Exactly what the title says, along with a colourful, but rather carelessly placed parasol. A sight that needless to say is not something one sees everyday. Or indeed the vast majority of days. Making the slightly surreal scene all the more special.
A Japanese priest on horseback in Tokyo
john says
Was that a pesky parasol expression or a smile for the camera?
I certainly didn’t realise that they had Tokyo mounted priests!
Lee says
I’m really not sure, but a smile of sorts for the camera I hope.
Likewise. Came as a very nice surprise. It was at a festival, so presumably just for that, but at the same time he seemed thoroughly at ease on the horse. Definitely didn’t look like someone who very rarely rides one.
Al says
How odd! You are so lucky to see things like this. So glad you share them! 🙂
Lee says
It was definitely an unexpected treat. Oh, and you are more than welcome.
YTSL says
I’m intrigued by the attire of the guy leading the horse too… a mix of modern Western and traditional Japanese? 😉
Lee says
Ah, yeah. Hadn’t noticed that. Just seems to have thrown a traditional festival coat over his regular clothes, doesn’t he?
Not a new thing at all, but recently I’ve noticed a lot of fellas wearing traditional kimono coupled with a summer trilby. An interesting mix that to me at least looks very cool.
YTSL says
Yeah…and his gloves… are they a combination of wool and rubber? ;b
Lee says
That’s a very good question. But one I can’t answer I’m afraid…
Linda says
Wow! Where was this?
Lee says
It was between Ueno and Asakusa. Part of the Sanja Matsuri, although as it was on the other side of the temple and separated by a main road, it seemed very separate.
Hans ter Horst says
I always thought the reason horse statues and even stables with real horses were at shrines was related to the ema, the wooden votive plaques. As we all know, ema is written with the kanji for ‘horse’ ( 絵馬)
Ok, ok, I know I’m just making it up, but I often wondered if there is a link.
Lee says
It wouldn’t surprise me. Like you say, horses are sometimes an element of shrines in some form or another. Reminds me of Kanda Shrine. There’s a horse there that stands in a tiny little space. It’s only companion being a bucket of water. And needless to say it always looks so terribly unhappy…