August 30th, 2011 by admin
When August 15 comes around this year, the Obon summer festivals in Japan officially start. It’s that time of the year when Japanese remember their dearly departed, which is a 500 year old Buddhist tradition. Japanese move heaven and earth to make sure they get home because they believe that their ancestors’ return as spirits to join them for a few days.
The Obon or Bon festivals usually follow the lunar calendar so the exact start changes every year. Inside every Japanese Buddhist home, lanterns and incense are lit, and food in great abundance is served. Fresh flowers decorate the house, both inside and out as a form of greeting for anyone who drops by. The lanterns symbolize the path the spirits follow to enter the house safely and at the end of the festival, these same lanterns are carried to the grave where the ancestors are buried.
Some of the Obon summer festival activities are street folk dancing, river lantern parades, wearing of Japanese traditional costumes and stage shows. To enjoy these activities, go down to the local parks or main streets and participate by wearing Japanese traditional costume or accessories.
As tourists in Japan, there are some important guidelines you should know. First of all, this is like Christmas traffic in any other country. Airports, train stations, streets and highways, and ferries are all jam-packed. It is next to impossible to buy travel tickets any time close to the Obon season. As such traffic is at its heaviest in Japan. Nonetheless, you will be fascinated at the discipline Japanese drivers show while on the road. People wait for their turn and drive within the speed limits. All told, even with the traffic it will be a pleasant experience.
Unfortunately, prices of souvenirs and basic commodities may be more expensive just as you would expect anywhere else during a peak travel time. The Obon festivals generally end with a bang. Expect wonderful firework displays and friendlier conversation with locals. People are more relaxed and are willing to sit back and talk with strangers and tourists alike.
Tags: bon dance, bon festivals, festivals in japan, japanese festivals, obon dance, obon festivals
Posted in Festivals | Comments Closed
August 30th, 2011 by admin
Japanese festivals are traditional annual events which means that if you want to get into the swing of things, wear traditional Japanese clothes or use a tote bag like the Kinchaku bag. This is a traditional drawstring bag that Japanese women and children have been using for centuries.
The kinchaku bag has even made a remarkable come-back as a modern-day accessory seen in many parts of the world. You can put all sorts of things in the bag like your money, make-up, and tissue. Children use it to carry their snacks and others use it to hold their mobile phone or MP3 players.
On the other hand, if you are going as a spectator, you might want to stick to your regular cool casual clothes. Check the weather and bring a coat if necessary. It’s more important to enjoy yourself than be bogged down by a kimono or yukata.
The Yukata is the summer version of the heavier kimono. They are very colorful and light. It’s layers of cotton cloth that you wrap around your body and secure with the obi sash. If this is your first time to wear traditional Japanese clothes, be sure to ask for assistance the first time around.
The Jinbei looks like loose pajama set. Some are done as long shorts with a top, others pajama-type pants with a top. These are considered unisex outfits which means they can be worn by men and women alike. Usually, the difference would be in the color and design. These are also considered light wear and perfect for summer festivals.
If you plan to participate in the street dancing or shows, you might want to wear the Happi. This is a coat-type attire sold with matching pants or shorts. You will also see people who wear the Happi using a bandana called the hatchi-maki but this is optional.
Finally, the Japanese kimono which is the national costume can be worn. Not many people chose to wear this because it is heavier and expensive. The usual price of a kimono with obi could cost up to US $4,000 as compared to the Jinbei and Yakuta which can be bought for about US$500. The kinchaku bag is the most practical accessory you can buy because you can use it after for your lunch bag or casual evening bag.
Tags: kinchaku bag
Posted in japanese bag, kinchaku bag | Comments Closed