I had just missed what is supposedly the larger Haiya festival the week or so before I arrived (in late July), but I was able to make it to Hondo’s local Haiya festival. Though a bit late, because I was being fitted rather painstakingly into a yukata and travelling in a group, we got to watch quite a bit of the show.

This particular local matsuri I think of as a glorified parade on the main street of Hondo rather than a matsuri proper, but it was still a cool experience. Local businesses sponsored floats and the shamisen and drums were going the whole time. Many schools supported groups of students and teachers who went in for dancing as well. I’m not an expert on haiya dance at all, but what I saw of it looked interesting. It was quite hot though, and even whilst wearing a supposedly breezy yukata, I was perspiring.

My most fond memory of this particular event was that I was immediately able to access street food and honed in on my favorite yakiniku and, later, my lemon snowcone. I love yakiniku, especially from street stalls!! It’s probably not the healthiest, but very delicious~~~~. I always eat this whenever possible… :)

The larger Amakusa Haiya festival is held every year in Ushibuka around late July or early August. I definitely plan to go this year and really get in on the local action. I’m looking forward to it! In the meantime, please enjoy a few of the photos I was able to take that night at Hondo Haiya Matsuri.

Amakusa Lantern float

Yakiniku: My Favorite

Achieve your Dreams float

Hotel Alegria float

Amakusa Airlines float

Snowcone: Lemon Flavor