Dancing to stop the rain, Mizudome-no-Mai

The rainy season in the Kanto area, tsuyu ("plum rain"), takes place approximately between June 8 and July 20. Sometimes in the past the heavy rains led to flash flooding and one such flooding, 700 years ago, determined the apparition of a beautiful tradition which has been preserved until today. On July 14, at the Gonshoji Temple from Ota-ku, Tokyo, takes place a dance to stop the rain, Mizudome-no-mai.

The first part of the ritual, which is also the most entertaining, consists in splashing with water two "dragons" - plus the enthusiastic audience - while carrying them around the town's streets. The men playing the role of the dragons are tightly wrapped in thick straw ropes, stoically enduring while blowing a large conch shell...

This was one of the most fun experiences I've had in Japan and I strongly recommend it to any traveler who want to experience, up-close, the excitement of a Japanese festival...