There’s really nothing that can be compared to the energy of a Japanese matsuri, or summer festival. With the smell of food in the air, people milling around, and music coming from all different directions, it’s a definitely a feast for the senses. For three days in August, my town has an event called Mito Komon Festival, which celebrates the feudal lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni. I actually don’t know much when it comes to the history, but my friends decided to check out the festival and had an awesome time regardless!
Of course, no summer festival would complete without the appropriate street food. Shaved ice, or kakigoori, is a personal favourite of mine. You can get it in every flavour under the sun, and it’s the perfect thing to combat the sweltering Japanese heat!
For the duration of the festival an entire street is put out of action, which I thought was awesome! You could actually walk between the various festival floats, which were super fun to watch. My friends and I spotted drummers, people playing traditional instruments and even the occasional performer on the street.
A free jazz concert we spotted on the way home. Anyway summer just ended here in Japan, which reminds me of how insanely late this post is. I have way too many photos to share from the past month though, so stay tuned if you’re interested in what I’ve been up to lately! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
