toukae

went to nara on sunday, a short train ride from osaka but, like kyoto, a world away in terms of pace and beauty. I was with some photographers who were going to snap the lantern festival or 'toukae' (light flower event). the afternoon was very, very hot as we roamed the back streets of what feels more like a big town than a city - the sacred deer which roam the streets only helping to compound the feeling. we ducked into a few places for an air-con breather before heading back out for more. gradually we met up with more people, some by chance, some arranged and walked around all the many parks and ponds and temples that were scattered with lamps. my favourite place was just an undulating park at the back of todaiji temple which felt like a dream or heaven, with lights going almost as far as you could see and people slowly making their way around.

the mochi shop were giving a fine display of pounding a fresh batch of macha mochi (green tea rice cakes) and the pace these guys folded and hammered was quite amazing, shouting at each other at speed to keep rythym and make sure no-one lost any fingers. the clapping from the gathered visitors was more than justified. with lots of yukatas, lots of lights, lot's of shaved ice, it was another pleasant way to keep your mind off the heat in this tortuous summer.

a bridge lit by woven bamboo lanterns.

bamboo lights on the steps (courtesy of mariko oka)

the pagoda and moon (courtesy of mariko oka)

Post a comment