Author Archives: Da✿

The Lake Biwa Fireworks びわ湖大花火大会 This is named as one of the greatest fireworks in Japan, there’s around 10,000 fireworks and around 35,000 people flocks to admire the beautifully arranged fireworks each year. It’s also well appraised by many photographers as the fireworks make a lovely mirror effect over Lake Biwa. Address: Vicinity of OtsuContinue reading “2019aug8 • Lake Biwa Fireworks”

Shijo-kasa-hoko 四条傘鉾 This float features a parasol framed with dyed fabric decorations, and is accompanied by young stick-twirlers and musicians during the Gion festival procession. In addition, this float is a unique for having originated before the Onin Wars (1467-1477), and is believed to be a prototype of the other Gion festival floats. Though repeatedlyContinue reading “2019jul16 • Gion Matsuri • Shijo-kasa-hoko 四条傘鉾”

Ayagasa-hoko 綾傘鉾 This is one of the parasol-type floats that are regarded as a prototype of the Gion-Festival floats. This float features a large parasol, and is accompanied by divine messenger boys known as “Chigo”, and a troop of musicians and stick twirlers during the parade. The members who accompany this float during the paradeContinue reading “2019jul16 • Gion Matsuri • Ayagasa-hoko 綾傘鉾”

Niwatori-hoko 鶏鉾 This float derives its name from a famous tale that took place in ancient China when the legendary Emperor Yao was in power. During this time the entire country was so well governed that drums, which were meant to be hit when a complaint was made against the leaders, became coated with mossContinue reading “2019jul16 • Gion Matsuri • Niwatori-hoko 鶏鉾”

Tokusa-yama 木賊山 This float derives its name from “Tokusa” (“Scouring Rush”), a Noh play written by the great Zeami in the 15th century. The figure on the float is an old man from the Noh play who had his son kidnapped years ago, and manages to survive by mowing Tokusa rush without any family toContinue reading “2019jul16 • Gion Matsuri • Tokusa-yama 木賊山”