This week we went to the Hakata Folk Museum and Kushida Shrine.

At the museum we saw some displays of what life was like in old Hakata.

We learnt about the Hakata Yamakasa Festival which happens every year in July.

It was interesting to hear about the history of this festival, and to see the amount of time and effort that goes into preparing for it every year.

I am really happy to see such old traditions preserved, alive and well, in modern day Japan.

Also at the museum we got to try using the loom to make Hakata Ori textiles.

It was a very interesting experience, but I don’t think I’m very good at it!

Afterwards we walked across the street to the Kushida Shrine. We purified ourselves by washing our hands before we entered, then prayed. We practised all the correct techniques at school before we left which was very helpful. We also got Omikuji (fortunes). Mine was Very Lucky so I’m very happy!                    ―――susan