Izuro Street Festival
Friday, July 14, 2017
Every year about this time, the merchants in the district at the intersection of Street Car and Izuro streets band together to host a small 2-day matsuri on one of the corners of the intersection. Things start at 5 PM, and theoretically run until 10 PM, on the 11th and 12th. In fact, the yakisoba booth ran out of food the first night at 9 PM, and the entire matsuri shut down at 8:30 the following night. I had to work both evenings, and only caught a little bit of the stage activities on Tuesday. I got out of work early on Wednesday and still ended up getting there as the stage and booths were being dismantled.
It's specifically dedicated to the shrine around the corner, but the idea is mainly to sell yakisoba, chicken skewers, shaved ice and beer to pedestrians, and provide a little live entertainment.
The shrine the event is named after.
Most of the entertainment is provided by amateurs. But, they do try hard.
The audience liked participating with the dancer, who performed to a standard Japanese folk song.
There was a traditional stick dance, too. But I didn't get the chance to record it. Overall, this festival went by way too quickly. But, I did manage to drink some beer there, so that part was good.
Next up, Rokugatsu-tou, at Terukuni Shrine. Last year, it was on the 15th and 16th. I'm not sure if that means it will be Saturday and Sunday this year, or Friday and Saturday. I'm betting it'll be Saturday and Sunday.