I flew from Naha to Haneda, then jumped on the Shinkansen to Akita. There are cheaper way to travel (as I would learn later in my trip) but I needed to get to Akita before the festival got going in the evening.

I dumped my big bag at the hotel then rushed out to try and get some shots of people preparing for the festival. Akita Kanto Matsuri is a lantern festival so I wanted a shot of a local, preferably in traditional dress, and with lanterns. Dripping with sweat, I made my way around the back alleys until I found just what I was looking for.  Kids, lanterns, and beautiful golden light.

So here it is, one of the first images from my trip.

Boy with lanterns, Akita Kanto Matsuri