
Enjoying the local tradition at the Gonsho-ji Temple
Mizudome no Mai -Performing the sacred dance to stop the water flow
Enjoying the local tradition — Mizudome no Mai.
Due to the area's long history of suffering from water-related disasters, a traditional ritual has been passed down to pray for the cessation of rain. In this ceremony, a dragon deity blowing a conch shell (horagai) is admonished and calmed through a lion dance.
The first half of the ritual is called "Michiyuki" (Procession). Starting in front of Omori Daiichi Elementary School, two dragon deities—one male and one female—made of straw and coiled rope are carried toward the stage at Genshoji Temple. Inside each dragon is a person blowing a large conch shell. As they proceed, they are energetically splashed with water along the way.
The second half of the ritual is called "Mizudome-no-mai" (Rain-Stopping Dance). On the stage, three lion dancers perform to dedicated flute music and chants, offering a prayer for the rain to cease.
Designated as a Tokyo Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.
Date: July 13th(sun), from 1:00 PM
Location: Gonsho-ji Temple / 3-7-27 Omori Higashi, Ota-ku, Tokyo