the event.
Enjoy the festival!
A. Yes, we have English interpreters available so you can participate without worry.
A. Yes, it’s okay.
We will carefully teach you how to carry a Mikoshi and the rules.
Also, staff members will carry it with you, so please enjoy yourself without worry.
A. We will teach you how to wear it when we hand you the Mikoshi costume after meeting at the site.
Let’s get your spirit and attire ready and have a great time.
A. Of course, you can.
Please take a lot of photos and videos as they will be the best memories of your trip to Japan.
A. Yes.
Please upload them to YouTube and other social media to share the fun of Mikoshi with many people.
A. Fights rarely happen, but please rest assured that the places we guide you to are safe.
Of course, starting fights is prohibited. Please follow the instructions of NIPPON CULTURE staff.
A. We operate with safety first to prevent injuries, but unexpected injuries may occur.
NIPPON CULTURE has joined Sompo Japan’s travel insurance for visitors to Japan.
You can receive treatment without paying medical expenses in case of injury or accident.
A. Drinking is not prohibited, but please drink moderately.
Drinking alcohol while carrying a Mikoshi can lead to injuries or fights.
Please note that we may refuse participation if we determine you are too intoxicated and in danger.
A. Street smoking is prohibited by law in most areas of Japan.
Also, smoking is prohibited during the Mikoshi parade under any circumstances.
You may see people from other groups smoking on the street, but please do not imitate them as it is against the rules.
You can smoke in designated areas during breaks, so please ask a staff member if you want to smoke.
A. Yes.
We will confirm the size of all participants via email after your application.
If there is no suitable size among the options, please let us know.
We will do our best to accommodate you.
*Please note that if we cannot meet your request, we will provide the closest available size.
A. There are many colors and designs, and some items may be out of stock due to low production numbers.
Therefore, please select from limited options such as “blue series,” “red series,” “patterned,” or “plain.”
We will confirm the color and design via email after your application, so please reply to our message.
A. Children can participate with the Kids plan.
Please check the plan details page for more information.
Large crowds gather around the Mikoshi, so unexpected injuries may occur. Also, during festivals in hot weather, heatstroke may occur.
To prepare for such unforeseen accidents, “Nippon Culture” has joined Sompo Japan’s travel insurance for visitors to Japan.
Enjoy the festival to the fullest with peace of mind!
Thank you very much for visiting our website.
I’ve been participating in a Mikoshi carrying association for over 20 years, driven by my hobby, and have served as its representative for more than 15 years.
A few years ago, I casually thought, “It would be fun to carry a Mikoshi with foreign visitors to Japan,” and did some research.
I discovered that there was no experiential service anywhere that allowed tourists to carry a Mikoshi.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas travel became impossible, and festivals across Japan were canceled to avoid large gatherings.
Finally, from 2023, festivals gradually resumed, and as the number of tourists visiting Japan increased, regaining its former vibrancy, we confidently released this service.
Our participants have unanimously said, “It was very exciting” and “It was the best experience.”
When you travel to Japan, please enjoy this unique experiential activity.
Joined the “Suiko-kai,” an Edo Mikoshi enthusiast club active in Tokyo, in 2001.
Became the fifth-generation chairman in 2007.
In September 2023, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a commemorative parade.
Participates in approximately 20 festivals during the six-month period from May to October each year.
Carrying the Mikoshi is his life’s work.
Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions, or ideas.
Operator: Precious Hearts LLC
Inquiries: Click Here
Business Hours: Weekdays / 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Japan Time)
