采女祭り 2015 Uneme Matsuri in Nara

Every year, on the night of the harvest moon, a festival takes place at Sarusawa-ike pond in Nara city. It is a re-enactment of an elegant boating event held by ancient citizens of Nara to appreciate the moon when it was the fullest and brightest. The festival is named Uneme, a dedication to an ancient court lady named Uneme, who legend has it who drowned herself here after losing the favour of the Emperor. This was my first time to attend this event after missing out the past few years. It was amazing not only to watch the event itself, but also to see so many people packed in around Sarasawa pond. Normally it is only me, my bicycle and a few deer at night time. Definitely a fun time…I will be back next year!