The countdown is on . . . the big one . . . we are off to Japan!!!! at the end of July. My posts leading up to departure date will show some of the memories and memorabilia I gathered last time I was there.
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| O-kunchi festival, Karatsu |
O-kunchi is a fantastic festival in Karatsu, Kyushu. It is an autumn festival that takes place over 3 days, usually in November. The photos above are from the third night of the festival when teams dressed in the traditional uniforms of Edo Period (1603-1868) firefighters pull huge floats through the town. It's a wondrous sight with lots of colour, activity and music. A truly Japanese experience. There was a great atmosphere in the town. I was lucky enough to stay with some local people who invite all their friends to stay for the festival. They put on a hugh banquet and lay countless futons out for people to sleep on.
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| Penguin cups - awaiting firing |
