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Thursday, 14th May 2009
In Events In Japan,

First Shogun to be honoured at Nikko Shrine

The annual procession to commemorate the first Shogun in Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, is to take place at the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko on Sunday (May 17th).

Referred to as Hyakumono-Zoroe Sennin Gyoretsu, more than 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event, including Shinto clergymen and lion dancers, reports Whatsonwhen.

According to the website, the location is a perfect retreat from the "hustle and bustle" of Tokyo.

Born in 1543, Ieyasu was successful in creating the Tokugawa Shogunate and became renowned as a merciless ruler.

He is also credited with establishing political stability and peace in the country.

Those visiting Japan in the autumn will be able to witness a smaller version of the procession.

Next month sees the traditional festival of Sanno Matsuri being held at the Hie-jinja Shrine.

Acknowledged as one of the largest events of its kind to take place in Japan, it is one of three Grand Festivals that are organised every year in the country.

Written by Mark Smith