A whole collection of classic Japanese toys sit in a box for kids to use at a festival. Hagoita (the paddles), koma (the tops), kendama (the ball and handle thing), and more good stuff.
Photo a Day: Kamakura Cosplay
These characters wandered past our front gate early Sunday morning, causing more than a bit of surprise. Our neighbour told us they were likely public relations cosplayers for the day's festival. When we got to the festival, sure enough, there they were, camped out under flapping Kamakura flags.
Photo of the Day: Game Time
More spinning tops, but these ones are ready for battle. In this game, you toss your metal top down on the playing circle and try to knock your opponents top off. It's kind of like sumo for tops. While I've had some success spinning the big koma from Monday's post, proper spinning has eluded me … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Game Time
Photo of the Day: Find the Kite
Can you see it? The kites were having a field day swooping down on unsuspecting visitors and stealing their lunches at the festival last Sunday. One snatched a kebab from someone sitting behind us, but couldn't hold on while zooming sharply up to avoid collision. The kebab slammed into Kaede's back, causing much surprise. We … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Find the Kite
Photo of the Day: Break Time
A small tea ceremony booth seen through the tent screen during break time. With so much to do, we didn't have time to wait for them to start. Next time!
Photo of the Day: Helping Hands
It's festival season in Kamakura, with little goings-on happening all over the place. This past Sunday at the park by Yuigahama Beach, there were heaps of booths with activities, games, presentations, and, of course, food. One booth had a box of old-school toys in it, including some koma spinning tops. To play, you wrap a … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Helping Hands
Photo of the Day: Waiting
Festival participants and goers have a rest between activities on the Zaimokuza side of Yuigahama Beach. Even festivals have down time.
Photo of the Day: Duelling Mikoshi
I've posted a few photos from this festival already, one of some fancy tattoos and one of some bare bums. I thought it was finally time to post a photo of what actually happens at the festival. Two mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines/divine palanquins), supported by local men and women, locked in "battle" in the ocean … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Duelling Mikoshi
Photo of the Day: Painted Panel
When you visit temples and shrines, be sure to look up. Guaranteed you'll be rewarded with beautiful carvings, and sometimes, you'll get a pretty paint job, too. This panel is from Komyo-ji, which you can read a tiny bit more about here.
Good Fortune for Sale at Hongaku-ji
Hard work may be the key, but who doesn't like a bit of extra luck?
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