Today was a day I’d been eagerly anticipating—the Rumoi Moekko Haru Matsuri! This year’s festival felt extra special, as it’s the first one held in four years, making it a big moment for everyone in Rumoi. I’m part of the Rumoi High School Team, and we’re competing in the Moekko Banba Race, the festival’s main event.
We set off early, and my family and I drove over to Rumoi Roadside Station. Once there, I joined up with the 10-man Rumoi High School Team composed of me, my co-teachers, and our school staff Sekiguchi-san. We enjoyed a little pre-race bonding. My wife took on the role of event photographer, while my daughter wandered the festival grounds with her best friend from Midorigaoka Elementary School, soaking in the festivities.
The Moekko Banba Race was the highlight of today's festival, and it was held at Senba Park, which was just behind the Rumoi Roadside Station. During the race, our team managed to score two wins before fatigue set in during our third match against the Firefighter Team. Although we didn’t secure a final victory, the experience was unforgettable—it brought us closer as colleagues, friends, and a team.
Group photo with the Rumoi High School Faculty Team
Next year, we’re determined to come back stronger and give it our all to win. With winter slowly fading, our family is back to resuming our #Hokkaido179 road trips, revisiting nearby spots, and planning new adventures. Hopefully, I’ll get my driver’s license next month, which will open up even more destinations for us to explore together.
Akabira Tokugawa Castle ( 赤平徳川城 ) also called Akabira Castle or wrongly as Hokkaido Castle is a replica castle located along National Route 38 at 174 Horookacho, Akabira City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Akabira Tokugawa Castle Akabira Tokugawa Castle details Akabira Tokugawa Castle may not be a real historical site, but its story is just as fascinating. Built in 1991 by Matsuzawa Yoroi Co., Ltd , a manufacturer of festival dolls, Akabira Tokugawa Castle has served as a showroom and manufacturing factory. It boasts four floors of unique and interesting attractions, including a souvenir and doll-making demonstration area on the first floor, an impressive doll display and sales area on the second and third floors, a Hina doll display and Japanese restaurant on the fourth floor, and an armored helmet exhibit on the fifth floor. The castle also has a sixth floor, which once served as an observatory tower. Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Akabira City, Hokkaido Prefecture Although the cast...
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected. ...
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, or simply Kamay ni Hesus is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending ...
Located in the municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is one of the few privately owned resorts in the area that doesn't really require memberships for visitors to enjoy. Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Munting Buhangin Beach Camp Details Although Munting Buhangin Beach Camp doesn't have white sand to boast, it's quite an isolated place which makes the resort stand out. Its light brown sand, sprinkled with different kinds of shells, is cleaned daily by the dedicated staff of the resort. Sadly, during my visit, a broken piece of glass buried in the sand gave one of my toes a deep cut but I know that it's just a rare case (no one needs to be fired) and nobody wanted that to happen. Munting Buhangin Beach - Nasugbu, Batangas One of the best places to go camping... ...or rent nipa huts and treehouse You might want to try kayaking here too Going up: parking / Going down: beach Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is ide...
Located near Shibuya Station in Shibuya City, Tokyo Prefecture in Japan , Hachiko Statue is one of Japan's most famous and most visited statues. Hachikō Statue Hachiko Statue History Erected in April 1934, Hachikō Statue was created to the likeness of Hachikō, an Akita dog owned by Hidesaburo Ueno a university professor at the University of Tokyo. Hachikō is known and remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death. Hachiko - immortalized in his waiting area. Hachikō Statue - Shibuya City, Tokyo Prefecture Hachikō's Story Hachiko Born on November 10, 1923, on a farm in Odate, Akita Prefecture, Hachiko is an Akita breed dog who was adopted into the family of Professor Ueno who brought him to live in his home in Shibuya, Tokyo. Since Professor Ueno commutes daily to work, it became a daily routine for Hachiko to patiently wait for his master at the nearby Shibuya Station to greet him at the en...
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine ( 錦山天満宮 ) is one of the main shrines of Ebetsu City. It is located at 3 8-1 Yoyogicho, Nopporo in Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Details Winter Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine boasts a rich history that reflects the spirit of resilience and community. Established in 1885 and 1886, the shrine was founded by the Nopporo Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from regions such as Kyushu, Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Tottori to cultivate the untouched wilderness. By 1889, the shrine had become a spiritual haven for these settlers, housing a branch of the deity from the Ise Grand Shrine, symbolizing hope and protection. Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture Originally known as Kinzan Shrine , it was revered as the guardian of the Nopporo area and the deity of bountiful harvests. In 1973, a branch of Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined, coming from the renowned Dazaifu Ten...
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference. Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f...
Milk Garden Ebetsu also officially called Machimura Farm Milk Garden ( 町村農場 ミルクガーデン ) is a dessert restaurant located at 183 Shinotsu, Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Milk Garden Ebetsu Milk Garden Ebetsu Details Winter The year 1882 marked a significant turning point for agriculture in Hokkaido with the birth of Machimura Takayoshi , the founder of Machimura Farm. This was also the beginning of a new agricultural paradigm that combined cattle and crop farming, perfectly suited to the region’s northern climate. Milk Garden Ebetsu - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture Takayoshi, later known as the "God of Cattle Breeding," was born in government housing at the Makomanai Cattle Farm—the first state-run ranch in Hokkaido. His early years were spent in the barn, surrounded by cows and horses, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to dairy farming. Machimura Farm Milk Garden Milk Garden Ebetsu At just 25, Takayoshi set off for America, drawn by its advanced da...
Ebetsu Shrine Ebetsu Shrine ( 江別神社 ) is the main shrine of Ebetsu City, located at 1-1 Hagigaoka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ebetsu Shrine Details Winter Ebetsu Shrine has a storied history that dates back to 1885. It was originally established as a guardian deity for the Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from Kumamoto Prefecture to help develop Hokkaido. The shrine honors Lord Kato Kiyomasa , a key figure in the region's early history. Ebetsu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture In 1891, the shrine housed the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto , enshrined from Izumo Taisha, and by 1895, it was relocated to its current site in Hagigaoka. A significant milestone occurred in 1915 when a new shrine building and office were constructed as part of a memorial project for the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. On this occasion, a branch of the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami was brought from Ise Jingu Shrine and enshrined as the main deity. Ebetsu Shrine 's main torii gate 江別神社 Ebetsu S...
The Ebetsu Local History Museum ( 江別市郷土資料館 ) is a museum dedicated to promoting the rich history of Ebetsu City. It is located at 1 Chome-38 Midorimachinishi, Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Ebetsu Local History Museum Ebetsu Local History Museum Details Located in the heart of Hokkaido, the Ebetsu Local History Museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the historical evolution of Ebetsu City. Opened in 1991, the museum captures the city’s transformation from its ancient origins to its modern-day development, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Ebetsu Local History Museum - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The museum is thoughtfully organized around several key themes, including " Hometown Ebetsu ," " Ancient Ebetsu ," " The Beginning of Development ," "T he Town’s Growth ," and " The History of Industry ." Each section offers detailed exhibits that paint a vivid picture of the city's progression o...
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