【Fireworks】 Kurose Summer Festival

Many people were gathered for the Kurose Summer Festival this year. It seemed like it was an event many looked forward to ever since COVID-19 caused the disruption of large-scale events.

The Kurose Summer Festival was packed full of entertainment, food, and fireworks by the river. It was my first ever summer festival in Japan and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I came in a yukata (Japanese summer kimono) courtesy of my host mother who helped me put it on and I was glad to see so many people dressed in yukata too!

There was a large stage with dance performances and comedy acts. Surrounding the stage was many food and toy stalls. It was through this that I got to understand what a Japanese summer festival looked like, and why it is hyped up in Japanese media.

 

The biggest highlight has to be the Kurose beef skewer. Famous in the area, hundreds queued up to get their hands on one of these skewers. So did we, and boy, was it worth it! It was one of the most juiciest meats I’ve had and I would definitely go back again just to get another one of these.

 

We also tried curry bread, and perfect for the summer: ice-cream and shaved ice, all of which were delicious. Holding onto my melon-flavoured shaved ice, we headed to the river just in time for the fireworks. Watching the colourful fireworks light up the sky amongst the sounds of the crowds provided a perfect end to the night.

Overall I’m really thankful for Discover East Hiroshima for the opportunity to head to the summer festival and grant me yet another memorable experience in Japan.

Kimberley 2023. August