First of all: its been a year since I first came to Japan. Time flies too fast, really.
So, this year's Sake Matsuri was my second Sake Matsuri. My first experience of this festival ("matsuri" is Japanese word for festival) can be read in here: http://jopantob.blogspot.com/2009/10/sake-matsuri.html .
For you who wants to know about Sake Matsuri, I'll explain it.
If there is one thing, this small city of Saijo is famous for, it is Sake (Japanese alcohol drink). Well, I'm not sure, but I think this festival is held to celebrate the beginning of Sake brewery season every year. This festival is held in October (Sake Matsuri 2010 was held on 9th and 10th October), and near Saijo station (there are many Sake factory there). You need to know that Saijo is among top three Sake producer area in Japan. Every time Sake Matsuri is held, there are so many people come (Japanese and foreigners) and I think the population of Saijo can be doubled at that time. In Sake Matsuri, you will see lots and lots of stalls selling food (not only Japanese food, but also food from other countries), snacks, drinks, toys, used goods, and of course, sake.
I didn't enjoy this year's Sake Matsuri as much as last year, though. On the first day, it was raining and on the second day I got invited by my friend to her place so I could only spend around 2 hours in the festival area. But still, I managed to take some pictures there. Here they are! Enjoy!
Sorry, I don't know what stall this was
A high tower with bright color, trendmark of Sake factories here
A stall of Tempura, Japanese fried snacks!
The crowds. The officer close down the road so that people can enjoy walking around.
Performance of Japanese traditional dance
Performance from Hiroshima University Jazz Club. They are soooo great!
Korean food stall
The crowds
A man in Chinese traditional clothes selling Sake
Yakigaki (grilled oyster)! My favorite! (Not that girl. Hahaha)
More crowds
Even more crowds.
That's it! See you in the next post! :D
