Autumn festival by angus

Floats, costumes, and music fill the streets of Karatsu , Saga every November during the three day Karatsu Kunchi Festival. Angus, a RealTraveler living in Japan, attended this year’s event:

“Thursday nights festivities involve 14 massive ‘hikiyama’, massive floats in the form of Samurai helmets, fish, dragons, sea bream, and other creatures, being towed around a designated route through the city. Each hikiyama is towed by about 70 people ranging in age from about 6 to 60. The “towers” are decked out in very traditional attire, and pull on one of two ropes that are attached to the front of the hikiyama. They chant “En-ya! En-ya! En-ya!” over and over, while accompanied by the sound of many Japanese wooden flutes, gongs and taiko drums. They race the streets, which are lined with thousands of people, and fly around corners at a terrifying pace!” (more…)

For more on festivals and other things to do in Japan, visit:
Japan Festivals
Japan Travel Guide

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Exploring the northern coast from Belfast by Innately Nomadic

Stunning coastline, castles on hill tops, and great pubs are just a taste of what you’ll get when you visit Ireland. Innately Nomadic is off exploring Europe and spent time in several cities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, especially enjoying a stroll along the dramatic coastline:

“We absolutely loved the coast! What a site to be again where we’re out in the open air with the Irish sea on our right side and rolling green hills on our left. The weather was beautiful! We passed through many the cozy, quaint town and village, starting to spot sheep on the hillsides and the forlorn,crumbling stone cottages from the past. So many of these old towns and farms seem to tell a mysterious story. ” (more…)

Visit Innately Nomadic’s travel blog for more great photos, tips and stories on Ireland, as well as many other destinations in Europe.

More Useful Links
Ireland Travel Guide
Northern Ireland Travel Guide
Northern Ireland Tourism Board

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