Ichimiya Star Festival

Trip Start Jul 26, 2008
1
12
Trip End Aug 03, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
My Place
(Osaka hotels)

Flag of Japan  ,
Saturday, July 26, 2008

After travelling more than 30 countries around the world, I realized I didn't know much about my country. Ichimiya, where one of the grandest Star Festival is held, is the thrid largest city in Aichi-ken prefecture and only one hour train ride from my hometown. However I had not been there before, because it was not attractive except during the festival. I visited Sendai, where the most famous Star Festival is held, about ten years agoand enjoyed the colorfully decorated city arcade. So I expected the same thing from Ichimiya, too.

The main arcade was beautiful with streamers and strips of wishes. When I tried to take a picture of my mom at the entrace of the arcade, a kind senior offered to take a picture of us. I would not have trusted the guy, if it had happened in a foreign country, but there was no problem at all in Japan. After that, we strolled along the arcade, taking some pictues, and stayed there for one hour. The strips of wishes written by kindergarten kids were hanged around there. After 15 minutes, the dedicatory procession started and it was the most important part of the festival. They marched to a shrine in traditional outfits, carring dedicatory woven goods. It was beautiful, but finished in 5 minutes.

On our way back to the train station, we passed by a lot of food stalls. Some stalls were selling yakitori, octpus balls, grilled corns, or shaved ice; others were goldfish scooping stalls or shooting galleries. I happened to find an iced cucumber stall there. It was interesting, but somehow nobody approached the stall. It may have been too traditional to attract visiters.

Come to think of it, I like Asian festivals and although I have joined them including Japanese ones a lot of times, I still can enjoy them more than Eurpopean ones. I guess the taste must run in my blood. As a result, the star festival was very typical, but I fully enjoyed it after a long time, especially now after a long trip to Europe.

Additional Note
On the same day, Tsushima Tenno Festival was held.
Slideshow Print this entry