Mt. Kusatsu Shirane

Yugama Crater Lake, reportedly the most acidic lake in the country.  

Haruna Lake's Mountain Shrine

Tucked away in the mountains of Gunma - well worth the confusing, unmarked drive and the hike.

Paddleboat #2. We broke the first one.

Numata Koen Sakura

It's been a busy summer, year, life. Yeah. Sakura images made in Numata Park in mid-April.

Numata Matsuri

For three days at the beginning of August, this sleepy little town takes on new airs. The matsuri moves in, the roads shut down, and the sound of drums permeates.

Shidara-san, an impressive izakaya owner and matsuri coordinator. 

Sora - one of my kiddos. 

Hula dancing and all things Hawaiian are quite popular in Japan. People are amazed to hear that I have never been there, nor to New York, nor to California.

Gaikokujin! Kanpai!

One of the main events of the Numata Matsuri - Tengu omikoshi. Tengu is a mythological creature which started in the form of a bird with a large beak, but was then personified into a face with a long nose. They are often referred to as mountain goblins or mountain demons. Omikoshi are typically portable shrines rather than goblin visages, but the Tengu are special exceptions. 

Taiko drums are the best drums.

Takoyaki - grilled octopus

These booths rely on incredibly flimsy nets to maintain their profits. This young woman showed great patience and care to avoid breaking hers.

Thirty minute downpour. Many thanks to the guy who let me borrow his umbrella long enough to make these images. 

Refuge beneath the Tengu.

All the dashi floats gather in the park surrounding Suga-jinja (a shrine in Numata).