July 17 2010: This afternoon found us winding our way along one of our well traveled roads to go to Lake Towada. Winding is a literal word, as, well let's face it, we are in the mountains. But before the mountains are the foothills. Which aren't quite as winding, but for the little person in the back seat, it's enough. We have gotten used to looking in the back seat and seeing a pale faced child who croaks out a barely audible "I don't feel so good". This, of course, elicits quick reaction on her parents part as we find a safe place to pull over. (though in this part of Japan, one can just stop on the side of the road, no matter if you are still in a lane of traffic.....need to take that phone call? just stop!)
Fortunately there was a "parking place" which is remarkably like a rest stop, some more elaborate than others. This one was fairly simple, few parking spaces and a bathroom house.
But to Andi's delight there were also 4 steps going up an embankment....must be explored. Up we went, expecting nothing more than a view of the river. But once up there, ahhh....steps leading down to the Oirase River.
What delight to be along the banks of the river. Shane really wished he were in the fisherman's shoes. I wished for a book and a decent sitting place to let my toes dance with the water. Andi loved every minute of it.
I guess there is an upside to car-sickness, the unplanned detour sometimes leads to the best part of the day.
But on we went... up the Oirase Gorge and around part of the lake to the village of Yasumiya. You may recall that we have been here before, back in February I think for the Winter Festibal. Now, I'm not real sure what the celebration was this weekend, other than a Summer Festibal. There is a holiday this Monday (Umi no hi.....Ocean Day), but I don't think it is tied in with the events of this weekend. Hard to tell sometimes.
Can't remember how much info I gave on the lake itself last time. It is believed to have been created by volcanic activities about 200,000 years ago. It is a double caldera lake, 400 meters above sea level, perimeter of about 46 kilometers and about 327 meters deep at it's deepest.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3778.html
Out on the lake one could rent a paddle boat, but at 1000-1800 Yen for 30 minutes, we opted "not at this time" (that would be around 11-20 dollars). But they do look like fun. Perhaps the rates are different when there's not a full blown festival going on.
The above....well, it's Coffee AND a Restaurant. I'm assuming perhaps one doesn't get coffee at all restaurants.
Below, some of the attendees. There was a good mixture of Japanese and Americans. This is one of the popular summer attractions for the base.
We had time to wander about before the fireworks. Of course there was always the fried goodness on a stick. Since it's summer, Andi was delighted to find corn on the cob freshly grilled. Such a happy little camper.
Took a little side trail. Along the way were caves and holes in the cliff side, along with ropes and prayer papers....indicating what, we aren't sure. We came up with a variety of stories....ancient warriors, brave animals.....imagination is a wonderful thing.
When we came this past winter, we saw various signs for the "Bronze Maidens". Being that it was dead of winter, and down right cold....we somehow couldn't find the right path (never mind that it was buried under several feet of snow). Today it was just so easy to find the maidens. How did we ever miss it before? What do I know about the Maidens? They were created by Takamura Kotaro, an artist that represents Japan. They are a symbol of Lake Towada.
Being the ever dutiful parents....we let our child dangle her toes, ankles and most of her legs into the third deepest lake in Japan. I figure in the end, when people ask what she did in Japan, she can see she waded in a caldera.
A sightseeing balloon....though that's all it did. Up for just a little, still tethered, then back down.
Below: Oh good, we aren't the only ones letting our child take a wade out in the lake.
And no, this isn't the moment she went completely in...but pretty close. After she stood up came the head rush, and the backwards fling at keeping balance. But it was all worth it. Though she was a little chillled for the fireworks as it was warm out, not hot enough to dry off before sunset.
Out on the water, one of the many ferry boats that were making the rounds. At sunset the tours stopped out in the water to enjoy on the water viewing.
Below: Will that sun ever set?
At last the fireworks! They were pretty good! Of course the fantastic shots that I wanted to get with my camera were hard to come by. I'll remember a tri-pod for next time. There were some different ones that Shane and I had never experienced. For the most part the fireworks were set off from a small barge out on the lake. Every now and then a speed boat would move through and throw some charges into the water and they would BANG! and light from the water. Loud echoes off the volcano/mountain walls, and now and then you could see the geyser of water that it caused. We did wonder though at how many fish are floating by the next day....but well, they do like fish on a stick, so perhaps it serves a dual purpose....I mean that in a good way, just food for thought, so to speak.
A long wait in the parking lot afterwards, while everyone tried in vain to leave at once. Andi had brought some books, so with street lights to read by, I read a few chapters til the lot cleared, and we made our way back down the mountain. No quick stops this time, she was asleep.
Festibal season is just getting started....next week is Misawa's Stars Festibal....
July 25 2010: I said in the last blog that festival season is upon us! Here it is another weekend, another day of finding "fried goodness" to eat from the many vendor stalls. This is the Tanabata Festival. Which I did blog on last year. This year we went in the evening when it is much cooler....makes a big difference (huh, go figure).
During this festival lots of folks dress up in their Yukata- summer kimono. The Americans will wear them as well. Me? Nah, don't own one. Maybe some day....instead of running after my child's school bus in a big purple bathrobe, I'll be out there in my Yukata....
Shane and Andi all ready to go!
There was a bubble machine on the pavement. The children (and the grown children) had a great time walking through.
Just one of the many decorations. (above and below!) Actually, I did google jujiya.....a webhosting company of some sort in Japan....a restaurant in Paris (don't think this is for the restaurant).
Andi had her own Yen to spend. She was rather pleased with her purchase of a crown, and chocolate banana. And the bonus was not having to have her mother say "I'm not wasting my money on that, use your own." She did, but that doesn't always stop the lecturing.....spend wisely.
Above: A couple of cooks at one of the food stalls. I do believe that I have mentioned....lots of food. No need to ever be hungry at these things.
Andi was delighted to pet this HUGE lab (he's laying down so he doesn't look so big at the moment) but he was the most well behaved fellow. Except when another dog walked by, he just about dragged the table out into the street. The little lady who owned him couldn't get him back to the curb, so Shane went and helped reel him in on his leash and petted him til he flopped back down.
Above: Of course, you can wear whatever you want to the festival, including your fishnet stockings and heels.....
Stayed til the street lights came on...
Above: More fashion wear.
And so as darkness set in, and Andi started rubbing tired eyes, we headed home. 
