The Tsubame Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom PR & Last Minute Preparations

It is only 2 days left until the Tsubame Sakura Matsuri festival (つばめ桜まつり) in Bunsui, Niigata, and we have had a last round of practice for the big day. The 17th is the day of the Oiran Dochu where I'll be one of four girls getting dressed up as an Oiran - a courtesan lady from the Edo period. As a part of the preparations for the festival we went to the Bunsui station where we took part in greeting travellers who had come to the Bunsui station to see the yozakura (夜桜) evening cherry blossoms.

The Bunsui Station is known for its beautiful sakura, most of which were planted more than a hundred years ago, and the row of cherry trees by the platform have come to symbolize the station itself. 

In addition to the event at the station this day we also got our last chance to practice the particular walking style called Soto-Hachi Monji (外八文字) before the festival. Local and national press joined us for the practice, which was sent on the news both on the direct and on the following day (all photos in this blogposts have been taken from TV broadcasts). 

With only two days left to the festival it is hard not to feel slightly nervous, as there will be people coming from near and far to watch the procession. There is also a certain chance that we'll have rain on the 17th, in which case they might be forced to hold the festival indoors. Fingers crossed! 

If the weather is bad on Sunday the procession will be held indoors.

Related blogposts

• All blogposts from the Tsubame Sakura Matsuri
• Elected as Oiran for the Tsubame Sakura Festival! 第74回 分水おいらん道中のおいらん役に！
• The Tsubame Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom PR & Last Minute Preparations
• Behind the Scene of the Tsubame Sakura Matsuri Festival - The Oiran Dochu
• Geisha vs. Oiran: The Characteristics of the Japanese Courtesans
• Try it yourself: An Oiran (花魁) Costplay Experience in Japan
• All blogposts from Niigata Prefecture
• Sightseeing in Niigata: A Visit to the Ponshukan Sake Vending Machines
• Niigata: Wine and Hot Spring Haven at Cave d'Occi Vinespa Winery Resort 
• Sightseeing in Niigata: The Ito Estate - Northern Culture Museum (北方文化博物館)
• Sightseeing in Niigata: The Yahiko Shrine (弥彦神社)
• [Hotel Review] Shikinoyado Minoya Ryokan (Yahiko) - 四季の宿みのや
• [Hotel Review] Iwamuro Onsen - Hotel Ohashi Yakatanoyu
• All blogposts about Festivals

About Anette
Anette came to Japan as an exchange student in 2010, met the love of her life and got stuck. From her base in Tokyo she writes about her experiences as a full-time worker in Tokyo and about her travels in Japan and abroad. She's a free-spirited adventurer who enjoys both the great outdoors and her urban lifestyle.