2 days after attending the Tanabata festival in Asagaya, I went to another Tanabata festival. This time though, I was with friends and we went to Fussa.
Fussa is a suburb in Tokyo, outside the 23 wards, and on the western part of Tokyo. It's dubbed as Tokyo's Little America because of the American influence on one side. Probably because this is where Yokota Air Base is located. From Yotsuya station where we were, it's an hour ride on the Chuo rapid line.
I thought there would be less people here in Fussa because it's not on the city proper but I was wrong. There was a huge crowd! Good thing the authorities have been directing the foot traffic in the train station so everything was smooth and no problems. I've seen groups of students and families enjoying the festival just like us.
We arrived just in time for a performance of the junior fire department. We couldn't help but compare how lively we had stage performances in school when we were young to these Japanese children's club. In my home country, stage performances are always high level, as if we're paid performers on TV. π But of course, we enjoyed this junior club's music performance. They all look so innocent and adorable!
We encountered the Fussa mascot on the streets. They're popular with kids, so I wasn't sure if it would be the right for me to take a photo with it. π In the end, I let the kids win.
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The streets were closed for the big celebration. It's full of hanging decorations. Unlike the Asagaya Tabanata, there were fewer characters hanging here. Most were these large and colorful streamers.
They're called εΉγζ΅γ (read as fukinagashi) and they're said to be a representation of the fabric created by Orihime.
Speaking of Orihime, we were so lucky to be able to catch up the Princess Orihime contest of this festival. The program was held on an uphill area from the busy street. It was such a humble contest though we only made it on the awarding ceremony. I kept wondering til now what the ladies did for them to be chosen as the new Princess Orihime of Fussa Tanabata.
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We started to get hungry so we're back on the streets and now focused on finding food. There were so many festival food - yakisoba, yakitori, karaage, takoyaki, crepe, choco banana, beers and many more. Since it was in the middle of summer heat, some of my friends had kakigori, which was surprisingly their first time to try.
There were a few stalls for games that were popular among youngsters. The most lively stall we've passed was a draw lots stall as some people were shouting in excitement. Apparently one kid got lucky and got a beetle that's like the luckiest prize.
I was so picky with my food so we've walked far and to the ends and I still hadn't decided what to eat. In the end, I found a yakiika (grilled squid or cuttlefish) and that's what I had for dinner while we were walking. Some of my friends got the American burger that looked like a normal burger. All of them except me got the cold sour drink.
While @revlat35 was buying takoyaki, a friend and I went to write our wishes. Tanabata is all about wishes. We found an area where people could freely write their message of thanks and wishes so I wrote my wishes too. Wishes are usually written in colorful papers called ηε (read as tanzaku). After writing, we hang it on the bamboo tree. After a heavy convincing, @itz.inno and the rest wrote their wishes too.
Later, we went to another street which was so narrow so imagine it was so hard to move in the crowd. It was still peaceful though. I didn't see any fights nor hear any cursed words as we move forward like armies.
In this narrow street, I couldn't find what I was craving the most - baby castella, but on the wide street where we were earlier, I remembered we've seen 2 stalls selling this tasty dessert. My mind was only focused on the baby castella so when I saw a stall selling it, I rushed in line. My friends had to follow me though but later we dispersed because they found another food they wanted to eat.
This street seemed so endless. Back on the wider street, it was clear where the end of the festival was. But in this narrow street, even though it seemed like a residential area already, we're still seeing decorations further ahead.
We passed by an area exclusive for many games. This time, adults could play too. There was a long line in the throwing darts game so a friend and I decided to shoot. It was 3 shots for a few hundred yen which wasn't that bad. I was able to hit one target so I got to choose a prize. Most of the prizes were for kids so I just chose a small Tom&Jerry handkerchief.
The festival ended at exactly 9pm. The stalls closed and the streets were opened again. The sudden change was just so unbelievable. On the way home, it was so evident in our faces that we were so tired but also happy. It was a nice festival experience out of the city. A very summer-y thing.
Happy Hive Power Up Day!
We're halfway through the year and I was still able to keep up with my HPUM and HPUDs. Hopefully it will continue til the end of the year! π
Thanks for reading! See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
With love,
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.