An essential factor of the summer of Japan is a lively festival with traditional stands and Matsuri-Bayashi. Japanese people love the summer festivals (Omatsuri) and without it, the summer will never end. Today, I went to one of such festival, Kagurazaka Festival.

Right after I got out of Iidabashi station, there were more red lanterns and the festival atmosphere became clearer.

Unfortunately it was raining but once you feel the atmosphere of the festival, such as the smoky smell of the stands, the festival music and the lively voices, the weather is nothing to be worried about and you will be excited. Even though it was raining, it was crowded with many people.

Edamane and Yakitori are indispensable in Omatsuri. There are so many delicious foods in the Omatsuri so you will be tempted to buy them. I will introduce more delicious things indispensable in Omatsuri.

The cat goods are products of the people that do activities called the “Nekokatsu”. They do many events and activities with cats as their theme to make the city a better place. It is a fabulous activity. My eyes were drawn to the cute cat character. It is a cute character that can heal you if you have one.

Yakisoba is also a food indispensable in Omatsuri and you will want to eat it once you go to an Omatsuri. I also found an Indian Curry stand!! This is a rare stand in Omatsuri.

However, it was completely melted into the scenery. The good part of the Omatsuri is that whoever can blend in and anyone can enjoy. The lady cooking Yakitori in the last picture said she came from France. She likes Japan so I wish she will make great memories in the Omatsuri. The Japanese Omatsuri seems to be a place for international interaction also!

On the way, we bought Tsukune and Yakitori which we all love. The price was 500yen!
It’s nice to eat it at home but it’s better to eat at the Omatsuri. The outside was crispy and juicy so it tasted very nice.

In the evening, the lanterns light up and the Omatsuri and the summer atmosphere becomes even stronger.
There was a person wearing a beautiful Yukata so I asked for a picture.
I would love to walk around in Yukata next year. Incidentally, there is a dressing service of Yukata in the Hoozuki market!

Seasonal tradition of the Summer of Kagurazaka.
Every year, the Hoozuki (Chinese Lantern) market is held around Bishamonten Zenkokuji and Kagurazaka will be filled with excitement.
Hoozuki can be bought for1500yen. The plant with bright red fruit is truly the seasonal tradition.

Shaved ice and Ramune is also essential in Omatsuri.
Look at this Ramune wrapped in the cute pink package!
Of course I bought it. I wasn’t planning to buy it but it tasted like cherry and it was nice.

Since the typhoon was closing in, Kagurazaka festival has started in an unfortunate weather but the streets surrounding the Bishamonten Zenkokuji was crowded with people buying the Hoozuki and people enjoying the Omatsuri food.
It was the 40th time this year and there is history.
In Kagurazaka festival, you can get discount if you go with Yukata outfit.
The appeal of Kagurazaka is that there are many great stores that not many people know. It is a complicating street like a maze but once you enter the alley, it has the atmosphere of the Taisho era.