In march, I went to the Yushima-tenjin shrine near Ueno to watch the plum flowers. The plum flowers festival that is held there every year was already over, but I had the chance to attend another spectacle.

On that day was held a shinto wedding ceremony. The braid was wearing a splendid white kimono. Inside the main building, the priest (kannushi 神主) was recitating chants while music was played with a shô 笙, a traditional instrument of Chinese origin also called “mouth organ”.

At the end of the ceremony, the couple crossed a small bridge linking the main building to another one, preceded by the priest and followed by the families and friends.

I was a bit disappointed not to have been able to see the plum flowers festival, but happy to have attended another unusual event.