I was taking the train from Nagoya to Kyoto and decided to make a stop half way as I realised it was Culture Day in Japan (November 3rd) and wanted to take in some of the countryside. My first impression of Hikone was of a quiet and tranquil town with narrow windy streets and tiny cars. Then I stumbled across their lively street parade and celebrations. The end of the parade featured Hashigo-nori a century old firefighting display of acrobatic skill and courage. I didn't see any other obvious tourists for the afternoon and it was a nice change to sink into a crowd and feel like a local. This town is situated on the edge of Lake Biwa and is steeped in history from the Edo period. A visit here to recharge is highly recommended before heading onto Kyoto or back to Tokyo.
- 1 min read
Culture Day Parade in Hikone
Festivities to celebrate history
![Jemma King Jemma King](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/6655/240x240!/5846f27467ba814406e5322e.jpg)
By Jemma King
Community writer
![A welcoming and bicycle friendly town](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160575/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160575.jpg)
A welcoming and bicycle friendly town
![Locals waiting for the parade to commence](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160588/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160588.jpg)
Locals waiting for the parade to commence
![Traditional Samurai clothing with a smile](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160577/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160577.jpg)
Traditional Samurai clothing with a smile
![The whole town was around the next corner](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160578/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160578.jpg)
The whole town was around the next corner
![One of the many brass bands playing as the sun came out](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160579/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160579.jpg)
One of the many brass bands playing as the sun came out
![Young and old joined in the celebrations](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160580/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160580.jpg)
Young and old joined in the celebrations
![One of the many traditional costumes that children wore with a smile](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160581/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160581.jpg)
One of the many traditional costumes that children wore with a smile
![Young women wear traditional Uchikatsugi Veils, originally worn to protect noble identities](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160582/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160582.jpg)
Young women wear traditional Uchikatsugi Veils, originally worn to protect noble identities
![Edo style fire fighting display. You could hear the locals yell "Kaji" (fire)](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160583/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160583.jpg)
Edo style fire fighting display. You could hear the locals yell "Kaji" (fire)
![One after another acrobatic displays of strength and courage](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160584/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160584.jpg)
One after another acrobatic displays of strength and courage
![You could hear a pin drop as the crowd stood still](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160585/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160585.jpg)
You could hear a pin drop as the crowd stood still
![Three ladders were held in place down the street](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160586/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160586.jpg)
Three ladders were held in place down the street
![Hashigo-nori enabled the fire fighters to get a birds eye view of the cities to determine the location and severity of the fire](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/32618-160587/1000/shiga-culture-day-parade-in-hikone-160587.jpg)
Hashigo-nori enabled the fire fighters to get a birds eye view of the cities to determine the location and severity of the fire
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo Ginza Noh Week
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2
Fūrin, the Symbol of Japanese Summer
Culture -
3
Kamakura: A Memorable Summer Getaway
Kanagawa -
4
Fairytale Experiences at Nukumori-no-mori
Shizuoka -
5
A Comprehensive Guide to Nomad’s Japan eSIM
Planning -
6
Introducing Nomad eSIM
Planning -
7
Freshness Burger Okinawa Fair
Food -
8
Sakura-tei: The World's Largest Okonomiyaki Restaurant
Tokyo -
9
A Foot Bath Path In Kaminoyama
Yamagata -
10
Guided Tour for Foreign Visitors to Experience Traditional Japanese Performing Arts and Learn About the History of Ginza!
News - Sponsored
-
1
A Guide to Japanese Visas
Planning -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
5
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
7
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
8
Nintendo Museum Coming Autumn 2024
Kyoto -
9
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture