Kakegawa Castle

Overlooking the city from a central hill, the castle, like many others, has been rebuilt many times due to loss by fire, whether it was in the 15th Century or the 1940s.

Festival Cart

The autumn celebration most likely started after a good harvest. Now it's a tradition for shopkeepers to gather with friends, family and tradesmen to pull heavy, wheeled carts through the streets of town.

Festival Revelers

Which they do with a lot of chanting, beer and sake. Not in that order. But everyone has a good time and few people get injured despite the organized drinking and 'driving.'

Festival Dragon

The celebration comes to a close as the dragon is brought out to wish continued success to the reveling crowds. It all looked like so much fun.