My visit to Ako   By Irina C. DYU, Spring 2006 update

On December 14, I had the opportunity to visit Ako Gishi Festival in Ako city. It was my first experience of being at a Japanese Festival ("matsuri"). This Ako Festival is celebrated every year in the memory of 47 Loyal Samurai that lived and were buried in Ako city. According to Japanese legend,which 47 Samurai sacrificed their own lives for their Lord Asano committing ritual suicide (seppuku). Since then, they became renowned throughout Japan as the Loyal Samurai ("Ako-Gishi") from Ako.

On the day of the Festival many spectators from nearby cities came to Ako city to watch this parade of 47 Loyal Samurai acting in traditional costumes and reproducing the story. The Samurai moved along the central road making small steps simultaneously and one of the Samurai carried the head of Lord Kira on the top of his sword. Other parade participants represented and played some scenes from the legend in traditional Japanese dress on moving stages. It was an exciting and picturesque show. Visitors to the the festival were offered famous Ako salty sweets and sake. I tried both, and they were tasty!

Apart from the legend of 47 Samurai, Ako city is famous for its abundant natural beauty and fresh delicious seafood, especially oysters. Some hot spring resorts are also frequented by Ako`s visitors. I was in "Ako", a hot springs resort that is located just by the sea and has Japanese style rooms. From the resort`s windows a nice view of the sea is displayed before your eyes. Before taking hot baths I enjoyed lunch of delicious sea food that you can order directly to your room.

My trip to Ako was a good opportunity for me to familiarize myself with some aspects of Japanese history and culture. Get a chance to know Ako city, its history, enjoy its seafood and Shiomi-Manju (salty cake), and don`t forget to take a healthy bath in "Ako" hot spring resort!