Back to Narita

Post date: Oct 16, 2010 2:27:31 PM

So far our stay in Gotenba has been wonderful but there has been something we have been missing. Mt. Fuji! Fugaku is located at the foothill of Mt. Fuji and so far we have not been able to see it! Mt. Fuji is the largest mountain in Japan so size wasn't the problem. The weather has been so cloudy that we had "Mt. Fuji sightings" every time we traveled in the bus. But on our last day the weather cleared and we were treated to a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji right out our own window.

Fugaku and Triangle Special Taiko had to leave early from Gotenba to go to Narita where the 12th annual Disabled Persons' Nippon Taiko Festival is being held. It was a long bus ride but we were eager to practice on the stage before the festival on Sunday.

We saw many interesting sites as we head back to Narita. Fugaku loaded up all of their drums for everyone to use during the festival. They even have a special  truck to carry them in. The entire side of the truck opens like a lunch box!

Triangle Special Taiko is one of 26 groups performing. We checked in and gathered together to wait for our turn to practice on the stage.

As the time got closer we moved into the gymnasium and cheered our friends from Fugaku on as they ran through their performance.

Our practice went great. The group was rewarded with lunch from McDonald's!

After lunch we went to see a  river festival. Before it was Tokyo, the are was called Edo. Edo castle was located on a peak and what we now call Tokyo was largely underwater. People gradually built up the earth and many rivers remained. Today festivals are held in celebration of this achievement. We walked and saw people in traditional garments and many other interesting things.

One of the highlights we saw was a huge gathering of Shamisen players performing at the temple. It was an impressive performance that everyone loved.

We finally headed back to our new hotel in Narita and had another meal with Fugaku. The two groups have really enjoyed getting to know each other. Taiko has definitely given us a bond. We are all looking forward to our performance tomorrow. Be sure to check back for all the details!