#BikeTo the Hashi no Shita World Music Festival; we made it there and back safely!
We left Circles, passed through the city center, and headed north along the Tenpaku River.
There are even some unpaved sections along the river, which put a smile on everyone's face.
Though we were on a mix of bikes—fixed gear, MTB, and cross bikes—we chatted in the saddle as we rode through the suburbs, and before we knew it, the Toyota Ohashi bridge was in sight.
Right after arriving, we had our obligatory toast. Since Toyota-shi Station is so close, there's the peace of mind that you can just take the train back with your bike.
It had a different vibe from the "Mori, Michi, Ichiba" festival; it was a true "Hare" (festive) atmosphere for a "Hare" day.
"Under the Bridge" felt like another world entirely, and a true "festival" space had unfolded there.
Of course, being a "World Music Festival," there were stages too.
It was my first time seeing Awa Odori dance with that much energy, where even the audience started dancing along.
I was simply overwhelmed.
There's no reason not to go when such a festival is held right next to a major city like Nagoya—just an hour by train or less than two hours by bike.
Honestly, I just regret not going sooner.
Nothing is there, yet everything is there; everything is there, yet nothing is there.
I’m so glad I could experience the Hashi no Shita World Music Festival firsthand.
It seems Keita is there today.
If you're interested, please make sure to check it out next year.
In the meantime, I'll be heading out to #Bike2Sauna next week on the down-low.
If you want to hear more about it, come visit us at the shop!