Gaido Japan

Kurashiki Autumn Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
The Kurashiki Autumn Festival or Achi-Jinja Aki Matsuri happens every year on the 3rd weekend of October to celebrate abundant harvests. The Japanese name of the festival ‘阿智神社秋祭’ is a combination of the shrine’s name (Achi-Jinja), autumn (aki), and festival (matsuri). The shrine is located in the Tsurugata-yama-koen, a park that overlooks the Bikan Historical Quarter, preserved from the Edo Period (1603-1867). This old merchant quarter on a normal day is already a very pleasant place to visit. The Kurashiki canal runs through the main area with white and black tiled warehouses found on both sides of the channel, giving this area a distinctive Japanese-European feel. Interestingly, Kurashiki takes its name from ‘Kura – 倉’ which means warehouse. If you have not been to a festival in Japan before, I should explain that to aid the procession, the crowds may be cordoned off the parade area. But this particular festival in Kurashiki does it differently from Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto), for example. The procession walks right into the heart of the old town amidst the crowd so all people can partake in it. People can choose to walk under the *Mikoshi (see additional information below) for good blessings, they can get knocked on the head by *Suinkyo for good health, and they may even meet an *Akuma or two prowling the streets. I won’t go into the details of the full program. Still, I would suggest that you hang around the ‘Kurashikikan’, formerly the Kurashiki town hall and now the Tourist Information Center, where you will likely get the best bits of the festival procession. You can hear the procession before you see it coming as the bearers of the Mikoshi and the *Senzairaku will be chanting as they walk. The *Miko or priestess will travel on a horse and lead the procession. The *Sanjyojin or 3 goddesses will be carried over the water with court musicians playing *Gagaku in a separate boat slightly behind the goddesses. They will head down the canal before disembarking further down. Once the priestess and the 3 goddesses are assembled on the stone bridge, Miko makes a speech and then starts to sing. The beautiful voice is accompanied by the entrancing dance of the 3 goddesses and brings a calm over the whole area. Even with the crowd around, you do not feel flustered or annoyed as everyone seems to be charmed by the beauty of the scene. You can feel the gentle wind that whispers in your ear and the sunlight patting lightly on your cheeks, as you feel an overall sense of peace and calmness. After the song ends, the procession continues on but most people will have wandered off to have coffee or visit the many exciting shops around town. Another event to highlight is that on this special occasion some of the residents open their houses to the public and display their Byobu (folding screens) which are handed down from generation to generation. Some are accompanied by Ikebana (floral arrangements) as well as calligraphy works. Additional information: Many people attend festivals for their beauty and grandeur, and to partake in the festivities but there is a long history of how things came to be. The following is just some additional information with the hope that it will help you enjoy the festival more when you do get a chance to attend. Sanjojin 三女神
Munakata shrines are dedicated to the Munakata Sanjoshin 宗像三女神. Their worship began under the patronage of the Munakata 宗像 clan on Kyūshū (Kyushu) island, hence they are named the Three Goddesses of Munakata. The 3 Goddesses (Ichikishima-hime 市杵嶋姫, Tagitsu-hime 湍津姫, Tagori-hime 田心姫 ) are believed to be daughters of the Sun God Amaterasu. They are believed to be protectors of the nation, the imperial household, patrons of safe sea voyages, and bountiful fishing. Miko 巫女
Miko or priestess is the maiden of a shrine, trained to perform tasks in the shrine ranging from cleansing ceremonies to performing ceremonial dances. Gagaku 雅楽
Gagaku is the traditional music of the Japanese Imperial Court. It is believed that music is used to communicate with the deities. Mikoshi 神輿
A Mikoshi is a divine palanquin used to transport the deity during a festival or when moving from shrine to shrine. During a festival, people bear the mikoshi, on their shoulders and move it around the neighborhood and wave it wildly from side to side to “amuse” the deity inside the Mikoshi. Senzairaku 千歳楽
This particular floating stage carries the drum and its player. It is also known as Taiko-dai 太鼓台 and in the Okayama area, it is called the Senzairaku. It is also shouldered by people and while moving the stage the people will chant a song. The origins of name Senzairaku came from a Noh Song created in the Edo Period and due to its popularity, people started calling the drum stage itself ‘Senzairaku’. This float serves to lead the parade and to entertain the deity. Suinkyo 素隠居
Suinkyo is people dressed in traditional clothes and masks of elderly men and women. They are a humorous bunch as they go around hitting everyone on their heads with their red fans. It is said that hitting on the head is supposed to make the person smarter and in turn bring about good health. There are a few versions of its origins but one of them is said to be a shortened form of 「素晴らしい隠居」which literally just means a ‘Grand Retirement’ which would relate to a rich long life. Shibu-uchiwa 渋うちわ
The persimmon-stained fan carried by the Suinkyo. Akuma 悪魔
Akuma is a devil or demon in Japanese.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
A grand festival is held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine twice a year, and in October, includes the Shinto ritual offering of “Yabusame”, firing arrows at targets from atop galloping horses, and the “Togyosai” called “Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu”, in which participants reenact the procession from Sunpu Kuno-zan to Nikko for the reburial of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In particular, the Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu, during which all 1,200 participants go up and down the road leading to the shrine, surrounding the portable shrine, will really make you believe you have traveled back to the Edo Period.

Tokyo Coffee Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
Attention all java lovers! The Tokyo Coffee Festival is a biannual event featuring coffee beans from different countries as well as several coffee brands such as Ritual Coffee, Sightglass Coffee, Fourbarrel Coffee, and BlueBottle Coffee. This wonderful event aims to create a culture that promotes high-quality coffee. The festival also collaborates with different sweets producers from around the world, allowing customers and visitors to enjoy a perfect combination of bitter and sweet flavors. The Tokyo Coffee Festival sells a set of five tickets and five small paper cups for customers to try coffee from different stations, or you can buy a full cup of coffee directly from each booth. And with about 20 coffee booths to try, your day will be filled with caffeine. Each booth highlights a different type of coffee. The staff makes the coffee right in front of the customer, which is one of the major features of the Tokyo Coffee Festival. Aside from coffee, you can purchase artsy cups, mugs, and canvas bags, and enjoy treats from quirky food vans. The Tokyo Coffee Festival is held beside the farmer’s market at the United Nations University (UNU). It is organized by the Tokyo Coffee Executive Committee, Festival Farmer’s Market Association, and Good Coffee. It is also an event supported by Amameria Espresso, Glitch Coffee Roasters, Trunk Coffee Bar, Double Tall Coffee, and Coffee House Tomu Tomu, among many others. The farmer’s market is also held in front of the United Nations University during the festival and gets crowded with students, families, couples, and tourists on the weekend of the event. The farmer’s market booths feature some great and interesting products such as vegetables, honey, traditional Japanese plants, hand-made crafts, natural sweets, nuts, and olive oil at relatively cheap prices. It is definitely worth a visit for people in search of organic or handmade products! The Tokyo Coffee Festival is one of the must-see events for coffee lovers in and around Tokyo. Enjoy various samples of coffee and purchase high-quality coffee beans from all over the world over the course of the weekend. The next festival should be held in 2021.

Otsu Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-18
Otsu Matsuri takes place in early October, which is preferable to the sticky July heat of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri. It features thirteen gorgeous tall lantern floats which can be viewed on the first day of the festival and a parade that takes place the following day. The floats have ingenious mechanical puppets which move during the parade. Food stalls are set up on the grounds of Tenson Shrine and along the covered shopping street. The floats are located only 10 minute walk from Otsu JR Station.

Yuiichi Festival
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-19
Yuiichi is a local craft festival in Yūki, Ibaraki prefecture. True to Yūki’s history and rich weaving heritage, the Yuiichi event aims to bring together local people and crafts to celebrate Yūki’s culture. Spread across Yuki’s historical downtown streets, Yuiichi provides visitors a chance to explore over 35 different shops, stalls, and cafes in the neighborhood. With many roads closed off over the Yuiichi weekend, people are encouraged to walk or cycle around the different sites, which surround the central Takedasuga Shrine. Performances and street stalls can be enjoyed as local businesses and craftsmen open their doors to the public and host workshops that people can get involved in.
Entrance to Takedasuga Shrine (Photo: Yui Project)
To the west of Takedasuga Shrine is the Sakagura (sake brewery) area where a number of local breweries open their doors to host visitors, small stalls, and performances. Yūki/Buyū sake breweries feature live performances throughout each day, though this is ticketed separately to the main, otherwise free, festival. The Machinaka (downtown) area to the southwest features art, sweets, and goods shops. Also, it intersects the Jinja (shrine) area in the center of Yuki, where the Takedasuga Shrine is located. To the east is the Toiyamachi (Wholesale) area, with a greater number of arts, and crafts, and small, independent shops and traders selling handmade wares.
Products on display (Photo: Yui Project)
There are a number of workshop opportunities to get involved in, including tsumugi, a silk-weaving technique unique to Yuki and designated one of several Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Japan. It is now inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Also to try is making Noren, the traditional sign curtain hung at shop entrances. While it is easy to explore Yuki on foot, it is even better to explore by bicycle as you may go back and forth throughout the day. Cycling affords you the luxury of making lots of short journeys, not worrying about retracing your steps or simply exploring freely. With so many sections of the town open to the public, there are so many hidden paths, shortcuts or nooks, and crannies allowing you to explore this charming town at your leisure.
Street performances (Photo: Yui Project)
With Takedasuga Shrine being both the town and festival’s focal point, lots of small craft and food stalls pop up outside around the shrine’s grounds, which is also where the crowds converge as the evening draws near on both days. Here, live performances can be enjoyed alongside the warm glow of lanterns, candlelight, and the cool, crisp autumn air. On a Sunday evening, the mesmerizing performance of gagaku-style music can be witnessed.
Yuiichi is held every year on the second weekend in October.

Ikegami Oeshiki
2022-10-11 16:00 - 2022-10-13 23:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki Festival is one of Tokyo’s most famous and memorable festivals, with a history dating back more than 730 years. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the death of the famous Buddhist teacher and saint Nichiren. Oeshiki celebrations to honor Nichiren, founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, occur around Japan in mid-October, but the largest and most impressive takes place at Ota Ward’s Ikegami Honmonji Temple, where Nichiren passed away. The highlight of the festival is held on October 12th at 6 pm, the actual date of Nichiren’s death. The event, known as “Mando rite” (Mando meaning 10,000 lights), involves parades of people toting poles of cherry-blossom adorned lanterns on the two-kilometer route from Ikegami Station to the temple grounds. The huge floats are accompanied by matoi, Edo-era firemen, who provide music for the march on their flutes and drums. Over 300,000 people usually attend the festival every year to enjoy the magical atmosphere, but for those who can’t be there in person, the event is also broadcast online. For those planning to witness the parade of lanterns, it’s advisable to come early in order to secure a good seat along the route. During the festival, numerous food stands run by local residents serve up a variety of treats to the many visitors. Common festival foods include yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori and more. Some events, such as catching goldfish, lotteries, and fortune tellers, are held throughout the neighborhood. The concessions are open for the entire three-day event, and the lively atmosphere is a fantastic place to make friends and mingle in the brisk autumn air. This article originally appeared on the Ota-City.com website and is republished with permission.

Transportation in Ukiyo-e
2022-10-01 10:30 - 2022-10-26 17:30
Transportation is essential in our day-to-day lives, and this has been the case throughout history. During the Edo period in Japan, various methods of transport were utilized including people power, horses, and ships, with the latter having particular significance in modern-day Tokyo given the presence of Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. The importance of transport methods was also reflected in historical artworks, with individuals like Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai depicting logistics and transport in many of their ukiyo-e pieces. A special exhibition taking place at the Ota Memorial Museum explores a variety of them, with iconic prints like Hiroshige’s “Ferry Boat Crossing the Rokugo River” and “Nihonbashi Morning View” just a couple of the works to be displayed. Adult admission to the event is priced at ¥ 800.

TELL Tokyo Tower Climb
2022-10-01 07:30 - 2022-10-02 11:00
It’s time to climb to save a life. Participation in TELL’s Tokyo Tower Climb helps improve awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day, which is on September 10th. The climb of Tokyo’s iconic tower takes place around the awareness-raising day and acts as a fundraiser for the NPO group. Who is TELL? TELL is an NPO dedicated to providing counseling and support services to Japan’s international community. Not only that but they also address the country’s growing mental health care needs. Founded in 1973, TELL provides counseling and outreach services—by online chat or telephone—and helps thousands of people every year. The free, anonymous, and confidential system puts many at ease enough to seek the help that they need. Why climb Tokyo Tower? It’s simple. As an NPO, TELL needs donations to continue offering support and counseling for the people of Japan. The mental-health champion needs helpers to raise awareness and funds for their lifeline services.

Cosmos Season at Kinryu Park
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-16
Each year around the early October timeframe, Saga’s Kinryu Park is filled with the color of thousands of cosmos flowers in bloom. The park spans around 3.5 hectares, and the cosmos planted here include several different varieties and colors, too. One of the nicest things about a visit to this park is just how accessible it is – it’s connected to the Kinryu Service area, which is one of the rest stops along the Nagasaki Expressway. It’s a great way to break up a drive, stretch your legs, and appreciate the beauty of nature! Admission to the park is free of charge.

Cosmos Alley in Shinshiro, Aichi
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-16 | 西門 沢, Tomioka, Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1335, Japan, 西門 沢, Tomioka, Shinshiro, Aichi 441-1335, Japan, Tomioka, Aichi, 441-1335, Japan
Each year from around early to mid-October, Aichi’s Shinshiro Cosmos Alley is filled with the beauty of around 350,000 cosmos in bloom in numerous varieties. During the blooming season, they also hold a fun scarecrow competition here, with numerous amusing entrants on display. Visitors are able to pick a few of the cosmos flowers as a souvenir from their visit or try to make their way through a cosmos maze. There are typically numerous vendors selling food, drink, and local produce, and for those with dogs you’ll be pleased to know that the event is pet-friendly. Like all flower festivals, the dates can be subject to change depending on blooming conditions, so please visit the official website for confirmation closer to the season.

American Day in Misawa
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-15
Whether one hails from the States and misses good ol’ American burgers, or if one simply is curious as to how a day can be dedicated to American culture out in rural Japan, American Day is a great way to spend an afternoon. American Day is held annually about a week after Memorial Day, in the town of Misawa, in the northern prefecture of Aomori. It’s sponsored by the city’s International Club and the nearby American Air Force base, with the festivities leading right up to its gates. One can expect an entire day full of food vendors peddling real (as in big and delicious) hamburgers, hot dogs, and other stereotypical but on-the-money American food. The schedule of events differs from year to year. Still, the general flow consists of a marching band type parade in the morning, various games (such as tug-of-war), sports and cooking classes throughout the day, along with a rockin’ band playing (2014 had a Van Halen and Bon Jovi cover band!). Perhaps the most unique thing about the festival is the large number of foreigners present (presuming here that most come from the Air Force base). In northern Japan, it is a rare thing to see non-Japanese people about. On American Day, thousands of foreigners walk around creating a surreal environment. Of course, many Japanese participate as well, maybe drawn to it by the peculiarity of what American culture may be, or just wanting to see the rarity of it all. It creates an interesting splice between a small Japanese town and an ex-pat foreign community. In a way, it’s almost like an American-themed town one would find in an amusement park, save for the fact that everyone is real. Misawa’s population is 40,000, so it is a fairly small-sized town. It is surrounded by flat farming land, marshes, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Summers are hot and humid but nowhere near the likes of Tokyo while the winters are harsh and full of snow. Misawa would most likely be indistinguishable from all other small towns in Aomori if it were not for the presence of the American Air Force. Due to the large foreign community, one can find American food products, albeit expensive, in supermarkets. There’s even a fantastic Mexican restaurant ( Mike’s ) located behind the Sky Plaza ( the pinned location on the map). If you find yourself in Aomori during American Day, though it may not be the “traditional” Japanese culture you are looking to explore, it certainly is a unique “Japanese” celebration of a foreign culture, and it is worth an afternoon.

Czech Festival
2022-09-30 14:30 - 2022-10-02 18:00
The Czech Festival in Tokyo is Japan’s largest Czech-based event, and the multi-day affair includes a variety of ways to connect with this charming European country. There will be Czech products including accessories, character goods, toys, and books available to purchase, traditional Czech food and drinks on offer (including beer, wine, sausages, open sandwiches, stews, and more), music performances, tourism and culture information, and plenty more. The event takes place at the Adrift Shimokitazawa event complex, and admission is free of charge. Do note that the event hours for the 2022 festival differ from day to day if you’re planning on visiting: ⬇️ September 30th (Fri) from 2.30 pm – 8 pm October 1st (Sat) from 10 am – 8 pm October 2nd (Sun) from 10 am – 6 pm

Hokkaido Fair at Yoyogi
2022-09-29 10:00 - 2022-10-02 19:00
Running for over 30 years now, the Hokkaido Fair at Yoyogi is a multi-day event that brings some of the region’s foodie favorites to Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park. The prefecture is highly regarded for its food exports – especially its dairy products and seafood – and is the home of popular dishes like jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb barbecue), soup curry, kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), and Hokkaido ramen.
A combination of well-known, established restaurants and under-the-radar hidden gems will be sharing a host of popular Hokkaido foods at the event, with the full lineup to be confirmed on the official website closer to the start date.
Admission to the event itself is free, but bring yen for your food purchases.

Niseko Autumn Food Festival
2022-09-26 - 2022-10-09
Seasonal eating is great for a number of reasons – it’s fresher, cheaper, and more sustainable for our planet. The Niseko Autumn Food Festival celebrates this train of thought, and the event will include eighteen local restaurants and bars serving up a range of eats and drinks using autumnal produce. Along with the tastebud tempting goodies on offer, there will also be a variety of live stage performances during the four-day affair.

Manjushage Festival
2022-09-17 09:00 - 2022-10-02 16:30
This carpet of over 5,000,000 bright red spider lilies beside the Koma River made it to the list of the top 30 reasons to visit Japan or really, the top 30 most beautiful places in Japan. So remarkable, in fact, that the Emperor and Empress of Japan came last year to see it for themselves. The entrance fee of ¥300 allows you to walk amongst the flowers and enter the festival area with all-day stage events and food and souvenir booths. Previous Event
Activities
Manjushage Festival, Koma
For fifty weeks of the year, the town of Koma (just 50 km from Ikebukuro, Tokyo) could be just about anywhere in rural Japan

The Odaigahara Hill Climb
2022-09-11
Kami-Kitayama-mura in southeast Nara Prefecture has acres, hectares, and uninterrupted square miles of unsullied mountain, valley, and river nature and a population of between just 500 and 600 people. For a tiny rural village, though, Kami-Kitayama-mura does know how to hold a big event. Making use of the mountainous Odaigahara area and the roads that access it, Kami-Kitayama-mura has held the Odaigahara Hill Climb Bike Race every September since 2001. With a 28-kilometer (~17.5 miles) course that climbs 1240 meters (~4067 feet) over the middle 8-kilometer (5-mile) stretch, a finish line at nearly 1600 meters (a full mile) in elevation, and time limits established for completing the event (and each section of the course), the Odaigahara Hill Climb draws so many people that the organizers have to cap participation at 800. The participation of a small number of foreign riders in recent years inspired Kami-Kitayama-mura to give the event a more international feel. Watch the Odaigahara Hill Climb To encourage the participation of more foreign riders, Kami-Kitayama-mura has created an English page on the website for the Odaigahara Hill Climb and offers special perks to foreign participants. Event Report, 2015: The burning in my legs throbbed and faded with every pedal stroke. After a short walking and water break I settled back into the pace I knew I could maintain for the remainder of the Odaigahara Hill Climb’s punishing 8km Geki-zaka hill climb section. The road narrowed and disappeared into a stand of cedar trees, but I could see that the slope slackened and perhaps leveled out. I stood up and pedaled harder and climbed to the trees. The road did level out, and not only that, there was a stretch of downhill before the next short slope. Elation burst from within, I had reached the top of the Geki-zaka! The hardest part of the Odaigahara Hill Climb was behind me. Energy surged without my having to command it and I pedaled hard to pick up speed down the short slope. Pain erupted suddenly, a muscle spasm in my left calf, nearly causing me to tip over and fall off the bike as I struggled to unclick my foot from the pedal, scrub the speed I’d just built up, and avoid crashing into the trees. My Japanese is quite strong, but there was enough written information in English and a native English speaker on hand at the reception and sign-in event in Kami-Kitayama-mura the day before the race. The friendliness of the staff and a festival food stall lent the sign-in venue a festival feel. English disappeared completely from the events at the starting zone the evening before the race, but the full-on Japanese mountain festival that took place made up for that. Live music performed by a band from Osaka and a talk/comedy show performed by local women and minor celebrities from the Kansai area were the evening’s entertainment. Deer and wild boar meat, along with the usual festival favorites were provided by the food stall (race participants received a ￥500 food coupon to use at the stand), and a fireworks display completed the night’s events. The events of the Odaigahara Hill Climb start early in the morning with rider check-in and baggage storage beginning at 5:30 am, and assembling on the starting grid beginning at 6:10. The riders are divided into 6 classes (Champion, Mountain Bike, Ladies, Couples, Regular Road and Kids) and 8 groups (Champion; MTB, Ladies and Couples; Regular Road Groups 1-5; and Kids), and each group is given the “Go” in 2-minute intervals starting at 7 o’clock. The first 10 kilometers along the mostly flat Kotochi River were easy, and the morning light shining through the mist and bouncing off the trees and river was beautiful. The going got brutal from the start of the Geki-zaka, the 8-kilometer long, 9.3% average grade mountain climb in the middle of the course. The organizers of the Odaigahara Hill Climb place several rehydration and aid stations along the course but the spacing places them near the top of the Geki-zaka and along the final 10.5-kilometer stretch to the goal. Having at least one further down the Geki-zaka could make the climb much easier. Once riders reach the top of the Geki-zaka there’s a 10.5-kilometer run along the undulating Odaigahara Driveway to the top of the slope above the Odaigahara Parking lot. There are a few very fast downhill bits near the top of the Geki-zaka and along the Odaigahara Driveway but the race is an uphill battle and all the more rewarding for it. The prospect of running the race was daunting to me at first and I was fairly certain I wasn’t going to enjoy it, but the sense of accomplishment at succeeding and the “runner’s high” the event left me with were well worth it. My only regret is that I have to wait till next year to run the race again! Got what it takes to challenge a mountain? Happy travels!

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Sendai
2022-09-10 10:00 - 2022-09-11 18:00 | Sendai City Center, Sendai City Center, Sendai, Sendai, Japan
Jazz music is not everyone’s cup of green tea, so it was quite a shock to discover that the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is one of Sendai’s biggest annual events. Starting back in 1987 on a department store stage, the festival soon moved outdoors into the streets. In recent years the growing festivities have assaulted the entire city with more than forty stages, hundreds of performers, and thousands of visitors. And here’s a secret: all kinds of music from rock, pop, gospel, Latin (you name it and they’ve got it) are performed—not just jazz. It is one of the most unique music festivals in Japan, and it’s all free!!! Looking at a map of the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival can be at first a bit overwhelming. While the event is always held two days over a weekend in September and the number of stages or their locations can change slightly each year, the hardest choice of the day is where to go. Stages stretch from few and far between around Tsutsujigaoka Park (one station away from Sendai station), through the main shopping arcade and pedestrian mall, all the way down to the main stages and headquarters of Kotaikoen Park. A long detour leads down Jozenji Street, from which the festival borrows its name. Jozenji Street is lined with large and beautiful Zelkova trees. The street is a symbol of the city. It stretches down to Nishikoen Park which hosts a flea market and World Kitchen area to sample international cuisine. Walking the entire course would take more than an hour. If it still hasn’t sunk in yet, the festival is huge! Two days might not even be enough to enjoy it all. Of course, do try to attend bands or genres of music you are interested in, but fill in any downtime by following your ears. Most travelers and locals get their jazz on by first starting at Sendai Station. Some people opt to go see the six or so stages behind the station and clustered in Tsutsujigaoka Park. Even if it is your first time in Sendai, it isn’t hard to find your way around. The event has an army of volunteers as well as hired security guards that move you in the right direction. It won’t be long until you start hearing music. You will be hearing it all day. The stages are set just far enough apart so that one performance does not interfere with another but just close enough so that visitors never experience silence. Smaller stages are placed along the center or edges of the covered shopping arcades (which provide great acoustics). These stages may only have one or two performers with a crowd of fewer than fifty people. It is nice knowing that a festival this large can still provide such intimate moments between musician and audience. Pass a few folk song artists and a blues performer (singing in English!) and you might hear angels. It’s a gospel choir singing from a second-floor balcony bridging over the mall walkway! This was a huge hit last year. Next, your friend pulls your sleeve towards the blaring of a trumpet. A small stage inside a store provides perfect acoustics. You just never know where the next stage will be. It’s all part of the fun. As the festival picks up energy the crowds get bigger and the music louder. Huge stages capable of hosting a few hundred people each center around Kotaikoen Park (located right outside Kotaikoen station, less than 10 minutes via subway from Sendai station). Even bigger performances occur during night performances which start around six in the evening. Japanese rock bands, a Japanese version of the Beatles(?), and Japanese taiko drumming kept the crowds moving until late in the evening. The Jozenji Street Jazz Festival is something every music lover needs to attend. Although not all performers are big superstars, all are very good at what they do. Pride is on the line and all performers give their best and sound great! Fun for everyone in a beautiful backdrop of greenery along with a free price tag means it is almost impossible not to have a good time.

Echigo Winery Grape Festival
2022-09-10 10:00 - 2022-09-11 15:30
In a region of Niigata which is perhaps better known for sake, it may come as a surprise to find a working winery. Echigo Winery produces a range of different beverages, including red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and rosé, and they host an annual grape festival that is suitable for the entire family. Held at the winery premises and the neighboring Yairo no Mori Park, there are plenty of enjoyable activities for all age groups, including grape picking, outdoor stage performances, and lots of food and beverages for sale. The staff at the festival are diligent in ensuring that alcohol isn’t served to anyone underage or those who are driving, so if you do plan on attending it is advisable to have a designated driver or to utilize public transportation to get to the venue.

The Hanamaki Festival
2022-09-10 - 2022-09-11
The Hanamaki Festival is one of the 3 biggest in Iwate, the other 2 being Sansa Odori in Morioka and the Mizusawa Festival in Oshuu. The streets of downtown Hanamaki are usually rather quiet but for 3 days in September, they come to life with hundreds of floats and portable shrines. People of all ages participate in the fun from elementary school children to adults. There are many side activities as well during the festival. The festival is held in honor of Nobuchika Kita 1523-1613, the founder of Hanamaki, the festival started at the end of the 16th century. The festival has been held annually since. The festivities start around 17:00 on the second Friday of September until 21:00, on Saturday, it starts at noon and runs until 21:00 also. On the last day, Sunday, it starts at noon and ends at 19:00. During that time, you’ll see elaborately decorated floats featuring some ancient folk tales or historical events. It takes a couple of months to build the floats mostly made of paper-mâché; they have to be built to withstand the rain (it often rains during the festival). Many floats have live flames shooting out at several places; they are very impressive at night! All Junior High Schools are represented with a portable shrine (“mikoshi” in Japanese) in the parade, and there is fierce competition among the teams to impress the crowds. Most neighborhoods are represented by a float as well. A typical float has young children at the front playing the flute, next older children playing the shamisen, and adults at the back playing the drums. The melody played originated in Kyoto several centuries ago. There are also smaller portable shrines paraded through the streets of each neighborhood earlier in the day. All schools finish at noon on the Friday of the festival to allow children to participate in the parades. Each float is an absolute work of art; they are the main attraction of the festival. Another great feature of the festival is the Kagura Deer Dancers; there are several versions around Iwate but here the dancers are covered in deer-like costumes and perform drum dances on Kamicho (上町 – the main street where the festival takes place). Perpendicular to Kamicho is Toyosawa-cho, the street where all the food stalls and other vendors are located. You can find the usual festival foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, udon, cotton candy, and more. Each year new ones are being tried. You can also find all kinds of toys, goldfish, and some arts and crafts on sale on that street.

Lantern Festival in Nozawa Onsen
2022-09-08 09:00 - 2022-09-09 23:00
Each year, on the 8th and 9th of September, Nozawa Onsen comes alive for the amazing Lantern Festival. Festivals are something that Nozawa Onsen village does well and while January’s Fire Festival may get all the hype due to coinciding with plenty of powder snow, September’s Lantern Festival is a local favorite and a great chance to explore Nagano in early Autumn. September 8th During the early evening on September 8th, Oyu Dori (Nozawa’s main street) springs to life with street vendors and a parade featuring drums, flute players, dancing, and an age-old Japanese folk pantomime. Being the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, the performance is said to dispel evil in favor of good luck while ensuring a bountiful rice harvest. All the while, villagers and tourists can enjoy themselves as the sake flows. September 9th On the 9th, the men in their “Yaku” (bad luck) years, shake off their hangovers and carry a heavy “Omikoshi” through the village. The villagers donate bottles of sake to the action taking place which not only adds to the spectacle but also the time it takes for the men to complete their mission of carrying the Omikoshi to the Shrine. Everybody is on hand to cheer them on and help them up the stairs of the Shrine around sunset. All in all, it’s a magic time to be in the village. Get your friends together and escape the city for a taste of traditional culture and friendly locals. If you happen to know someone visiting Japan over the weekend of the 8th & 9th of September, make sure to let them know. Nozawa Holidays are doing a cheap 2-night package at Villa Nozawa but of course, you can always extend it. 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (shared bathroom), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥9,000pp 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (ensuite room), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥13,000pp 2-night stay at Villa Nozawa (shared room), free use of public onsens, kitchen available to use; ¥6,000pp There are also some self-contained options available at Nozawa Central, Nozawa House, and Harvest House. Please feel free to contact Nozawa Holidays with any questions at stay@nozawaholidays.com. Nozawa Onsen Nozawa is now world-renowned for its “Powder Snow” in Winter and is one of the top ski resorts in Japan. However, it is also a magic little mountain village to visit in the “Green Season”, not just for this festival but any time from April to November when the snow returns. Some of the great outdoor activities to explore include: Hiking Mountain biking – rent a bike from 2000 yen a day Kayaking, stand-up paddle and rafting Yoga and Meditation Golf, Tennis, Soccer Relaxing in an onsen Accommodation rates during that time are as low as 3000 yen per person per night. Here is a link to more details https://www.nozawaholidays.com/summer-nozawa-green-season/ Nozawa Holidays’ yoga retreat is coming up in August and October. Spots are limited. https://www.nozawaholidays.com/yoga-retreat “

Mount Fuji Long Ride
2022-09-01 - 2022-09-15
Considered one of Japan’s premier cycling events the iconic, annual Mount Fuji Long Ride event invites cycling veterans and beginners alike to the foothills of Yamanashi to cycle around the Fuji Five Lakes region in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Part of the Tour de Nippon circuit of rides that takes place across Japan throughout the year, the Mount Fuji Long Ride takes place every September and attracts riders from all over Japan. From lakeside views of Mount Fuji to the cover of the forest canopy, the course promises a fun-filled and adrenaline-packed ride, no matter your skill level. Three courses ensure the event (not technically a race) remains open to all. For advanced cyclists, embark on a 130 km ride around all Five Fuji Lakes. As an intermediate cyclist, you can choose the 60 km ride around Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi. Lastly, if you are looking for a relaxed course, as a beginner cyclist, set out on the 30 km course around Lake Yamanaka and scenic Oshino Village.
Photo: Mt Fuji Long Ride
The event starts and finishes along the southern shore of Lake Yamanaka, with the start-line providing a magnificent, Instagram-friendly glimpse of Mount Fuji on the horizon – with the sun out, it’s the perfect start to the ride and—along with Yamanashi’s idyllic landscape—will surely keep spirits high well into the first 10 km! Some well-timed aid stations along the course go beyond just providing a welcome respite from the late summer heat, by offering a taste of local Yamanashi fare, including a Houtou stew of flat udon noodles, with nutrition-packed snacks and drinks being prepared and sourced locally to keep the legions of exhausted riders going. All drinks and foods along the course are included with registration.
Participation fees for the three courses are ¥9000 for the 130km, ¥6000 for the 60 km, and ¥4000 for the 30 km course. The rental bicycle fee is ¥5400 including equipment such as helmets and gloves. Be sure to pick up your completion certificate with time at the end of the race. There are light food and drink selections offered once finished as well as a few paid food and drink stands in the area. If you came in a group there is plenty of space to sit down, enjoy the mountain air, and communicate with locals while you wait for everyone to finish. Last year local university students set up a free massage tent although each year the arrangements differ. Please note that attendees must register in advance with a registration deadline of August 19th.
Mt. Fuji Long Ride Bike Tour Mount Fuji Long Ride represents a great opportunity for those looking for a way to experience Japan’s countryside. The event is perfectly suited to both foreign residents and tourists alike – who can even sign up for a bike tour for this year’s event, held on September 9th, while stopping by along the route to discover some local spots like the Ninja Village at Oshino Shinobino Sato. Cycling enthusiasts can also book their place at the standard Fuji cycling event through Japan Travel as well. Time Description 8:00 am Group arrival at the venue 8:00 am ~ 9:00 am Rental bicycle and gear fitting 9:00 am 60 km course start 10:00 am 30 km course start 5:00 pm Goal time limit
Types of Bicycles Mount Fuji Long Ride provides a variety of rental bikes available to accommodate children and adults. Road Bikes Maker / Model Variable Height Size Felt / Verb Elite 145 ~ 155cm 430mm Felt / FR60 150 ~ 165cm 470mm Wachsen / Stahl BSR-70 165 ~ 173cm 520mm Felt / FR60 170 ~ 185cm 540mm Mountain Bikes Maker / Model Variable Height Size AGGRESSOR2.0 /GT 135～150cm XS AVALANCHE Women / GT 135～150cm XS AGGRESSOR2.0 / GT 140～155cm S Escape8.1 / HERO 140～160cm 13.5 Women Pro / Mongoose 140～180cm Pro / Mongoose 145～160cm S AVALANCHE Sports / GT 150～165cm S Escape8.1 / HERO 155～170cm 15.5 ANCHOR SportsXR700 / Bridgestone 160～170cm AVALANCHE 3.0 / GT 160～175cm M PANTERA COMP / GT 160～180cm S AVALANCHE Sports / GT 165～175cm M Pro / Mongoose 165～185cm M ZASKAR / GT 170～185cm L KARAKORAM COMP29 / GT 170～190cm L Escape8.1 / HERO 170～200cm 19.5 AVALANCHE / GT 175～200cm XL
Photo: Mt Fuji Long Ride

Snow Machine Hakuba
2022-09-01 - 2022-09-15
Snow Machine came to Japan in 2019! Being the first-ever major winter music festival being held on a Japanese ski field. Snow Machine, a sister festival of the popular Australian “Wine Machine” is organized by Australia-based Falcona and Hakuba.com. About Hakuba The Hakuba Valley sits 250km west of Tokyo in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It’s the most popular ski area in Honshu and hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. The Valley consists of 10 resorts accessible with the same lift pass. Festival Venues The festival will have multiple stages throughout the Hakuba Valley, including stages on the resort, the main stage in the Happo-One Village, and late-night stages at venues throughout the three main villages, Happo, Echoland, and Wadano. How to Buy Tickets Festival tickets are currently being sold at Snow-Machine.com and include accommodation and lift passes to three of the best resorts in the Valley. Guest can customize their packages by choosing various types of accommodation, additional services such as lessons and ski hire, and can even book flights through the festival organizers. Event Report Snow Machine Lineup Snow Machine will feature huge Australian names such as Peking Duk, Hermitude, MC Lilly, The Jungle Giants, Client Liasion, and more! Popular Japanese artists performing at Snow Machine include Kenji Takimi, DJ Kentaro, and Shinichi Osawa. A Look at Last Season: Music in Hakuba Last year, Hakuba.com hosted Tom Tilley and Hugo Gruzman, Hot Dub Time Machine, and Hayden James for three separate shows throughout the winter season. The artists all performed multiple performances at various venues giving fans several intimate snow-filled dance parties. Building on the success of last year, the ski town of Hakuba will open its doors to some of the most popular Australian and Japanese artists over 4 days. The festival is sure to be a huge draw for snow lovers in Japan and around the world.

Shosan-ji Summer Festival
2022-08-30 18:00 - 21:00
Inside the temple grounds are food stalls with grilled food, including grilled squid, and lanterns light the path leading to the temple. The temple grounds have a different atmosphere than usual, with groups of families gathering for this special event. August 30th is the Buddhist memorial service at Shousan-ji, which is the 12th temple out of 88 on a pilgrimage route in Shikoku. This area also hosts the Awa Odori Festival and other traditional bon dances. Not only can you watch this festival, but you can also participate. When the main portion of the festival finishes, there is a karaoke event followed by fireworks. The fireworks burst in the sky, which is so vast that it seems to swallow the small temple. Shooting off only 150 fireworks, this festival may seem small in comparison to others, but the the grandeur cannot be matched. This event ends just as the month of September starts, marking the time when the leaves start to change colors, giving the mountains vibrant fall colors.

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
2022-08-27 19:30 - 20:30
An excited crowd clad in their best Yukatas, the smell of grilled sausages from the street vendors, sounds of excitement and thrill from kids sitting on their parent’s shoulders, anxiously waiting for the next masterpiece painted on the dark summer sky. Held on the first Saturday of August every year, the annual Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is ranked among the top 10 most popular fireworks in the Kansai region, and this is indeed one of the most awaited events in Osaka. This event started in 1989 and has close to 500,000 people watching the massive display of fireworks. You’ll be awed by the creativity of firework craftsmen who designed the various fireworks that decorate the dark summer sky. Together with the crowds who came from all over Japan, you are connected for that moment, like you are a part of a big family, eagerly waiting for the next launch of firework into the sky. You can see the fireworks from many different places if you want to enjoy the rare experience of being totally immersed in the Japanese festive mood; I personally recommend you sit by Yodogawa on either side with the sweaty packed crowd. All the uneasiness of being sardined in the crowd of the night just disappears when you see children clapping their hands and stamping their little feet with every firework released. The fireworks start at slightly before 8 pm but to beat the crowd and get yourself a good spot, I would urge you to come to reserve your place at least one or 2 hours before. Come earlier to be delighted by the unique Japanese festival food and picnic by the river. If you want to be sure of a spectacular view, there are also reserved seats with tickets priced at 2,500 yen for a standing seat, and up to 8,000 yen per person for a seat complete with a bento picnic box and chilled drinks. My personal favorites are the fireworks that flow like waterfalls from the sky. I also like special that portrays famous Japanese comic characters of Hello Kitty and Doraemon. Look out, especially for the climax of the day — with non-stop shots of the sky that lasts about 10 seconds. The night feels like daylight and you will surely be moved by the 50 minutes long gigantic panorama of the summer sky.

Omagari Hanabi
2022-08-27 19:00 - 20:30
Described by Lonely Planet as Japan’s Olympics of fireworks, the Omagari Hanabi has a history spanning more than a century. The best pyrotechnicians from around the country gather in the city of Daisen, Akita Prefecture, to show off their skills with an array of incredible firework displays set to music. The overall winner of the event receives the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award, which is only given at one other fireworks event – the Tsuchiura Fireworks Festival in Ibaraki. The event draws in hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, so anticipate crowds if you plan to attend.

Takasaki Kannon Lantern Festival
2022-08-27 17:00 - 21:00
Follow the giant footsteps carved into the ground to the top of the mountain, where the landmark Kannonyama stands majestic, watching over the city of Takasaki. From here you can look out on the entire city, the mountains a constant backdrop in the distance. Be careful not to visit the statue with a partner or someone who might have future potential, for legend has it that to view the statue together ensures the relationship will end in a jealous doom. On the evening of this festival, thousands of candles are lovingly arranged all the way along the walkway to the top, guiding you through the dark to where musicians, dancers, and food stalls await to entertain you. Lanterns shaped into hearts, archways of candles, and lights illuminating the statue around the base make this an excellent place to come for a relaxing evening with friends. I’d advise you not to eat before you to turn up as the festival’s food stalls are above and beyond the kinds of fare found at your average street festival. Mouthwatering Turkish kebabs, Gunma’s famous yaki-Manju (bread fried with a sweet miso paste), and a strange range of gelato flavors are all available, with benches overlooking the city to sit and chow down on. The festival is held every 4th day of August. A shuttle bus runs from outside of Takasaki station’s west exit directly to the top of the mountain where the festival is held and takes under ten minutes. You’ll have to wait until the sun begins to go down for the candles to be lit, but if you arrive early then I recommend climbing the inside of the statue and peeking out from one of her viewpoints for a glorious birds-ey view of the city.

Niwaka Lantern Festival
2022-08-27
You might have heard of Kiriko in Wajima but do you know Niwaka? A procession of colorfully painted floats marks the end of summer in Ukawa, a fishermen’s village on the Noto Peninsula. This is the time when the locals give thanks to the gods for a good fishing season. Like many summer festivals in Japan, this festival is related to the local shrine, Sugahara Shrine, and the whole local community is involved. Niwaka is a type of Kiriko lantern. Whereas Kiriko is long and slim in Wajima, Niwaka in Ukawa Village, now part of Noto Town in Oku Noto, are more roundish (7m x 5m) and they feature colorful paintings. In particular, Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is prayed to for a good catch and an accident-free season. Locals say that Benzaiten selects one of the warriors painted on the Niwaka during the climax of the festival in front of the Benzaiten Shrine which is a taiko competition that lasts from midnight until 3 am. The story goes that Niwaka, which literally means “unexpected”, was built and decorated by locals in Ukawa Village when they expected Lord Maeda, the daimyo (over-lord) for this area. The Maeda Clan was one of the most powerful samurai clans in Japan during the Edo Period (feudal period). They were the Daimyo of Kaga Domain, nowadays part of Ishikawa Prefecture, and they had their castle in Kanazawa. In the middle of the 19th century Lord Maeda, the 13th was on his round of inspections and passed through the area when the locals held their annual “harvest celebrations”, a festival that is reaching back about 400 years. They wanted to surprise their Lord and created these large, colorful lanterns. The lanterns are decorated with paintings of warriors. The criteria for choosing the motif are to depict powerful and handsome warriors. The Niwaka have painted anew every year. It takes two months to complete the painting. Each is a piece of folk art. Currently, there are nine Niwaka. Initially, it was just two wards in this community, but now there are nine wards engaged, hence, nine Niwaka. The ward leader decides what the painting should on the lantern be each year. Next local boys and girls in typical festival outfits gather near the Niwaka. They take turns beating taiko drums for a while for spectators to enjoy. Around 8 pm the locals enjoy fireworks that brighten up the night sky just behind the shrine. The fireworks add even more light and atmosphere to the place where the colorful, illuminated Niwaka wait to be taken around. After the fireworks, the procession of Niwaka starts at around 9 pm, and it continues until the early morning around 3 am. The large cards and lanterns are moved one by one past the shrine and then in the opposite direction along the small roads of the village. While the starting point was Sugahara Shrine, the finishing point is Kawase Shrine. Niwaka Matsuri takes place every year on the fourth Saturday in August. Preparations are going on throughout the day, but celebrations begin after dark. The nine Niwaka are lined up in front of Sugahara Shrine. Each Niwaka consists of a movable wooden base with wheels and a large lantern on it. The doors and windows of many traditional townhouses are open and visitors can observe the locals enjoying dinner with family members and friends. Walking through the village one can feel a jolly and exciting atmosphere building up. During the procession, the inhabitants of the houses come out and join in or sit in front of the houses to watch the spectacle. There are about 4,500 inhabitants in Ukawa and about 2,000 guests join the festival each year. Compared to many other summer festivals in Japan, the Niwaka Festival is very local and most of the attendants are members of the community and friends rather than guests. With no big crowds like elsewhere, and the Niwaka fireworks close up, this festival is truly a unique experience for foreigners to witness.

Okutsuhime Shrine Festival in Wajima
2022-08-25 - 2022-08-28
Young men dressed in women’s clothes and with make-up on their faces carry a portable shrine into the ocean at Sodegahama Beach. Then small children on shore pull long ropes attached to the shrine back and forth. This is the Okutsuhime Shrine Festival, the first in a series of four shrine festivals in Wajima. What a spectacle to watch; full of excitement and great fun. Late summer is a perfect time to visit the Wajima area of the Noto Peninsula to enjoy some great spectacles at the Wajima Grand Festivals. Yes, it is not one but four festivals related to local shrines that take place from August 22 to 25 each year. The festive activities start with the Okutsuhime Shrine Festival. Here is the legend that gave reason to this festival: A Shinto God-Princess (hime means princess in Japanese) lived on Hegura Island about 50 km off the coast of the Noto Peninsula, Her Shinto God-Prince lived on the land in Wajima. They were very much in love but sadly, they were allowed to meet only once a year. The fisherman of Wajima wanted to help the lovers find each other by carrying giant lanterns to brighten the night. Giant candles became giant lanterns (kikiro) in the shape of votive candles. Well, it has been said that they get intimate, and the meeting of the two results in the birth of a new god. Where there is love, there is jealousy. The God-Prince got jealous of the young, healthy local men who carried the portable shrine (mikoshi) with the God-Princess. To attract the wrath of a Shinto God is a terrible thing. Hence, the local men started to dress as women and wore make-up like women. They still do this to this day making for a fun atmosphere. After the Shinto ritual, a group of local children and teenagers perform a vigorous taiko drumming show. The mikoshi is carried from Okutsuhime Shrine to Sodegahama Beach, where a Shinto priest conducts a purification ritual before the shrine enters the water of the ocean. Then the action starts for good: the young men carry the shrine down the beach lined to both sides by local noblemen, then through a Shinto gate and into the water of the ocean. A rope is attached to the mikoshi which is held by young children who aim to prevent the men from entering the water. Like this, the mikoshi is carried in and out of the ocean many times, until finally it is taken back ashore and brought to a temporary shrine for one night. The locals must enjoy this fun event a lot because they repeat it a second time the following day. Let legend by legend, the locals celebrate this shrine festival at the end of the fishing season to say thank you to the Shinto-Gods (kami-sama) for helping them to catch a lot of fish, stay accident-free, and bring good fortune to their homes. If you want to search for the princess, then make a trip to Hegura Island! It is just 2 km by 1 km in size and less than 100 people live there. A ferry takes locals and guests from Wajima Port to Hegura Port in 1h30min. Beware! There is only one ferry in the morning going to the island and one ferry in the evening coming back to Wajima. What to do if you get bored of princess hunt? Locals say that Hegura Island is a good spot for angling and bird-watching!

Shinjo Matsuri
2022-08-24 08:30 - 2022-08-26 20:00
Shinjo City in Yamagata is proudly home to Shinjo Matsuri, which is arguably the best festival in Tohoku. This festival, with its history of 250 years, is celebrated from August 24th to 26th every year and consists of city-wide parades of giant floats, each depicting a story, over three days. It is also remarkable for hosting over 400 stalls selling food, drink, toys, and even turtles.

Anamori Inari Shrine Lantern Festival
2022-08-23 18:00 - 2022-08-25 22:00
Every year in late August, the parishioners of Anamori Inari Shrine In Ota City join the priests and their attendants to light handmade lanterns, asking Inari-sama, the god of rice, for the granting of wishes. The lanterns which bear images made by children and adults alike are set up on the day of the festival. Illustrations of kabuki actors and interpretations of ukiyo-e prints hang next to popular characters and naive landscape paintings. Parishioners and visitors gather around sunset for a Shinto ceremony in the sanctuary before the lantern lighting. The female shrine attendants in red hakama trousers and local elders distribute candles to each person and direct them to make their wishes at the opened sanctuary. One by one, each person takes a turn to light the 300 or so lanterns. Despite being part of vast urban Tokyo, the festival has a hometown feel, and the parishioners welcome everybody to join the festivities. Just like any small neighborhood festival, the evening is whiled away with children’s dance performances to pop music followed by more traditional drumming and dancing. And eating. Stay around a while and have yakisoba and drinks at the food stalls.
