第69回　二本松の菊人形

There are countless ancient cherry trees in the area around the Maling Park (Nakamura Castle Site) that extend the era of the feudal government, and the appearance of blooming all at once is a masterpiece. Many flower visitors visit each year as a representative cherry blossom spot on Hama-dori. Night cherry blossoms illuminated by a bonbori are also recommended. Image courtesy: Soma City

The Shimotsuki Festival, which is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of December every year, has been called Yatsuki City since ancient times and has been crowded with many worshipers. Surrounded by rich nature, the faith of people from all over the area has been thick as an agrarian deity since ancient times, and the "Mitanae Matsuri", a national designated important intangible folk cultural property on January 6 in the lunar calendar, is also full of worshipers from inside and outside the prefecture.

The Taiko dolls, which have been around for about 300 years and use washi paper to create a unique texture, attract many tourists from all over the country. At the festival held at the "Takashiba Deco Yashiki", Hyottoko and Shichifukujin wearing this face of taiko dance happily, while Nishida Komachi Taiko sounds a brave tone.