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May 05 2009 9 Comments

Japanese holiday happiness?

The current huddle of holidays that make up most of Golden Week may not actually work out as a full week of freedom for most, but it’s still a staggering amount of time off for the seasoned salary man. However, with the rest of the country equally ready for a recess, ticket prices are preposterous and tackling the traffic is an almost biblical test of patience and perseverance, meaning that for many Tokyoites, hanging out nearer home is heaps less hassle.

Trouble is, as a sensational number of other citizens are similarly geared up for the same goal, even bagging some suitable real estate by the river is bothersome, and while the odd semi-secluded spot is certainly seizable,

Busy Golden Week

for the majority it’s a matter of joining the melee,

Busy Golden Week

and making the most of it.

Busy Golden Week

Even if, despite doing one’s damnedest, the whole endeavour is deeply disappointing.

Busy Golden Week

And yet that said, it would appear that there’s still some fun to be had with fancy togs,

Busy Golden Week

fancier tattoos,

Japanese tattoo

and even fire.

Busy Golden Week

All done with the gleeful knowledge that it can be repeated again in August when Obon poses the same equally packed proble opportunities.

Categorized: Culture, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. George says

    5/5/2009 at 1:08 pm

    Very nice pics. Thanks.
    It’s interesting to me how Japan, a very modern, cosmopolitan country, retains its special, unique customs.

    Reply
  2. 12bar says

    5/5/2009 at 1:34 pm

    Would love to see more of those tats!

    Reply
  3. Rob says

    5/5/2009 at 1:50 pm

    Haha! Those fish don’t have a chance!

    Reply
  4. Bunny says

    5/5/2009 at 10:53 pm

    Cool story, Lee! I felt as if I were there with your vivid accounts.

    Reply
  5. Ken Y-N says

    5/5/2009 at 11:23 pm

    For the last one, may I suggest the caption:

    “Even at Jenga, Taro was always a bad loser.”

    Reply
    • Lee says

      5/6/2009 at 10:44 am

      You may indeed Ken, that’s funny!

      Reply
  6. okinawa says

    5/6/2009 at 11:08 am

    Nobody is smiling….I thought they were on holiday!

    Reply
  7. Bunny says

    5/6/2009 at 11:27 am

    Made the dreadfully mistake of visiting Kamakura yesterday. Apart from the rain that was constant, the Golden Week crowds made the place miserable.

    Reply
  8. la petite revue says

    5/6/2009 at 5:14 pm

    love the first picture!
    xx

    Reply

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