#852

Natsumatsuri and Suika Wari - like a local

During the summer, other than going to the beach and pool, there are two things that I love to do:

1) Go to natsumatsuri (summer festival). These are festivals held throughout the country to celebrate the summer season. Many Japanese women wear yukata (traditional Japanese summer clothing) (men usually wear casual clothing, although some may wear a yuakata for men). There are many stalls along the street where children and adults can play games such as kingyosukui (catching gold fish) and ball-sukui (catching super-balls). There are also stores selling masks, fans, etc. I love natsumatsuri because of its delicious food - yakisoba, okonomiyaki, shaved ice, chocolate-covered banana, potato with melted butter, etc. A definite must-do when visiting Japan in the summer and enjoying summer like a local!

2) Suika (watermelon) is the fruit of the summer. The cool and fresh taste of the watermelon is perfect for the hot, humid summers in Japan. A game that many children do during the summer is "suika-wari." This is when a child has a stick or a bat is blindfolded and has to try to hit the watermelon so that it splits for everyone to eat. The other children guide him to the watermelon. This is an excellent game for the summer months!

RieS image

RieS

Japan

RieS's other advice

Souvenir ideas for your home images

Souvenir ideas for your home

As a college student, when I return to Japan, I look for things that are Japanesque and remind me of home. This summer, I bought room-decoration items that have brightened up my room. These are some …

Champon - a MUST eat in Nagasaki images

Champon - a MUST eat in Nagasaki

Each prefecture in Japan is famous for some type of food. In Nagasaki, the featured is Champon. Brought in from China, it is a fusion of Chinese noodles and Japanese ramen. This delicious dish, is fi…

A view to die for images

A view to die for

Nagasaki was chosen to be one of the NEW top three night views in the world (the other two being Hong Kong and Monaco)! The observatory can be accessed easily by bus, train or taxi, depending on wher…

A beautiful gorge in Miyazaki images

A beautiful gorge in Miyazaki

Looking for scenery that's impossible to capture with a camera? Miyazaki Prefecture has a beautiful gorge named Takachiho-kyo, one of the must-go places in Kyushu. It is filled with greenery and the …

For a fancy and healthy teishoku images

For a fancy and healthy teishoku

Recently, I ate at a cute, fancy restaurant near Shibuya and Omotesando station and the UN University, called PARIYA. As this is catered towards women as well as business-people, they offer take-out …

Shopping in Kyushu images

Shopping in Kyushu

Yufuin (湯布院) is one of the main tourist attractions of Kyushu. It is in Oita prefecture, which is famous for its hot springs. If you are looking for traditional Japanese goods, cute souvenirs or d…

You might also like

Look at this watermelon images

Look at this watermelon

Look at this watermelon water tank in Chiba!!It is 33.8 meters in diameter and 37 meters tall. I wish it was filled with watermelon juice! Such a cute way to decorate. It makes you feel cool ju…

Eddie image

Eddie