The beat of drums and the blast of fireworks reverberating from the Kintai Bridge could be heard for miles Saturday night.
Those who decided to trek to the Kintai Bridge area experienced a mixture of the local culture, fresh cuisine and an epic fireworks show during the 42nd Nishiki River Water Festival.
The festival, held along the banks of the Nishiki River, attracted thousands of local Japanese citizens, area visitors and service members alike.
The day’s events included a children’s treasure hunt, Taiko drum performance and the highly anticipated fireworks show. In an awesome display, vibrant fireworks burst in the sky for more than an hour.
Numerous vendors prepared various delicacies along the river’s banks, creating a haze of aromas over the entire area.
One such vendor offered grilled fish and squid on a stick, while others prepared items like chicken kabobs and colorful snow-cones.
The festival is one of many unique events held in the Kintai area every year.
During a few select weeks in March, cherry blossoms bloom in the city, and the view around the Kintai area is very popular among visitors and locals.
Throughout the weeks, thousands line the river banks celebrating the unique season with picnics, Iwakuni Castle excursions and pick-up games of soccer. In April, the annual Kintai-kyo Festival is held in Kikko Park, featuring the Daimyo Procession, a parade of Iwakuni residents dressed in traditional Japanese costumes and kimono.