Mid July to end of August is one of Japan's main festival seasons.
In Matsumoto, we went to a big Taito drumming festival. Bands from around the country came to perform against the backdrop of the magnificent sixteenth century black and white wooden castle. Full of energy, the pieces were either joyful or fierce, the drummers' faces and movements reflecting the rhythms.
We listened to some incredible, dramatic, energetic drumming, with occasional accompaniments from Japanese bamboo flutes, big gongs, chanting, shouts and singing.
We are hoping to see more festivals as we travel through this wonderfully interesting country.
