Fireworks After-Party Dec 3-4

The fireworks display at the Chichibu Night Festival on Dec 3 of every year is one of the most spectacular in the world. For several hours, incredibly orchestrated fireworks light up the sky, providing a natural psychedelic high that must be experienced to be believed. Thousands of people travel out from Tokyo to see it, even when it occurs in the middle of a week.

This year, for the first time I can remember, Dec 3 is a Saturday, so attendance should be high. We have decided to hold a Hanabi Afterparty at The Greenhouse next weekend.

Here's the plan:

At the top of one of the narrow roads lined with yatai there is a small temple just below the hill from which the fireworks are launched. The priest is very friendly, and always has a log fire burning in the temple grounds, so even if it is cold, one can quite comfortably sit around the bonfire and view the display.

We will meet at the temple, and after the fireworks display, which runs from about 7:30 until 10 or so, we will return to the Greenhouse for a musical gathering, extending until Sunday evening, so bring your instruments and your ears... We will have two vans, so can transport quite a few people who come to Chichibu by train. We hope some of you will bring vehicles as well to assist in getting everybody to The Greenhouse. We will arrange transport from The Greenhouse to the nearby bus terminal for people returning by bus/train on Sunday.

COSTS: Instead of charging any admission to The Greenhouse, we will simply ask for contributions when you leave. Food will be available a la carte -- tasty snacks in the evening, and breakfast/brunch in the morning. Dinner on Sunday will also be possible.

ACCESS: Seibu-Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station (about 750 yen, or a bit over 1000 yen if you take the Red Arrow Superexpress). It is about a ten minute walk from the station to the temple.

CONTACT: Phone Chris at 0494-78-0177 or email to hanabi@chichibu.com

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