Autumn has officially begun as the 44th Kichijoji Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival) kickstarted the season of scarlet leaves last September 10 and 11 in Musashino, Tokyo.

Photo from http://blog.goo.ne.jp/

A drum group performance signalled the activities on the first day of the festival. The residents of Kichijoji and the surrounding places paraded their mikoshis along the main streets. Mikoshis are palanquins or litters held on four poles that Shinto followers use to carry a deity from the main shrine to a smaller shrine, or just around the neighbourhood.

On Sunday, the main event filled the Musashino Hachimangu Shrine with devotees and guests, all enjoying the activities, food stalls and other festivities.

Photo from http://tsubamemarkt.jugem.jp/

More events are coming your way this autumn! Don’t forget to check the Events tab to keep updated! 

Banner photo from tokyocheapo.com