Once every century, Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture experiences an unusual event — the Hirosaki Moving Castle Project — when the city relocates an entire castle using manpower only.

This year is that 100th year, and from Sept. 20 to 27, more than 3,200 travelers gathered in the city's central park to join in the event, where 100 participants at a time did something quite surreal: They pulled on ropes attached to the castle and bit by bit, shifted its location.

"I've worked in this field for 40 years — since I was 26 — so I have plenty of experience renovating traditional houses and shrines," says Executive Director Satoru Tsushima of Nishimuragumi, the construction company that specializes in temple and shrine renovation and was commissioned to move the castle. "But this is a very special time for me. I feel greatly honored, since this is the first time I'll work on an Important Cultural Property."