Arab News Japan
TOKYO: While many traditional festivals take place in historic areas of Tokyo during the summer, even modern parts of the city don’t forget their past.
One example is the festival in Ark Hills, one of Tokyo’s older apartments, cultural and shopping developments.
At the weekend, dancers performed traditional matsuri dances while spectators looked on and took advantage of the many food stalls set up for the festival.
The celebrations would continue into Monday, a national holiday known as Respect for the Aged Day.
But the festival attracts many parents and their children who can enjoy sweets, games, dancing and even fishing for small fish.
The Autumn Festival is held at the same time as the Akasaka Hikawa Shrine Festival, which sees a mikoshi togyo (relocating the shrine’s spirit in a portable shrine) and features Bon-odori dancing, food stalls and open-air markets.
There was also yukata (kimono) dressing and a hands-on fireworks experience.
This year’s Autumn Festival was held for the first time in four years.
Music included Japanese drums and koto music, as well as fusion music combining traditional Japanese and modern instruments.
