JUL 09, 2012

Today, our destination is the Hakozakihama Beach. About one thousand people from the edge to the elderly run in groups by their nagare to this place. The sand is considered sacred and the Otokoshu will carry some home - this is a ceremony of purification. We were on four places today ...

1. stop Higashi nagare

Our first stop is Higashi nagare. About 4 o´clock pm, we are in front of the Kazariyama, at subway station Gofukumachi. This place is directly next to our office. We are besides the Kazariyama and the Otokoshus running towards us. From this point they will start to Hakozakihama beach and after than back to the Kushida shrine. This route is about 10 km.

2. stop ishido bashi

Ishido bashi is not far from Gofukumachi. It's a bridge in the chiyo area.

We are waiting on the opposite side of the road. The groups are coming across the Meiji street. There are really many people, young and old. A lot of people carrying children on their arms. Our boss is also there. Before a group will start, the police have to shut off the road each time.

After the start sign they are running with full speed across the road shouting "Oissa! Oissa!".

3. stop Hakozakihame

From the beach we can take a nice view, there is a nice sundown, the big Hakozakigū shrine and many exhausted runners. They are taking sand in their wood case to carry it home.

It smells so delicious for eat. On the edge there are some food stalls. It's about 6 o´clock pm but not yet completed because they have to return to kushida shrine.

We start to go to the subway and get on our way to Nakasu-kawabata.

4. stop Kushida Shrine

It is almost dark when we arrive. The Kushida Shrine is lit very nice. It looks almost nicer than on day. We are on the edge and waiting for the floats. If they are coming, they are stopping in front of the shrine. After a sign they run with full speed inside... Here is the last step for today.

Let´s go to dinner...

jabai!