I first went to the Owara Kaze no Bon festival (おわら風の盆) in September, 2008. Compared to other summer festivals in Japan it’s a fairly subdued affair, but it makes up for that in the beauty on display.

Japan, so undeniably ugly at times – think of all the concreted river banks, bland convenience stores, and electricity cables in the streets – makes up for it at festivals like this.

This was the Senyasai (前夜祭), the preliminary festival before the main on starts in September. If you want to avoid the crowds it’s probably the best time to go.

It’s in Yatsuo, Toyama prefecture (富山県八尾).

All photos are mine so please don’t use them without permission. Thanks.