This video was filmed on May 6, 2026, during the mikoshi return procession at the Kurayami Festival held at Okunitama Shrine.
I took the first Nambu Line train from Tachikawa to Fuchu-Hommachi and arrived around 5:00 in the morning.
As soon as I arrived, I could already hear the sound of taiko drums somewhere in the distance.
Following the sound, I eventually came across a group with taiko drums and mikoshi around 5:16 a.m., and began filming from there.
After that, I moved toward Okunitama Shrine.
Around 5:30 a.m., I reached the same area where I had watched the mikoshi procession the previous night.
In contrast to the excitement of the night before, the early morning streets of Fuchu and the approach to Okunitama Shrine were remarkably quiet.
That contrast left a strong impression on me.
The next time I heard the taiko drums was around 5:48 a.m.
It felt as if a short break had ended and the town suddenly came back to life.
Powerful drums, lively mikoshi, and energetic chants began to echo from different directions.
The mikoshi appeared to have started moving toward their final destination, Okunitama Shrine.
Around 7:00 a.m., the mikoshi began returning one after another to Okunitama Shrine.
By then, many visitors and tourists had gathered, and the atmosphere was full of energy despite the early hour.
After all the mikoshi had returned, the festival reached its finale.
This was my first time experiencing the Kurayami Festival.
Although I was only able to see part of the mikoshi procession on the previous night and the mikoshi return on the final morning, running around and filming the event was truly exciting.
The sound of the drums, the power of the mikoshi, the passion of the participants, and the unity of the entire town were unforgettable.
It was a truly impressive experience.
I hope you enjoy the atmosphere of the mikoshi return at the Kurayami Festival held at Okunitama Shrine.
