Curry Ramen Night

Julie and I took a walk the other night to a local restaurant where we feasted on gyoza and curry ramen. On the way back we took some interesting photos of Noheji at dusk.

Nebuta Festival

On August 7th, Julie and I took a train to Aomori City in the evening to witness one of the most popular festivals in Northern Japan:  the Nebuta Festival.

What happens at the Nebuta Festival?  Essentially large lanterns representing various characters and mythical creatures are constructed into parade floats.  These floats, once illuminated, are then carried around town by people in costumes who chant the traditional songs of the festival.  On the last day the floats are sent off to sea as fireworks explode in the sky above.

We went on the last day and enjoyed taking photos as we ate yakisoba (fried soba noodles), takoyaki (fried balls of octopus tentacles), and yakitori (bbq chicken on a scewer).  For dessert we had candied strawberries.  However, we couldn’t see the floats in the water.  By the time we got there it was too crowded.

Pictures below.

There are many festivals in Aomori during the summer.  Noheji will have its own firework festival in about a week.

Julie took this photo. I think it's brilliant.