Shrine priests and their assistants cleared away the dust in a traditional year-end ritual at a bridge that leads to the entrance of a #UNESCO World Heritage Site in #Tochigi Prefecture, north of #Tokyo.

The annual event at the #Shinkyo #Bridge took place on Thursday. The vermillion-lacquered wooden bridge crosses the river #Daiya which runs through the city of #Nikko. It serves as a symbolic entrance to the world heritage site of the shrines and temples of Nikko.

Priests and others at #Futarasan Shrine cleaned the railing and other parts of the bridge using bamboo poles about 3 meters long, with bamboo leaves attached to the top.

Futarasan #Shrine priest, Mita #Masataka, said he worked hard to make the bridge clean.

He also said he hopes that everyone will be able to spend every day in good health and safety, without disasters, next year.

A couple who came from #Tokyo for sightseeing said that they saw the cleanup ritual for the first time, and they felt cleansed. They added that they need to clear away dust at their home.

In Nikko, year-end cleaning will also be held at the Yomeimon gate, a national treasure of Nikko #Toshogu Shrine, and other sites, to prepare for the new year.
SHOTLIST
- VS Shrine priests and their assistants arriving at bridge

- VS+C/U Dust cleaning work taking place

- SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Mita Masataka, Priest, Futarasan Shrine: “I pray in the coming year we can spend our days in good health and safety, without natural disasters.”

- VOXPOP (Japanese) Male visitor: “I feel that my heart has been cleansed.”

- VOXPOP (Japanese) Female visitor: “We need to clear away dust at home, too! It's already the end of the year.”

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