A fun-filled day with Nobuko!
Arrival to Ashikaga City, this is the manhole cover for the city.
I am feeling very anxious as this illumination is supposed to be the best in Japan. I'm feeling very lucky to be here, it's my first time to see the illumination.
The name for this year's illumination is called Flower Fantasy.
As we got closer to where generally wisteria hangs in the spring we saw hundreds of Christmas lights hanging. The lights changed colors and lovely Christmas music was playing to the blinking lights.
A small video of illumination.
My friend Nobuko and I climbed inside the Cinderella carriage for a picture of memories from our visit together.
The floating poinsettias on the pond were being watered before the crowds arrived. A lady was dipping them in the pond water to give them a drink.
I enjoyed watching this display of the 4 seasons of Japan and how each season is so special to them. Click the link to see the small video.
https://youtu.be/NqSksfzfG_s
Nobuko standing under the wisteria lights listening to the Christmas music and enjoying the atmosphere.
More tunnels of lights this is a representation of white wisteria that comes in the spring.
We have spent the night at Ric and Teresa's and in the morning we leave for Golden Week at 6am. I am so excited to be going with such a wonderful couple and best friends. Breakfast was eaten and car loaded and Ric in behind the wheel to drive us to our Golden Week adventure. This year the weekends are placed in a way that creates two 3 day holiday periods and a regular weekend each separated by single regular weekdays. Golden week is generally abbreviated GW. 
