Position: [ 35°40N, 139°45E ]
When I came to Tokyo last week end, I vowed never to come back here in summer again. The weather is so freaking hot and humid it feels like being in a sauna 24/7.
Hana-bi in Tokyo
However, if there is one thing that makes it worth coming to Tokyo in summer, that will have to be the summer fireworks (or hana-bi) that light the skies of many japanese cities.
In summer, every city in Japan, be it big or small, has its fireworks night.
Hana-bi in Tokyo
Yesterday, when one of my Tokyo friends invited me to watch the fireworks at a private party (ie. with air con, drinks and food) to watch the fireworks, I thought that was my luck!
The air con was great, the food was nice, the view was spectacular. In full front of the action. Sugoi da ne!
Girls in yukata for hana-bi
Hana-bi in Japan feels different from fireworks elsewhere. Here it seems like it digs deep into the traditionnal consciousness.
Many people dress in traditionnal clothes to come and watch the show which makes it an odd mix with the nearby skycrappers and the dozens of policemen posted there.
In some kind of time warp, here you are, surrounded by concrete in the middle of Tokyo, and there are japanese people sitting on the floor, dressed in yukata, eating street food and gazing at flowers of fire.
Filed under: Asia, Japan | Tagged: summer, Tokyo, traditions
