Photo= The consecration ceremony for "Godairiki-san" rice cakes (February 7, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto)

Gigantic "Kagamimochi" rice cakes are being showcased at the lobby of Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward from February 7 prior to "Mochiage-chikara Ho-no," or a competition to lift rice cakes that is popularly called "Godairiki-san." It is an annual event of Daigo-ji Temple in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, and will be held on February 23.

In the event, people divided by gender compete in how long they can hold up the rice cakes. The rice cakes on display are for the men's competition. The red-and-white two-tiered rice cakes weigh 150 kilograms and the white one in the lower tier is 80 centimeters in diameter. They are on display so tourists can "see the hugeness firsthand."

A consecration ceremony was also held. Monks from Daigo-ji Temple attired as "Yamabushi," or ascetic monks in the mountains, appeared blowing conch shell horns, and chanted sutras in front of the rice cakes. Foreign tourists and families watched it with curiosity. The display continues until February 23.