Fukui

Carp Streamers with Cherry Blossoms

Carp fluttering in the wind over a river in Fukui

Takako Sakamoto Apr 14, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The child hanging on the gold & black carp is probably Kintaro (Golden Boy) from Japanese folklore. He is a symbol of a strong boy. Since carp streamers are set for Boy's Day on May 5th, Kintaro must be painted on one of them to pray for boys' healthy growth into strong men.</p>

<p>Dreamy view of the carp streamers swimming over a river surrounded by beautiful cherry trees</p>

<p>Pretty pathway along a river is decorated with yellow daffodils and pink cherry blossoms</p>

<p>Over a narrow river, 15 rows of 7 carp streamers are set up</p>

<p>'Swimming' in the spring wind in the idyllic setting of rural Fukui</p>

<p>Although it was during the spring festival, no one was there on a weekday</p>

<p>Streams of pink cherry tree boughs and carp streamers</p>

<p>Colorful lanterns bobbing in the wind</p>

<p>A still snowy mountain can be seen in the background</p>

<p>It was a windy day and carp streamers were comfortably swimming in the air</p>

<p>A photographer and videographer on the riverside walk</p>

<p>Carp streamers in black and white</p>

<p>This festival is being held in a peaceful neighborhood</p>

<p>The small river is surrounded by green fields and mountains</p>

<p>A small truck on a quiet street lined with pretty pink cherry trees near the river</p>

In early April I went to Sabae City in Fukui to see carp streamers 'swimming' over a small river lined with pretty cherry blossoms and daffodils. A friend of mine told me about the small river across which 15 rows of 7 carp streamers are set up to celebrate the Boy's Day on May 5th. It is quite a sight to see these streamers and cherry trees together. The river is located in amid green fields surrounded by mountains and everything seemed so idyllic that I thought I was lost in a fairy tale. These carp streamers will be there until around May 8th. Don't miss seeing them if you happen to be in the neighborhood!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...