Kagurazaka Festival

While many in Tokyo were at the big fireworks show on the Sumida River, we ventured to Shibuya to the Kagurasaka Festival to watch the Awa Odori parade. About fifteen units called "Ren" make their way down the spectator lined street. Each Ren is made up of three separate groups; lantern carriers, female dancers and then male dancers and finally the "Narimono", the music group which follows playing traditional instruments.

We started out at our friend Gill's house enjoying great food and company. About 7pm we made our way down to the main street.

Here we are getting set up on our spot of sidewalk.
A group of women dance down the street. It's hard to see in the picture, but they are walking on the front of their slippers....
Ariana and Riku holding hands as they watch...so cute....
Another group of women make their way. The costumes were beautiful and each group had their own style.

A group of musicians.....
It seems like Riku has some competition......

These little girls performed and were taking a break. Notice the slippers neatly lined up by the blanket. Kids here are taught this very early. Even Ariana knows when and where to take her shoes off.

It seemed like the whole neighborhood was out this wonderfully comfortable evening. It also seemed like the residents who were not watching were participating - people of all ages were dressed in their yukatas; from the very young to the very old - the very hip teenagers to the not-so-hip older people, all dancing down the street. Some of the groups were very serious and others clearing having fun, not taking the competition very seriously. Yes, one of these groups will win something - I'm not sure what. It does seem like we were the winners though, to spend a great night with friends on the streets of Tokyo watching what makes being in Tokyo so much fun.