HANAYU MATSURI

It is surely the most lively and surprising festival in the spa town of Misasa. During this matsuri, which lasts two days, a giant tug-of-war takes place, which is called Jinsho. Both ropes are made of wisteria roots. Each is 80 meters long and weighs two tons. The eastern and western parts are joined on the second day of the festival using an ancestral technique. When the junction is made, the tug-of-war begins. Depending on who wins, it will be the turn of agriculture or commerce to prosper during the year.