Image search results - "kumagaya" - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Image search results - "kumagaya"

Kumagai-shuku was the 8th station on the old Nakasendo Road. Today, it's near JR Kumagaya Station. Hardly nothing is left of the shukuba, but it is interesting to see the old Nakasendo Road going through a department store named Yagihashi.Kami-Kumagaya Station

Kami-Kumagaya Station platform

Kami-Kumagaya Station

Yagihashi Dept. Store in Kumagaya, Saitama.

The old Nakasendo Road going through a department store named Yagihashi.

When the dept. store was being planned, there was opposition by Nakasendo fans who liked to walk along the old road. So the dept. store had the road built-in.

Going out the other end of Nakasendo Road in Yagihashi Dept. Store.

Nakasendo Road exiting Yagihashi Dept. Store

Nakasendo Road marker

Nakasendo Road continuing after Yagihashi Dept. Store.

Went to see the final evening and climax of the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival on July 22, 2013 featuring ornate floats paraded in central Kumagaya.

Kumagaya is famous for its hot summer temperatures. Luckily, it wasn't that hot this day.

My video of the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival on July 22, 2013.

Twelve floats with noisy musicians paraded around central Kumagaya, Saitama, Japan from 5:30 pm and gathered at the main festival plaza for the climax at 8:45 pm.

I followed the floats from Nakasendo Road near Yagihashi Dept. Store to the main festival plaza. Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama

Nakasendo road crowded.

Entertainment stage at the main plaza.

Hula dancers at Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri Festival.

For sale

At certain spots, multiple floats would gather together and jam together.

A real spectacle, but it doesn't last long as they soon break up and go on their way to the main plaza.

Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama

Great that they posed for us. Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama

As it got darker, they lit the lanterns on the floats. Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama

Yukata women/girls were a common sight.

After 30 min. of useless speeches (not recorded in the video) by local politicians, etc., the 12 floats converged at the plaza at around 8:45 pm.

Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama

The floats have mannequins depicting legendary figures like as emperor, samurai, etc.

The climax included a ceremony to transfer the Nenban job (festival chairman) to the next group for next year's festival.

Festival organizers and local politicians sit on a platform.

Kumagaya Station

Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin temple is Saitama Prefecture's sole building designated as a National Treasure. The main Honden Hall is a magnificent work of art with numerous wooden sculptures.

Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin temple features the colorful Gongen-style of architecture which is also found in Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Tochigi.

Mural near the bus stop at Menuma Shoden.

Way to Kisomon Gate, the main gate to Shodenzan.

Kisomon Gate is an Important Cultural Property. 貴惣門

Kisomon Gate was built in 1855. 貴惣門

About Kisomon Gate

Jizo statue near Kisomon Gate

Kisomon Gate

Kisomon Gate wooden carvings.

Both sides of Kisomon Gate has three gables called "sanhafu." Very unusual.

Kisomon Gate is very unusual for its triple gables.

Menuma Shodenzan's Kisomon Gate has three gables called "sanhafu." Very unusual. Kumagaya, Saitama

Way to the main temple.

Statue of Lord Saito Sanemori, Heian Period warrior who lived in Kumagaya. 斎藤実盛

Kannon statue

Map of Shodenzan grounds.

Gomado Hall 護摩堂

Nakamon Gate 中門

Niomon Gate 仁王門

Bell at Niomon Gate 仁王門

Looking toward the front of the Honden Hall.

In front of the Honden Hall is this stone stage.

About the Stone Stage.

Daishi-do Hall and sumo ring

Suigyo-do has a water well.

Suigyo-do has a water well for water ablutions.

Daishi-do Hall 大師堂

Inside Daishi-do Hall 大師堂

Kannon inside Daishi-do Hall 大師堂

Daishi-do Hall 大師堂

Sumo ring 相撲場

Incense burner in front of Honden Hall

Menuma Shodenzan Honden Hall, front side 本殿

Menuma Shodenzan Honden Hall 本殿

ABout Menuma Shodenzan Honden Hall 本殿

Fire extinguisher

Entrance to view the rear part of the Honden Hall. Admission is 700 yen. Open 10 am - 4 pm

Front part of the Honden Hall.

The back part of the Honden is surrounded by this fence, but you can enter the fence and look at the colorful exterior up close.

However, you cannot enter the building.

Guided tours are provided at certain times. Only in Japanese though.

Menuma Shodenzan temple

Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin temple was built during 1735 to 1760, taking 25 years.

These colorful woodcarvings were once all faded to bare wood after 250 years under the weather.

Taking seven years from 2003 to 2010, the temple was painstakingly restored to its former splendor. The magnificent result was open for public viewing from June 1, 2011. In May 2012, it was designated as a National Treasure.