This national holiday was established in 1948. It commemorates the November 3, 1946 announcement of the Constitution. It is recognized as a day to celebrate peace and freedom and promote culture. (Note: Although prior to the establishment of this holiday in 1948, November 3 was also a national holiday called Meiji-setsu (明治節) commemorating the birthday of Emperor Meiji, the two holidays are ostensibly unrelated.)
We decided to go with out Japanese friend the the sticky/sweet rice festival. It was in Kakegawa about 10 minutes from the house. You climb up a narrow road to the shrine which has different levels and beautiful trees. The narrow road is lined with restaurants, shops and people selling there local produce. The day was slightly warm and overcast. There were games for kids but I am not sure what they were. Also, live music. We heard a one man trumpet player who Julia loved. There was many kinds of sticky/sweet rice but we bought the traditional kind. After walking around we had free green tea while we enjoyed our sticky/sweet rice. What is sticky/sweet rice you may ask? It is rice on a stick (or in a ball) with the sweet bean paste that the Japanese put on or in a lot of things. Not real flavorful but I liked it. It is chewy and sticky but there is nothing in America that is comparable. You will just have to try it yourself when you come to visit me:)
The road to the shrine and festival.
A map of the shrine
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