Getting ready to help carry the omikoshi (神輿) which is a sacred Shinto shrine during a festival. Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity. This is a task given to men alone because it is like a very heavy miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing. Helping to carry the omikoshi is indeed a great honor! Of course I was not going to give up such a unique opportunity.