San Roku Matsuri (Asahikawa's Summer Festival)

Yes I know, it was over two and a half weeks ago, but here are some pics from the San Roku Matsuri of 2008 anyway.  Those that made it will remember great food, lots of color and plenty of noise. See you there next year.

Summer Fireworks in Hokkaido

Most of the Japanese festivals’ main event is the fireworks display. During the summer festivals, organizers launch more fireworks than you may have expected possible, but it seems people can’t get enough. 

The fireworks display marking the launch of the San Roku Festival in Asahikawa is impressive, both for the number of shells launched as well as the scenic river-side location. However, for those wanting a little more bang for their buck, the most comprehensive fireworks display in Hokkaido takes place in Obihiro (a beautiful small city south west of Asahikawa). 

By way of comparison, a standard summer fireworks show will fire somewhere in the vicinity of 2000-3000 shells. The Obihiro fireworks festival will launch about 20,000 shells and reduce the life expectancy of many a house pet. Even the smaller fireworks shows in Obihiro fire about 10,000 fireworks. Obihiro is quite close to Asahikawa, so if you find yourself here in summer and love to watch fireworks, consider it for a really fun short trip.

Those that don't have the time to travel the country-side too much will have to settle for the Summer Festival fireworks in Asahikawa, not a bad consolation prize really.