Chofu Fireworks Festival | Review by Ming Yu

One of Tokyo’s three major Tanabata festivals, full of energy and handmade warmth: the Asagaya Tanabata Festival (Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri)!

Held every summer in the lively Asagaya Pearl Center shopping arcade, the biggest eye-catchers are the countless huge handmade papier-mâché decorations (hariko) hanging beneath the arcade. From anime characters to designs inspired by current events, there’s a little bit of everything, showcasing the community’s creativity and passion. All kinds of festival food stalls line both sides of the shopping street, filling the entire area with a festive atmosphere. As you stroll through the covered shopping arcade without having to worry about the weather, you can experience the excitement of an authentic Japanese summer festival and enjoy a wide variety of food. It’s definitely a 5-star traditional event you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tokyo in the summer!

The birthplace of Fukui’s signature specialty, habutae mochi: Habutae Mochi Sohonpo Matsuokaken Main Store (Matsuokaken)!

With a history spanning more than a century, this shop continues to preserve traditional craftsmanship, creating premium habutae mochi that is as soft and delicate as silk and melts in your mouth. Its refined sweetness, which is never overpowering, and subtle rice aroma let you taste the care and craftsmanship in every bite. In addition to the classic habutae mochi, the summer-only “Habutae Shaved Ice” incorporates the shop’s signature mochi into finely textured shaved ice. Its exquisite texture is impressive, making this a 5-star century-old confectionery experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Fukui!

The largest and most dreamlike winter nighttime event in the San’in region, “Winter Flower Illumination at Tottori Prefectural Flower Park”!

One million colorful lights illuminate the expansive 80,000-square-meter grounds, transforming the enormous Crystal Dome greenhouse and 1-kilometer circular walkway into a dazzling sea of light. Floral displays, lights, visuals, and music blend together perfectly, creating a romantic, fantastical atmosphere completely different from the daytime. On select weekends, fireworks are also launched nearby. The fireworks in the night sky and the sea of lights on the ground complement each other, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. This is definitely a 5-star romantic date spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tottori in winter!