NARA LANTERN FESTIVAL

A NIGHT OF LIGHTS

Recently I attended the Nara Lantern Festival during the Obon holiday. I often visit Nara because it is one of my favourite places to go, here in Kansai. It was a great evening for the trip and the ride there on the Kentetsu line was very enjoyable. I really like to see the Japanese countryside and the houses that are close to the tracks.

The night of the festival was incredible. There were a lot of people who attended dressed in Yukatas and Kimonos. The staff and volunteers who organized and set up the displays did a wonderful job. There were many beautifully arranged lanterns in amazing patterns and designs.

Walking around the area taking photos, I was impressed with the patience it must have taken to place the lanterns. They were all equally spaced on the grass and put into perfect lines. This said a lot about the commitment that they had in planning the event. I was happy to see the people who were there enjoying the sights also being careful walking among the designs. Both of those things are just a couple of the many reasons why I love living in Japan.

I had attended the Nara Lantern Festival last year and also enjoyed the night then as well. Next year, I will go again and I am looking forward to seeing what interesting designs they will make. If you have never been to the festival, I recommend that you do, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Smith’ School of English Kyobashi

スミス英会話 京橋校