We're in Matsumoto, Japan for the month while my husband sings with the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival. So far, I've loved every minute in this quiet, clean city surrounded by lush mountains and natural springs and spas ("onsen") at the base of the Japanese Alps. I'll skip to the good part.
Giant. Surprise. Street. Festival. Dance. Party.
Right outside my hotel room window.
The Matsumoto Bon Bon Festival happens the first Saturday of every August, and while I'm still researching the origin of the song, according to the City of Matsumoto website, it's "part parade, part dance, part party and part carnival as each group sports its own costume, and parades through the downtown streets while dancing to the catchy Matsumoto Bon-Bon tune [which plays over loud speakers piped throughout the city]." They aren't lying about any of it. Holy kimono fashion show, street food & cold cold beer fiesta, family-friendly explosion, Batman. If you're ever in the Nagano prefecture in August, don't miss it. I'm talking 20-30,000 attendants, the best grilled steak kebob I've ever eaten, and the entire city center blocked for the party. Who cares if it's hot?!
