Yuzawa Summer Matsuri

Obon is festival season in Snow Country and yesterday and today saw the Yuzawa Summer Matsuri in full swing. The east side of Echigo Yuzawa station was crammed with food stalls, games for families and kids as well as a stage with dancers and shamisen players. Lots of families were enjoying the summer activities and then coming down to the festival.

The warm summer temperatures held for most of the day but the clouds came in towards evening and it looked as if the rain was going to put a dampener on things. Luckily, although it rained quite hard for a while, it didn't last too long and the fireworks still went ahead slight behind schedule.

The firework show was fantastic with a huge, loud display that drew plenty of appreciative "Ahhs" from the spectators. Today saw the team waterpistol battle and the portable shrines make an appearance