Over the course of the two years I’ve been here, I’ve set out proudly with others to see the local Lantern Festival in Itsuwa both years. Usually held in late October of each year, this small festival is worth going to because you can see an aspect of Japanese culture that is not as largely publicized as other aspects we often are told about.
One of my favorite parts my first year was hearing a bit of koto music being played by three ladies a little apart from the main festival itself. This year, an elder man was reading Japanese stories, but it didn’t live up to the koto for me. And for those who are interested, the festival has a stand selling a nicer variety of lanterns to festival-goers. There are also quite a few street food and goods stalls stretched along the main drag of cozy Itsuwa, serving as a guide to the event space. Some of the festival’s better photo opportunities come from the shrine at the top of the hill toward the west, and the lit-up zen garden in a cozy alcove at the center of the main street. I took a lot of pictures; some of which are definitely better than others due to lighting, but all in all this is a good local event that offers a taste of Amakusan pride. :)
laceywrites 