Hozuki welcome in Ikaho Onsen
Each year around this time, shops and inns in Ikaho Onsen hang hozuki (lantern fruit) from their eaves — a small welcome that lets you feel the season.
The women’s division of the chamber of commerce began this seasonal hospitality. This year is the 25th.
Potted hozuki sit in bamboo hanging baskets, and furin (wind chimes) hang from the baskets. On early-summer nights they sound gently; the feeling is hard to put into words.
The displays stay up until about early August. Ikaho Onsen is at its best while the hozuki welcome is on.
Late July is also Taisho — Greater Heat. Take a hat or sunshade, and drink water.