Could summer get any better than this?!

I don’t think so.

Cast iron pan for matsuri mini cakes

 

Best when warm. I love the cook, his brush, and apron.

Sanja matsuri this weekend in Asakusa

This festival looks like heaven. Gorgeous yakuza tattoos. Who’s going this weekend? (Photo credit).

Hey Foreign Guy, a group of festival goers greets the camera

All dressed up and smiling for the camera. White booties in a large city fascinates me.

Pickle vendor at matsuri

A pickle on a stick is a healthy and suggestive food option at the matsuri.

Kids showing police officer new guns they bought at shrine festival

It still seems incongruous that every Tokyo shrine festival features, amidst food and game stalls, stands that sell boy band photos and also plastic guns. These kids seemed very excited to show their new arms to the police officer.

My neighbors look good without their pants

At least some of them do. Now I’m feeling the spirits visiting our undeserving home.

Taking the Metro to the matsuri

Like an Edo parade in modern Tokyo Metro.

Looking for directions, all dressed up

Metro map is certainly handy.

 

So this is where they store their pants

There’s something lovely about seeing the “backstage” of the festival, the little things that make the celebration possible. Like somewhere to stash your pants.