2000 yen for 2 kg.

Share/Bookmark

After a tough week, turned out to this small matsuri (祭り = Festival) in support of some friend’s kids, who were performing in the parade and live stage. Like all festivals in Japan, these community building events are a buzzing display of local food, culture and entertainment.

Quickly grabbing a glance at the parade route online, made it just in time to grab a spot on the side of the road to take a few snaps. Highly professional performances, fine tuned over weeks of practise, made up the parade. My friend’s kids dancing school act was no exception in the 28 degree heat.

Satsuki Matsuri(さつき祭り), meaning the May Festival is held before the start of the rainy season in Japan. Regular festival food is served from the numerous stalls all supporting local organisations. Personally I had a not so healthy lunch comprising of squid, sausage, fried chicken, french fries, all washed down with sprite and Japanese rice tea.

After lunch sat down to watch the stage acts whilst catching up with friends. At 3pm, it was time for the dance school’s stage performance.

After saying good byes, it was back home to nurse my sunburnt arms and neck, something that hasn’t had to be done the last five years.

On a side note (for the camera people), the amount of camera gear being wielded by amateurs was unbelievable. My view finder would be obstructed by men in the 70′s and 80′s with 1D MKIIs with 70-200 2.8s on more than a few occasions. It confirmed my suspicions that there are many camera mad Japanese. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t make me stand out at all when pulling out my 30D.

Share/Bookmark

With unexpected good weather over this weekend, a drive out into the “country” was decided on. Heading north, the destination soon became Sera (世羅), in particular, せら夢公園 (SeraYumeKouenn – Sera Dream Park). This particular park funded by Japanese taxpayer dollars, is in the middle of nowhere. The roads leading to the park are new and wide supporting crowds of people from all over the ken. Officially opened in early April 2006, after an initial visit last year whilst my parents were visiting, this second time out did not disappoint.

Apart from an abundance amusing play equipment, of particular interest is the fog “generator”. On every hour and half hour a fine spray of water is emitted from under the metal grating emulating fog. It was discovered that staying in there for too long will result in damp hair and clothes. Apart from blowing the fog away, the cool wind blowing today also resulted in ice forming on the skin. This made for a refreshing break from the midday sun.

In order to promote the town of Sera and its local produce, located on the site are restaraunts and small stores selling all types of food, including Sera beef. Our group paid particular interest in the locally produced wine that is on display and available for free tasting at the relatively large wine store.

Although not a “main” tourist attraction by any means, if you have the time and means (and the weather forecast is positive), a pleasant drive in the Japanese countryside to wide open spaces it a great way to spend a Sunday with family/friends.

Share/Bookmark

If all goes according to plan, will be adding some details of some recent events (April/May) over the next week or so.

Share/Bookmark