What made our holiday extra-special, though, was a day trip to Sakura（佐倉）, a small city about 90 minutes from Tsukuba by car, in Chiba prefecture. I always like to going there for its excellent National History Museum, which I can never get enough of, and its serene, season displaying park on the site of its castle ruins.On Tango no Sekku,however, there is always a special event held which is to good to pass up.
In Sakura there are 3 excellently preserved samurai residences (buke yashiki) each of different design and dimension, to match the previous owners rank in the strict warrior hierarchy of the Edo Period.
On may fifth, there is an event in which traditional soup is served and anyone who would like to can be dressed up in traditional armour (yoroi).
It is not a very well publicized event and only about 30 lucky people showed up on that day.
The atmoshere was truly festive and the staff very kind,helpful and patient.
We also recieved free polaroid snapshots (I didnt know those were still around!) of ourselves dressed in full samurai regalia!
It was also interesting to see the old Sakura High school building, which is an amazing early showa edifice. The baseball super-legend Nagashima attended that school.
Nearby we could also stop by for some bird-watching at Lake Inba (Inba Numa).
I know you werent there this time, but you should try to make it next year!
Avi Landau
No comments:
Post a Comment