Every year on May 5th, Kodomo no hi, or Children's Day, is celebrated in Japan. During this time, it is common to see carp streamers hung high in parks and traditional markets. One of the most beautiful and popular places to hang streamers in the Kansai region is Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park in Takatsuki City, Osaka.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/YedEfAZyEi4Yk7kr6
Arrive at Takatsuki Station, then take a pleasant 1km walk to the park. Along the way, you'll pass by the charming Akutagawa traditional market, which is a sight to behold.
Every street around here exudes a traditional charm, resembling the kind of scenes I often see in Anime movies.
Even the convenience stores have a nostalgic feel to them.
After walking more than 1km, you'll arrive at this road, which leads to Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park.
Here we gooo, look at the carp flags!
The Koinobori carp flag used during the Kodomo no Hi holiday originates from an ancient Chinese legend in which a carp transformed into a dragon. As a result, the image of a carp turning into a dragon has become a symbol of strength and courage, representing the ability to overcome challenges and achieve success. The tradition of hanging carp flags on Children's Day in Japan is a prayer for children to grow up healthy and successful, just like the carp.
Normally these flags look… pretty ugly :))) but when the wind blows they quickly create a very majestic scene.
It also hosts events such as dance performances, singing, and drumming by elementary and middle school students from the local area.
There are also food and drink stalls here, catering to the large number of visitors.
Festival videos:
Let's continue exploring the path from the park back to the station.
The view of the festival looks pretty relaxed from the spot where the elderly couple is sitting :)))
After the festival ended, because it was still quite early, I continued to move to the next station, Kyoto Station, to take street photos. And accidentally passed by Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, the temple with a 76 meter long hall, one of the largest wooden structures in the world . And here, the temple is also holding its annual festival, on April 8 and 29 every year.
This temple is only about 350 meters from Kyoto Station, just a 4-minute walk. And here is the entrance to the temple, truly majestic.
The temple was built in 1602.
Let's take a look at the architecture at this temple.
Since the temple is located right near Kyoto Station, you can also catch a glimpse of Kyoto Tower from within the temple grounds.
And finally, let’s take a look at the festival happening here.
Address: https://goo.gl/maps/GL52ArU5DuiW57PY6
And finally, here’s today’s author photo ^,^ Thank you for staying with me until the very end!
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