This festival takes place only once every three years, and is held at Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji which is a famous place to pray for protection from disaster and prosperity. The history of the shishi matsuri dates back to the Edo era when locals had difficulties completing reclamation of the southwestern coast of Tokyo (previously Edo) due to the embankments being washed away by the ocean. According to legend, on a windy night with strong winds and crashing waves a divine entity emerged from the ocean and the locals began to pray to it, which calmed the storm. When they were finally able to reclaim the land in 1659, they celebrated by parading around dragon and tiger floats as well as giant shishi heads.
Where: Namiyoke Inari-Jinja Shrine 6 Chome-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
When: Mid-June (Please check website)
How much: Free!
Website (Japanese): http://www.namiyoke.or.jp/
love it! so much history and tradition.