Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

Mitama Matsuri is a ritual for dead solders who dedicated their lives for their country.
Mitama means departed soul in English.

Currently, more than 2,466,000 divinities are enshrined in Yasukuni Shrine.
Both sides of lanterns represent souls of solders who made ultimate sacrifice
for their nation such as the Boshin War, the Seinan War, the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars,
World War I, the Manchurian Incident, the China Incident and World War II.
The name "Yasukuni," represents wishes for preserving peace of the nation given by the Emperor Meiji.

Chrysanthemum is the symbol of the emperor.
Yasukuni Shrine has deep relationship with the Japanese imperial family.

How to pray in shrine?
1. Bow twice
2. Crap your hand twice
3. Make a wish
4. Bow once

More beautiful lanterns are inside of the main shrine.

Be careful, the gate to the main shrine closes at 10 pm.

Variety of Matsuri booth

People were making a long line especially at this booth. It's near the entrance.

They sell Ramen Burger.

The burger features Ramen noodles instead of buns.
Actually, It was crispy and tastes good.

But the best part is....

Drinking cold draft beer!!!

Outside Drinking is legal in Japan.
This is the best Japanese law !!

It's non stop.

It will start from 6 pm till 10 pm.
Just 5 mins walk from Kudanshita Station.
Today is the last day!
Get your ass people!