Katsuura Hachiman Shrine, Wakayama

Looking over the Pacific, the town of Nachikatsuura is a tourist town with an avid fishing industry. To pray for safety on the waters and an abundant fishing season, shrine bearers jump into the sea with a portable shrine on their shoulders at high tide (late afternoon). The portable shrine circles around in the water as boats carrying a large colorfully decorated tree surround it. Spectators are asked to view the ceremony at ground level; it is considered bad luck if you are looking down at the portable shrine from a higher location.