There's no denying it: Rainy season is over (something like 22 days earlier than average!), which means summer is here and it is hot. And humid. And it's going to last at least two months. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way in a beach town — who wants cool, drizzly summers when … Continue reading Summer in Kamakura
Bon Odori Summer Festivals
Japanese summers are pretty spectacular. They buzz (cicadas) and DON DON DON (taiko drums). They whistle and gong and chant (festivals). They're burning hot and impossibly humid. But if you let the music drifting from the festival grounds carry you along, not only will you make it to fall without melting into a puddle … Continue reading Bon Odori Summer Festivals
Photo of the Day: Snow Cones For Sale!
It's getting a little late in the year for posts about kakigori, but I had this one all set and forgot to post it, so here it is anyway—a snow cone in autumn. Well, a sign for snow cones, at least. The kanji (Chinese character used in Japanese) means "ice", and flags like this one … Continue reading Photo of the Day: Snow Cones For Sale!
Photo of the Day: Closing Time
Leaving the festival at Amanawa Jinja, I had hoped to get some video of the drummers at the entrance, but alas, they had packed up for the night. Only one yukata-clad woman was left, tidying up.
Photo of the Day: Close-up Cicada
This poor fellow was sitting on the side of the road squeaking, and after I took some photos, promptly flew off, right into a wall. Methinks his days are numbered. But then, all cicadas are in the same boat at the moment.
Photo of the Day: Toy Store
The place for kids to buy useless junk that will break in a week, the toy booths at festivals are always overflowing with flashing knickknacks like swords, headbands and the like.
Photo of the Day: Yakitori
Another favourite food booth at festivals—yakitori, which is chicken on a stick (and other meats, too). Yakitori is delicious, but you have to watch out for the liver, cartilage and chicken skin ones... Unless, of course, you like that kind of thing.
Photo of the Day: I Just Can’t Get Enough Lanterns!
Just look at them! All colourful and bright. Lannnternnns...
Photo of the Day: A Break from Bon
Festival-goers mill about between bon dance sets.
Photo of the Day: Rising Above
Looking back from the first landing of the Amanawa Jinja staircase. To the side was a bon dance area, but my timing was off and they were on break. Too bad, as I love bon dances!
鎌倉ペンション・Inn By The Sea Kamakura 