Fussa is the town right outside the gate here, and they hold quite a large tanabata festival every August. The kids and I spent alot of the day one Friday just wandering around enjoying the atmosphere.
It was a beautiful afternoon, and the temperatures were in the eighties, a welcome reprieve from the 100+ temperatures we have been having as of late.
These streamers were everywhere, and the kids loved playing in them...
Wishes on the streamers...
At every festival, they bring out their 'gods' from the shrines and bring them down the streets in a parade. Its quite a spectacle of chanting, dancing and singing.
Its nothing like a American parade, and the children were not sure what to think
Young and
the old participate...
the airmen on base bring their shrine of sake or alcohol to lend our local contribution...
happy participation...
Spectator number 3
Perhaps the highlight of the day was finding watermelon sold by the slice for a dollar. Considering the out of this world prices for it here, it was the first watermelon we have had in almost a year. We devoured it.
Traditional festival food of fish on a stick and mochi
Traditional dancers
Loved the colorful yukata
Evening ambiance...
Until next year...
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