Fukui

Apr 14, 2015 - 1 min read

Carp Streamers with Cherry Blossoms

Carp fluttering in the wind over a river in Fukui

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

The child hanging on the gold & black carp is probably Kintaro (Golden Boy) from Japanese folklore. He is a symbol of a strong boy. Since carp streamers are set for Boy's Day on May 5th, Kintaro must be painted on one of them to pray for boys' healthy growth into strong men.

Dreamy view of the carp streamers swimming over a river surrounded by beautiful cherry trees

Pretty pathway along a river is decorated with yellow daffodils and pink cherry blossoms

Over a narrow river, 15 rows of 7 carp streamers are set up

'Swimming' in the spring wind in the idyllic setting of rural Fukui

Although it was during the spring festival, no one was there on a weekday

Streams of pink cherry tree boughs and carp streamers

Colorful lanterns bobbing in the wind

A still snowy mountain can be seen in the background

It was a windy day and carp streamers were comfortably swimming in the air

A photographer and videographer on the riverside walk

Carp streamers in black and white

This festival is being held in a peaceful neighborhood

The small river is surrounded by green fields and mountains

A small truck on a quiet street lined with pretty pink cherry trees near the river

In early April I went to Sabae City in Fukui to see carp streamers 'swimming' over a small river lined with pretty cherry blossoms and daffodils. A friend of mine told me about the small river across which 15 rows of 7 carp streamers are set up to celebrate the Boy's Day on May 5th. It is quite a sight to see these streamers and cherry trees together. The river is located in amid green fields surrounded by mountains and everything seemed so idyllic that I thought I was lost in a fairy tale. These carp streamers will be there until around May 8th. Don't miss seeing them if you happen to be in the neighborhood!

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Takako Sakamoto

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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Andre Moreira

Andre Moreira 10 years ago

Great pictures! One day I'll definitely go to Fukui! :)

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

The sharp colors of the carps contrast well with the pale pinks of the cherry trees.

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Takako Sakamoto

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thanks Justin! Unfortunately it was cloudy, if it were sunny the blue sky would've made a great contrast with them all!

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok 10 years ago

Beautiful, Takako! We have an onsen town here in Kumamoto that does a similar display and I hope to catch it this year!

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Takako Sakamoto

Takako Sakamoto Photographer 10 years ago

Thank you Mandy! Carp streamers in an onsen town must be a great sight to see, please catch it and write a story, I'll be looking forward to it!

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