Itako Bride

Cool tradition in Itako, Ibaraki

The Itako area of Ibaraki is known for its 'bride' event, Yomeiri-bune, a famous cultural tradition where a real bride wearing a traditional all-white kimono (Shiromuku) travels by a small wooden rowboat (sappa-bune) down the canals during the annual Suigo Itako Iris Festival. I presume the statue, pictured, represents this event. I love the bridges in the background, and I can only imagine it looks even more beautiful when the iris are in bloom.