Over the long Labor Day weekend, I spent my extra day off at the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. As a St. Louis native for almost 18 years now, I have been meaning to go to this festival for years- and every single year something has come up.  This year, my senior-year bucket list finally got me out the door and down to Tower Grove.

My few hours at the Japanese Festival were very well-spent.  The entrance to the festival was lined with Japanese food booths and trucks, the smell of which were impossible to resist.  I bought a Poke Bowl for myself and devoured it within minutes.

Fully satisfied, I then visited the Japanese Marketplace which had been set up.  I browsed through the kimonos, handmade bracelets and the many other trinkets that were up for sale.  They were all impressive- the attention to detail and precision in these creations was remarkable.

As I walked from stall to stall, Japanese dancers and musicians twirled around.  The music was super catchy and the dancers’ focus and talent- despite the stickling heat and humidity- was amazing.  My favorite part was most definitely the man wearing a dragon costume chasing all the little kids that were hesitantly watching the dances.

Throughout the festival there were many different booths.  I visited a top-spinning booth, where an old man who had made tops out of recycled old items was demonstrating his techniques for spinning them.  I passed ice sculpture booths (which were quickly melting) and a man who was weaving sticks and leaves into baskets, shelves and chairs- all of which were surprisingly sturdy.  One lady was painting Japanese characters onto keychains (one of which I bought, of course). I even watched a drum show- the energy and synchronization of the drummers was absolutely fascinating and had my eyes and ears glued to the stage for nearly 20 minutes.  And of course, as I was leaving, I treated myself to a heaping bowl of green tea ice cream.

There were tons of other demonstrations and activities throughout the festival that I wasn’t able to see or experience- there were just too many.  I was most saddened by the fact that the Candlelight Walk wasn’t offered on Monday night, which is when I had gone. However, I still saw most of the major events going on, and was extremely happy with my experience.   

The Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens is a gem of an event.  Although overwhelming at times with its abundance of activities, colors and sounds, and I knew that the koi fish flags would lead me to the next exciting fun demonstration.  I think it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know and experience the Japanese culture, and to explore my city. If you haven’t been to the Japanese festival, this is a must-see attraction in St. Louis.  And if you have been once already, then you’ll know where to find me next Labor Day weekend.