Danjiri Matsuri

There are other Danjiri Matsuri held in the City of Kobe[1] and Haruki Town, but they are less popular and spectacular.

As the festival approaches, the danjiri cart is prepared with elaborate flower arrangements, prayer cards, ornaments, and religious consecrations.

The person on the roof of the Danjiri cart controls the direction of movement and performs a traditional fan dance.

[3] Town guild members spend a considerable amount of time to prepare for the festival.

For decorations, flags, prayer cards, fresh flower arrangements, and in some cases even lanterns are used.

The event is accompanied with the commotion of the participants pulling the cart, as they yell their kakegoe or signature shout, equivalent to the English "heave-ho!"

Adding to the atmosphere is the danjiri rhythm played on drums and bells throughout the cart pulling, which can be heard from street blocks away.