[Saturday, November 17th, 2018]
Saturday morning. It was a chilly day - me, bundled up in my 3 layers of sweaters and cardigans, comfortably tucked in my bed, pondering how to spend this toasty day. I was supposed to do 下がり (Morning+Evening Shift) that weekend, but my week-long flu earned me a free-pass to have the day off.
I had 2 choices - ONE, to gargle salt water before plopping back into my pillow, spending the whole day in bed, or, TWO, to get out of Beppu. It’s been a semester since I last had a field trip, and wasn’t this the perfect opportunity?
10.30 AM. While scrolling along my Instagram Feed, it hit me:
"TAKETA BAMBOO LANTERN FESTIVAL", FROM 16.00
Without hesitant, I changed into my favourite #ootd, and went on campus.
03.25 PM. Bound for Taketa.
One amazing thing about traveling, is that you’ll never know what to expect. While waiting for 乗り替え (changing train), I bumped into a couple of familiar faces. Turns out, just because you started on your own, doesn't mean you will end up lonely ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧.
06.00 PM. We arrived.
As the sun dipped below the horizons, the lanterns were gradually lit up. Under the dark, clear sky, the colors became more vibrant and stunning than ever. On the two sides of the roads lied the bamboo bouquets that stretched into the vast distance, leading us to the heart of the festival🏮.
Strolling along Chikuraku
As I roamed the street of Taketa, I occasionally got by swayed the aureate, glimmering lights coming from petite boutiques, or street vendors. Yet, what really held my attention, were the historic landmarks being complemented by the bamboo lanterns.
The highlight of the festival, in my opinion, is indubitably the Juroku Rakan at Kanonji. From a vast distance, you can see a ribbon of around 3,000 incandescent lanterns running along the stone steps at this ancient temple. It can’t get any more beautiful than THIS.
The other breath-taking landmark, is Hirose Shrine (yes, a shrine, and not the supermarket in Beppu) - the romantic stop with a touch of historical essence.
Other picturesque spotsRentaro Tunnel: it is said that melodies and compositions of Rentaro Taki (one of the most-well known pianists and composers in Japan) will be played automatically as you pass by. Honestly, it sounds sorta-creepy /ehehe/ .
Ruins of Christian Chapel: particularly dedicated to worshipers.
Samurai Street: fall back in the Samurai era as you amble down the streets in Taketa.
Making a detour from the main street, we followed a narrow alley that led to a live gig from a Japanese Jazz band. The checkered shirts, the vintage suspenders, the newsboy flat caps and fedoras, along with their quirky performing styles, altogether, a remarkable stage. Sipping my Guinness Extra Stout while enjoying these 4 talented artists perform, suddenly the 4°C outside did not seem that cold.
Closing remarksChikuraku is without doubt, Taketa's treasure. Under the dimming lights and glimmering lanterns, the city returns back in time, to when there were narrow lanes, white walls and wooden gates of the former Samurai residents.(There are also food vendors, so LOL that's a HUGE plus !!)
About Taketa Chikuraku Light FestivalIt is held on the third Weekend of November every year.2018 marks the 19th annual festival, with more than 20,000 bamboo lanterns illuminating the whole caste town.Starting off with 3,000 lanterns since 2000, the festival has grown into one of the most anticipated event every year in the city.
ReferencesTaketa City Tourism Association: https://www.taketan.jp/
FestivalGo by Huber: https://festivalgo.huber-japan.com
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