Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival

Above, Lake Kawaguchi's fireworks are reflected
upon the lake's waters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, which conjures up thoughts of bar-b-ques and fireworks.

The most memorable fireworks display in recent years for me actually didn't take place on Independence Day, nor did it even take place in the United States.

I would have to say that the most memorable fireworks display had to be during G-Tour in 2004 when we attended the Lake Kawakuchi fireworks festival (Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival).

Above, climbers' lights can be seen on the slopes of the
silhouetted Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the five lakes near Mount Fuji (now a World Heritage site). On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen from Lake Kawaguchi.  When we arrived at the lake, Fuji was obscured by cloud cover.  But just before the fireworks show began, the sky cleared and we were able to see the silhouette of Mount Fuji against the night sky.

After a full day of touring, this was a relaxing respite for the group. Luckily, there were food vendors (photo below) at the viewing area and most everyone were famished and gave the vendors a lot of business.

On the slopes of Mount Fuji, tiny lights can be seen making their way to the summit. These are climbers who climb Fuji to view the morning sunrise. Since Mount Fuji has been designated a World Heritage site, it is speculated that this will cause an increase in the numbers of climbers. As a test,  a ¥1,000 admission fee will be charged on a trial basis for about 10 days from July 25. [See this article from The Japan Times.]

Above, the festival is comprised of competing
fireworks companies.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fireworks display lasted about an hour or so. The fireworks festival is held annually for competing fireworks companies to display their goods. It was a smart move to make Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival as an "anchor" when planning the tour.  For information, go here.

The accompanying photographs are screen captures of a video I shot with a Hi8 camcorder.