Its that time of year again. Autumn is here which means festival time. Festival in Japanese is "Matsuri" ] and the ones during Autumn are mostly held to thank the heavens for a good harvest for the previous season.
Today's bunch of photos are taken last weekend at Himonya Matsuri which I've been attending for the past 10 years. You can see what festivals take place in the Autumn around this neck of the woods at the Meguro City website.
There is a load to see, do and eat at a matsuri. The food is served at hawker stands where you can find a variety of noms such as Yakitori (chicken and veggies grilled on a stick), Yakisoba (fried buckwheat noodles), Jagga Butter ( steamed potato with a dollop of butter) and more.
Matsuri is pronounced "mat-su-ree."
If you are an avid viewer of anime then you must have seen an episode or two of matsuri - attending a real life one is just like anime and more.
Matsuri are a great place to get a real glimpse of locality and are great for photos too.
Check out Golden Jipangu for a list of events such as matsuri held throughout Japan. They need to add Himonya to their list though.
Youkai Watch was absolutely everywhere. How many of you watching it?
These masks usually go for 500 yen but if the seller recognizes you as a foreigner they will charge you 800 yen. If you really want one say that you are willing to pay 500 yen and no more.
This usually only happens with masks though because the price isn't written anywhere. Food however costs the same for any race or being.
Machine that makes Baby Castella.
This is like the lottery where you pay 300 yen for a lottery ticket in the hopes of winning any one of the things on display - but thats the thing - the stuff you see here are *only* for display and there are no promises that you will win any of it. Instead you are likely to win a pack of sweets or if you are really lucky then maybe a rubber band.
The potatoes are steamed in those boxes and served to you just like that - its up to you how much butter, salt/pepper and or mayonnaise you put on. 400 yen for a serving.
All these photos taken on the RX100 M3.
If any of you have tried Okonomiyaki or Monja then the taste is similar.
Read more about Kanata Hoshikawa.