This weekend we visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, in Kamakura. The Kamakura Bonbori- Matsuri Lanterns were hung up along the path to the largest shrine, and surrounding paths on the campus continuing the Bon Odori celebration. We enjoyed viewing the paintings and drawings that local artists made on the shoji (rice) paper. The Kamakura shops that lead up to the main shrine, along each side of Wakamiyaoji Avenue, and it’s parallel street Komachidori Avenue, have delicious food, treats, souvenirs, oriental dishes, and carved lacquer shops that Kamakura is famous for.
Bonbori-Matsuri, Bonbori Festival 雪洞祭, consists of three rituals held from August 6th-8th:
1. Nagoshi-sai: End of Summer Ritual to cleanse the body, and purge the body and the spirit.
2. Risshu-sai: Start of Autumn Ritual that prays for abundance of harvest and to give thanks for a healthy life.
3. Sanetomo-sai: Ritual to praise the virtue of Sanetomo, the 3rd Kamakura shogunate.
