I also took part in this year’s “Chikatsuyu–Nonaka Autumn Festival,” helping out from the preparation stage.
Last year, most of my greetings were “Nice to meet you…,” but this year I was warmly welcomed with friendly “Hello!” and “Long time no see!” more often. It made my heart warm to feel that I’m being accepted as a member of this community.
This autumn festival, known as the “Chikano Marukajiri Experience,” attracts many visitors every year.
On the day of the festival, the main street of Chikatsuyu is closed to traffic, and the area comes alive with local specialties—vegetables, fruits, and other products brought by residents—along with food stalls selling yakisoba, yakitori, and more. There are also nostalgic attractions like traditional picture-story shows. It is a warm, handmade festival that the local community has lovingly preserved over the years. Blessed with good weather, it once again brought together many happy faces this year.
What especially caught my attention was the salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish).
They were wild-caught ayu from the Hiki River that flows through Chikatsuyu—large in size with plump, tender flesh. And unbelievably, they were only 500 yen!
When I took a big bite of the freshly grilled fish, the hot, fluffy flesh was rich and flavorful—absolutely delicious! I couldn’t help but smile.
And then there’s the festival’s highlight, the Nonaka Lion Dance, a traditional performance that has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture.
I went to see both the eve-of-festival performance at Chikatsuyu Ōji and the main performance at Tsugizakura Ōji.
The evening performance was a bit chilly, but the warm sake offered there took the edge off, allowing me to fully appreciate the solemn dance.
At Tsugizakura Ōji the following day, under the gentle autumn sunlight, the sounds of flutes and drums filled the air, and I found myself captivated by the lively and dynamic performance.
Everywhere I looked, there were smiling faces.
The festival was filled with the gentle, nostalgic warmth that is so characteristic of Chikatsuyu.
Seeing everyone enjoying themselves in their own way left a strong and heartwarming impression on me.
And as for the progress on Guesthouse COZY… it’s now very close to being completed!
Once the interior was finished and the fixtures were installed, it suddenly felt so much more like a real guesthouse, and I couldn’t help but feel excited.
After this, once we successfully pass the inspections by the fire department and the public health center, we will receive our business permit.
The opening is finally starting to feel very real.
Please look forward to the opening day!
