Yoshiwara Yukata Festival

Yesterday I got to go to a wonderful Yukata Festival in Yoshiwara (Fuji). On Saturday evening, the night before the festival, Missy had us over to her house. We went to a beautiful Onsen after work to relax after yet another hectic week. On Sunday we woke up and went to SuntoMoon and did some shopping and visited the international foods store. We went back to Missy's house where her wonderful Mom, Masako, dressed us in summer Yukatas for the festival. Masako and Missy were so patient as they put on our delicate gowns and slowly wound the red obis around our waists. There are actually two: one to secure the material around your waist and then a second, thicker one, on top which is tied at the back in a bow. The Yukatas are beautiful but they are definitely not very comfortable to wear in the summer heat! After Missy and her Mom dressed us we had to rush to the station to take all of our things home before the festival and I have to say it was extremely hot and sticky. Nevertheless, we made it to the festival where we met Kaori and her friend Shiho.

As soon as we got off the train, we saw a flurry of girls and women in beautiful Yukatas and bright lights. We heard loud drumming and as we turned the corner we saw large carts lit up and carrying people enthusiastically banging taiko drums! These carts were maneuvered by people pulling them with ropes! The festival took place along four or five blocks of the main street. There was singing, dancing and hundreds of people celebrating without a worry. All along the streets there was food stood after food stand, each one looking better than the last. There was okonomiyaki, taokoyaki, french fries, mochi wrapped hot dogs, corn, cotton candy, yaki soba, candy apples and more. We walked up and down the streets and tried various foods and watched the crowds and different carts with different drummers and musicians. On our way out there was a taiko drummers fight (last few pictures). Six carts pulled up at an intersection and were competing for the audience's attention. It was loud as the crowds cheered in excitement. I took some video and will try and upload it in the next few days. It was our very first festival (hajimete=first) and it was completely magical. I am hoping to buy my own Yukata in the next few weeks as there will be a Fuji Festival as well as a Numazu Festival. There is also going to be a July Fourth Party at Oz Bar in Fuji where we will wear Yukatas and watch a live dj and celebrate summer together. In three weeks, Makensie and Tiffany will be making a trip up from Okayama so we can climb the famous Mount Fuji! I am a little bit nervous but excited to see the sunrise from the top of the mountain. This summer is sure to be full of excitement with more festivals, gatherings and adventures and a summer vacation to come!

Getting dressed.

See the pink obi?
They then put the red one
on top.

The back.

I look strangely short in this photo!

Missy's Mom lent us Yukatas
and they just happened to be
our colors. Purple for me and
Yellow for Leah. Aren't the
colors beautiful?

With Masako! Thank you :)

With Shiho and Kaori.

They had the most marvelous
obis. Kaori accessorized hers
with lace and crinoline.

On our way.

The street.

I love this photo. Magical.

Kaori, Shiho, Me, Missy and Leah.

Drummers!

Battle.