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It is said that the Funadama festival started as a festival dedicated to the God of Water as a prayer for the safety of boatmen on water going downstream the Arakawa river.
Lanterns are floated down the river and boats with paper lanterns attached are sailed up and down the river.
At night, fireworks are set off from the far bank to the applause of spectators moved by their beauty and impact. It is held every year on August 15.
The Fire Festival (Himatsuri) held in March is one of the major religious rites that heralds the coming of spring in the Nagatoro area.
It is an unusual festival where you can see the hiwatari ritual up close where monks walk through blazing fire. This ritual is a prayer to bring good fortune and protect against misfortune.
This festival is held at Hodosan Shrine to pray for health and prosperity for the year.
During the New Year's period, over 100,000 people visit the shrine.
Hodosan Shrine received a one star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan 2nd Edition that is an internationally recognized travel guide.