Summer's Arrived

It was the proper start of Summer here in Japan this past weekend. Unfortunately, I went to both events straight after work, at the last minute, so no photos of my own. You'll have to make do with the few I found online and, frankly, they're rubbish. But it's better than a poke in the eye.

On Saturday, I went back to Yasukuni Shrine/Kudanshita where that huge gate is, for Yasukini Mitama - one of the big festivals (matsuri) in Tokyo. The place was packed, with lanterns, market stalls and a parade the whole way along the stretch from the gate to the shrine. Really good atmosphere with many Japanese people dancing and wearing yukata (summer kimono).



On Sunday, I went down to Yokohama - renowned for its fireworks displays. And they were incredible - smiley faces, hearts, famous cartoon characters, firefly-like explosions that would shoot in the air, 100 at a time, and then all wiggle around. Not sure how they did it, but they were so impressive.