♥ Day 10 - Sumida Hanabi Festival

Today we went to the Sumida fireworks display along the Sumida River. We've been told to go as early as possible, but with getting items ready to go and getting dressed, it took longer than anticipated. With me dressing 3 others and myself in yukatas, 2 hours went by fairly quickly. As we left the house, our neighbouring shoutengai was holding a mini festival of its own - there was water yoyo games and more. As we got into the station. I was worried it would be awkward walking down the street all dressed up, but it didnt end up that way. So many other girls were dressed in their yukatas; everyone had such unique obis, hairpins and accessories , it was a beautiful sight!

Arriving to Asakusa station by 5:30 was a bad idea; there was no walking space or breathing space. Police were directly traffic very efficiently as they guided us down the river. People already had their picnic blankets staked out on the side walks and designated streets set aside. Unfortunately, unless you pay extra for special passes into the open areas, your view would most likely be obstructed by trees, or telephone poles.

It is definately not a protest - sure looks like one though. People were sitting and waiting for the fireworks to start

The fireworks started for 10 minutes - they were gorgeous, but it was drizzling. Soon it was a downpour so big everyone was running for their lives to duck under shelters, girls in their yukatas were soaked all the way through, some having umbrellas, others used their picnic tarp. Getting underneath a covering was impossible, walking back to the station was a journey - it sure was memorable.

We were redirected to a station further down which made us more wet and miserable, but all the girls on the street were so cheerful and taking photos. We wonder why on earth would they do such a thing in this down pour, but we realized with the street lights reflecting of the wet ground and the background of the Skytree tower, it was picture perfect!!

Usually if it rains on the day of the fireworks, it is postponed til Sunday, I am unsure if this is the case, but we will be skipping out on going tomorrow. However we will be prepared for the firework festival NEXT week.