National treasure Matsue Castle's annual “soot payment” 100 volunteers participated December 11, 11:39
For the past two weeks, the national treasure Matsue Castle Tenshu, located in Matsue City, has held an annual “soot wiping” to remove dust accumulated over the past year.
At Matsue Castle castle tower, which is designated as a national treasure and attracts 400,000 tourists annually, “soot payment” is performed every year during this period to remove dust accumulated in the year.
About 100 people gathered at Matsue Castle from the early morning, including members of local volunteer groups.
The gathered people used a tool called “Susu Tenten”, which was attached to the tip of a bamboo pole that was more than 5 meters in length, to remove dust from the towers and walls.
In the castle, pillars, windows, and floors were carefully wiped with elephants.
Parents and children who participated said, “I'm glad that I was able to participate with my child at the precious opportunity to clean the national treasure,” or “I was happy to clean the castle.”
In addition, a man in his 60s said, “I felt that I felt better when I removed the dust.
Matsue Castle is planning to see the first sunrise from the top floor of the castle tower, which is about 30 meters above the ground on the morning of New Year's Day.