Washoi! Washoi!

Twice in the 4 months I have participated in an omikoshi festival. An omikoshi is a portable shrine. During the festival people of the community carry the shrine around town and give the God (who is chillin in the shrine) a tour of area! The first festival was around Taira (in front of Iwaki station to near where my apartment is). The second festival was in the part of Iwaki called Uchigo. I got dressed up in special pants and a happi (or special festival coat/ jacket thing) and chanted my way through the streets. Part of this festival is that you often stop at local shops and houses for a break- for BEER! Yes on both occasions my first alcoholic drink was around 9 am in the morn! The second festival ended with a dip in an onsen; two hours of an all you can eat/drink party and karaoke! I had a blast both times!! Washoi! Washoi!