Fall Matsuri in Aizuwakamatsu

The Sisters serving in Aizuwakamatsu experienced the Matsuri with us.

(Front Row-Sisters S. Johnson, Robertson and Morita.)

(Back row-Pres. & Sis Saito, three guides, and Gary)

President and Sister Saito spent the day with us. 

 We attended the matsuri at their invitation.

 

 

Costume of a typical Samuri from Aizu

I saw this group of Scouts (boys and girls) that were in the parade. 

I had never seen any scouts in Japan and thought this was great!

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

The night before the parade, Gary and I wandered to a street near our

 hotel and found this parade going on.  This booth had the 

traditional "twangy" Japanese singers adding to the atmosphere.  Different groups from all over Japan were dressed in traditional costume and were doing a traditional dance as they walked down the street.

 

These groups were all part of the parade.

Even little ones got involved.

Traditional Samuri costumes of the different tribes around Japan in the early days.

We sat on a hill above the plaza watching. 

Gary and Pres.Saito loved spending the day together.

These shoes were worn by many in the parade.  

The Japanese are frugal and used what they had to 

make what they needed in the days of yor.

This board showed the 7 dynasty periods in Japan.

 

 

View taken from the top of the Aizu Castle.  Beautiful, lush countryside.