Mikoshi - The Portable Shrine
The sacred palanquin that carries the kami through the community during festivals.
Mikoshi are the portable shrines carried through streets during festivals, believed to contain the kami's spirit. Bearers jostle and shake the mikoshi to invigorate the kami, whose procession blesses the community. The journey allows the kami to survey and protect their domain.
As the mikoshi passes, the kami blesses every corner of the community.
Mikoshi processions make the kami's presence mobile and accessible.
Festival traditions