I had to peel myself out of bed early this morning as it was samurai festival day! The official name is the Castle Town Obata Cherry Blossom Festival. I got a ride with L, another ALT in Tomioka, to a middle school in Kanra right next to the Rakusan Garden. We finally managed to figure out how to park in the parking lot after driving in circles. The gym was packing with all the volunteers and costumes. From elementary schoolers to adults, everyone had a part to play. There were three guys that helped us put on our samurai outfits. About 18 ALTs were participating. The guy tied up my clothes much looser and less fancy than the expert lady I had on Friday night, but it was more comfortable to breathe.


Although clouds had been predicted, the sun shone and it got hot! I was wearing too many layers. We had some extra time where we could enter Rakusan-en without paying! Many people were walking around taking photos. I met two of my students! One was playing the flute and the drums in a mobile shrine and the other watching. As the start of the parade grew nearer, we lined up and off we went. There were samurai on horses and such a variety of costumes. We walked through the main street lined with sakura with so many people cheering. Every once in awhile, we’d do the rallying cry and draw our swords. One guy even shouted that he saw me on tv. I did see some more of my students who were very excited.

At the halfway point, we got a 30 minute break to drink tea and have a cookie. The sandals were not very comfortable, but the snack was refreshing! I was already very hungry. We looped back through the streets to a field where many stands and a stage was set up. We got to return to the gym at this point, change, and eat lunch. I ran into both my Japanese teacher and Ichigo-sensei too. After lunch, I ended up walking through the festival with L and K. We saw some fighting demonstrations and bought food from the stands. I got myself a chocolate banana crepe for dessert. I ran into more some students from Shimonita too.


L dropped me back at my house around 2:30 pm. I drove over to Nukisaki Shrine next to get some photos of the blossoms there. Sadly, both the main tori and gate were under construction. Then I headed to Maebashi Park to do hanami there with the Gunma International Club. I stopped by a supermarket on the way to pick up dinner. There was heavy traffic at the park, everyone wanted to see the blossoms! The sakura trees lined a canal and were dotted around the park. People were strolling and eating on their tarps. After rushing around to get some photos before sunset, I ate my dinner while hanging out on our huge tarp with a beautiful view. My friend Y showed up as well, and we walked under the pink illuminated trees that reflected stunningly in the water. Now I’ve properly experienced hanami! A full weekend of cherry blossoms and all the walking, again. I finally got home at 8 pm.