Senso-ji Temple's 1,400th Anniversary of the Enshrinement of Its Principal Image: Asakusa Shrine Seeks Donations for the Grand Portable Shrine "Funatogyo" Boat Procession

As Senso-ji Temple marks the major milestone of 1,400 years since the manifestation of its principal image, Asakusa Shrine plans to hold a "Funatogyo" (boat procession) of its grand portable shrine (miya-mikoshi) as a commemorative event.

Funatogyo is a Shinto ritual in which a portable shrine (mikoshi) is placed on a boat and carried across the Sumida River. It is a rare event that offers a solemn sight quite different from the usual procession on land. To hold this ritual in a special form befitting the 1,400-year milestone, Asakusa Shrine is calling widely on local residents and devotees for donations.

This initiative also carries the meaning of passing Asakusa's history and faith on to the next generation, and has become a major project involving the whole community.

For details on donations and how to apply, please check the information provided by Asakusa Shrine and the Asakusa Tourist Federation.

As a commemorative event that will go down in Asakusa's history, attention is focused on further updates.