The float, which had been pausing on the approach to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, was about to start moving

Float and people pulling them at the Narita Gion Festival — Float of Narita Gion Festival

When I see a float running, I am so overwhelmed by its power that I can hardly remember the details of the float. Even though the floats that participate in the Narita Gion Festival have different shapes, there is no time to appreciate them. All I have left is the image of a large object with wheels running past me. This year in particular, although the festival was held on a smaller scale. Since all the participating floats were not gathered in one place, it was impossible to compare the actual floats side by side.

In the midst of all this, as I was walking along the approach to Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, I saw a float parked in the middle of the road. It is difficult to move the floats when so many people gather, so they seem to be taking a short rest here. In any case, the parked floats were ideal for a closer look. According to the explanation on the Narita City Tourist Association's website, this is the Igo-Dai Sanwa-Kai's float, which was built using traditional shrine and temple construction techniques. Indeed, the wooden float was elaborately made.

While I was watching, it seemed that the time for restarting was approaching, and the people pulling the float were coming to the rope. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that one of them was wearing a fox mask. Speaking of foxes, they are supposed to be messengers of the gods. Shouldn't he be next to Emperor Saga, who is seated on the roof, instead of the person pulling the float?

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