[Limited departure on 11/2] The 29th Fire Festival ~ November Fire Dance ~! Toyohashi Mikawa Handheld Fireworks Two-Day Tour | Departing from Tokyo

－Itinerary information－

Meeting time: 09:45
Meeting place in Tokyo: In front of Marunouchi Building, Tokyo
Departure time: 10:00 Departure from Tokyo
Return information: Arrive near JR Tokyo Station around 19:00

－Itinerary introduction－

• Toyohashi Fire Festival

The handheld fireworks have a history of more than 450 years. They originated at Yoshida Shrine in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, and have been spread throughout the surrounding Higashi Mikawa area. The prototype is the smoke used to convey messages in ancient times. In the Higashi Mikawa area, handheld fireworks have the meaning of praying for a good harvest, no disease and disaster, and good family luck. They are one of the must-have performances for important local ceremonies.

Handheld fireworks are made from a bamboo tube with a diameter of about 10 centimeters and a length of about 70 centimeters. The outside of the bamboo tube is rolled with hemp rope and gunpowder is filled inside. The finished product weighs about 1.8 to 3 kilograms. After being ignited by others to help, the caster assumes a squatting horse stance and gradually raises the fire tube in the air. At this time, you can see dazzling golden sparks flying up into the sky, and then scattering down like a waterfall, while the caster is bathed in this non-stop golden rain. Just before the fireworks are about to disappear, the bottom of the bamboo tube will explode, as if it is using all its strength to burst out the final light, which is amazing.

The highlight of the show, "Dance of Fire", will feature more than 20 handheld fireworks blooming together. It is spectacular and heroic, and is a unique performance in Japan! In the early autumn night sky, the pillar of fire bursts out boldly, bathe in the light of the falling fire, and be impressed by the brave posture in front of you!

*After arriving near the venue, the tour leader will guide you to the venue.
＊The fireworks display is crowded, so please be sure to bring valuables with you.

[Notes on participating in fireworks displays]

If this is your first time attending a Japanese fireworks display, please refer to the following suggestions:

◆Although there are trash cans in the venue, there are a lot of people at the event every year, so please be sure to bring your own trash bags, toilet paper, wet wipes and other cleaning supplies.
◆The fireworks display will last until night, so please prepare relevant lighting equipment just in case.
◆Drones are prohibited from being used in fireworks displays due to safety concerns.
◆When the gathering is completed, the bus will depart to the hotel. Estimated arrival time is approximately 20:00.

• Toyokawa Inari

Toyokawa Inari is one of the three major Inari in Japan, and it is very effective in praying for business prosperity. The official name is "Myogonji". Since its completion in the Muromachi period (1441) about 580 years ago, it has been worshiped by local military commanders such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, etc., and now comes every year approximately five million people visited the temple. After paying homage to the main shrine, you can go to the Hill of Foxes where a stone statue of a fox is placed. This was originally a place where fox statues were worshipped. Now there are more than 1,000 large and small fox stone statues enshrined by believers, which are very spectacular and special.

-Introduction to attractions on the second day-

• Oigawa Railway

The "Oigawa Railway" is located in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is the only SL steam train in Japan that runs almost every day. You can ride it regardless of the season. Braving thick smoke and blaring whistles, the train travels between Shinkanaya Station and Ieyama Station. It is not only a means of transportation for locals, but also attracts railway fans from all over the world to ride and take photos. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful local field scenery.

• KADODE OOIGAWA

"KADODE OOIGAWA" is the only specialty food park in Shizuoka Prefecture that combines green tea, agriculture, and sightseeing experiences. In addition to tea-based menus and desserts, there are also plenty of fresh produce and souvenirs for sale. In addition, a "BIY experience" is specially arranged. Among the 16 types of green tea provided with different flavors, colors and aromas, you can find the green tea that suits you best through "green tea diagnosis" or "tea picking". Once you have selected your green tea, head to the Green Tea Biy Station to experience the relaxing and delicious tea making process.

• Yaizu fish market

"Yaizu Fish Market" currently has about 60 seafood shops of various types, making it a well-known local seafood market. A specially arranged all-you-can-eat sushi plan made from 20 kinds of fresh seafood brings you the most authentic Japanese seafood delicacies.

[Menu reference] Tuna, sea urchin, fish eggs, squid, shrimp, salmon, mackerel, octopus, conger eel, sea bream, etc.

＊Please note that different fish species will be provided depending on the stocking status of the day.

• Pick and eat all you can eat mandarin oranges

Enjoy all-you-can-eat “mandarin oranges”, a delicious fruit that is abundant in autumn! Pick fresh mandarins at the farm and give you 500 grams to take home at the end!