Many shrines in Japan are named Ninomiya, and this one’s summer festival (video) is like thousands of others around the country. It isn’t famous; members of the community gather here in celebration, old and young. But this particular festival happens to be in my neighborhood. It lies along the ancient road to Karatsu in Imajuku, part of Fukuoka City, and reaches Nagatare Beach. Every July 29 the festival includes the parading of portable shrines (similar to but smaller than in Hakata Gion Yamakasa), a tower of glowing paper lanterns, the ceremonial passing through a ring of reeds known as chinowa-kuguri, stage performances, and food and game stalls.
二宮神社—Ninomiya Jinja—Ninomiya Shrine
夏越祭—Nakoshisai—Summer Festival
