DC Sakura Matsuri 2013 – Matsuri!

Well, after walking and walking and walking, I made it to the end of the parade route, where I was able to finally cross Constitution Avenue to the side where the matsuri was taking place. Then it was another 4 block or so walk to get to the nearest entrance to the matsuri, where I stopped to rest for a few minutes. I decided to pace myself after looking in on the huge crowds of people milling about (or trying to!) inside the matsuri fence, because there would be no sitting inside! I managed to spend about 4 hours there, got to see some interesting booths, inflicted my Japanese on some poor folks, and basically had fun. I saw a very high-energy J-Pop band called “M’sh”, and watched some friends perform in a cosplay “fashion show”. After that was over I decided it was time to start the long walk back to my car in the Potomac Park, so I headed back to the Tidal Basin, taking a few more photos along the way. I did stop at the Jefferson Memorial to buy a soft drink and take another short rest, but since I was so close to the car I figured it would be better to keep going. Finally I got to my car at about 5 PM, after starting at 8:30, drove home, unloaded my SD card, and promptly went to sleep!

So, one week later I managed to upload some more photos here! As always, click to see the full-size photo!

Enjoy!

There were a few people at the matsuri...

There were a few people at the matsuri…

... just a few...

… just a few…

... thousand...

… thousand…

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And you thought DC *traffic* gridlock was bad...

And you thought DC *traffic* gridlock was bad…

Dancers performing a traditional Hokkaido fisherman's dance

Dancers performing a traditional Hokkaido fisherman’s dance

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DC Japan Model Railroad Club

DC Japan Model Railroad Club

Some cosplay friends at the NHKWorld booth

Some cosplay friends at the NHKWorld booth

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A couple of Cherry Blossom Queen candidates

A couple of Cherry Blossom Queen candidates

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I have a bag, it's a pink bag, others may have other bags, but this one is mine.  Any questions?

I have a bag, it’s a pink bag, others may have other bags, but this one is mine. Any questions?

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M'sh!

M’sh!

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Rock Guitarist Face #1

Rock Guitarist Face #1

Rock Guitarist face #2

Rock Guitarist face #2

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ValNika vlogs!

ValNika vlogs!

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Chillin' at the Tidal Basin...

Chillin’ at the Tidal Basin…

It was... a little crowded...

It was… a little crowded…

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