Kakunodate Matsuri, with 350 yrs tradition, the whole town is full of young enthusiasm !
According to the local girls I asked, in Kakunodate here, this Matsuri (festival) is so important that elementary and junior high schools give day offs from 7th to 9th (The festival is from 6th to 8th, but the climax is the night of 8th). Beside schools, companies give holidays to employees.
Also impressing is lots of young people and children are so excited to join this Matsuri. This is the youngest festival I’ve ever seen ! So I told it to the girls, this is very good, and also that I am impressed that women look happy to be allowed to join Matsuri. And they said, ‘This Matsuri belongs to everybody and we love it. We live everyday, the whole year, looking forward to this Matsuri !. They showed me their Happi uniform, and proudly told me how they arranged it to make it more fashionable.
With 350 years of history, the Matsuri (Festival) is held annually in Kakunodate city, the traditional castle town famous for beautiful cherry blossoms, in Akita. From Tokyo you can travel by Shinkansen Bullet Train directly to Kakunodate. From Kakunodate train station to the place festival is taking place, you can comfortably walk, enjoying the beautifully reserved historical town. The Matsuri (festival) is held for three days. In 2010 this year, from Sep 6-8.
Last Update: September 9, 2010
Oyado Tamaki, a relaxing ryokan inn @ Ikaho Onsen Hot Spring Town on the hill, north of Tokyo
Taking a Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo (or Ueno), transfer to local train at Takasaki to Shibukawa, in 1.5 hour you are arriving at a good old onsen (hot spring) town, Ikaho. It’s located north of Tokyo, Gunma Prefecture, on the hill. Air is cleaner and cooler than Tokyo, which offers you a relaxing mini break, with nature power. Preferably staying at least one night, then you can enjoy town walking (360 stone steps!!), outdoor sports, getting energy from nature. Also check their originally made lovely sweets ‘Temari‘.
*Official Website of Oyado Tamaki (English)
http://www.oyado-tamaki.com/english/
*My post at Japan Hopper
http://www.japan-hopper.com/ws/post/1/2/5716.html
Last Update: September 5, 2010
Ikaho, good old authentic onsen town with steps, steps steps… ! 90mnts from Tokyo
The famous 360 stone steps characterizing Ikaho Onsen Town, make the whole town look dynamic and add the mood of ‘hideaway’.
Last Update: February 16, 2011