Shinkosai procession of the 2012 Sanno Matsuri

A procession of period costume called Shinkosai, part of the annual Sanno Matsuri, started today at Hie Shrine in Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, at 8 am. and snaked through the city, before returning to the shrine at 5 p.m. Halfway through the procession, katana-carrying shrine maidens performing a sacred dance in front of the Japanese National Theater. The festival continues until June 10. (Video shot and edited by Kai Harada.)