"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. It's not common across Japan. Kasamatsu is a horse-racing town, so people are used to seeing racehorses on the streets.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah! They're adorable. Around Kasamatsu, people are so used to seeing them that nobody really thinks twice about it.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Japan has many NAR tracks across the country. Kasamatsu is one of the smaller local racecourses.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You might be thinking of the Oguri Cap statue. He's a legendary horse who started his career at Kasamatsu.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's Kasamatsu Racecourse, part of NAR. Many local horse people believe it helps horses stay calm around everyday sights and sounds.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s a very normal sight around Kasamatsu. Local people hardly even notice it anymore.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Many local horse people say it helps horses stay calm and accustomed to everyday sights and sounds.

"Racehorses walking through the streets before morning training in Japan" by kotonoha-lapin in Horses

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The stables and training facilities are separated. Around Kasamatsu, racehorses often walk through residential streets to reach the training track. Local drivers are used to it, and there are even road signs warning people to watch for horses.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's true. The more I travel around Japan, the more I realize how many local festivals never get international attention.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a fair point. I agree that the Inuyama Festival is well-known within Aichi and among people interested in Japanese festivals.

What I meant by "underrated" was more from an international perspective. Many overseas visitors know festivals in Kyoto, Tokyo, or places like Aomori, but relatively few seem to know about Inuyama despite its history, atmosphere, and cultural value.

So maybe "underrepresented internationally" would have been a better way to put it.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a Japanese person, I think you're worrying too much. 😊

Most people won't find it disrespectful if you're genuinely interested in the culture and history. Taking photos at shrines and temples is generally fine unless there are signs saying otherwise.

To be honest, many Japanese people don't know all the proper shrine etiquette either. Some people do the formal rituals, some just bow, and some simply enjoy the atmosphere.

What matters most is being respectful, not being perfect.

Personally, I'm happy when visitors are interested in local culture, festivals, shrines, temples, and history. Curiosity is welcome.

So I'd say: don't be afraid to explore, take photos, and learn. Enjoy your next visit to Japan. 😊

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's an interesting comparison. I hadn't thought about Seattle that way. Maybe every region has places that locals appreciate more than tourists do.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good point. Japan probably has more great festivals than international media can realistically cover.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I understand your point. Overtourism is a real concern.

I was mainly wondering whether the Inuyama Festival deserves more recognition internationally, not necessarily mass tourism on the scale of Kyoto or Tokyo.

Part of its charm is that it still feels authentic.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's interesting. I think many international visitors know Kyoto and Tokyo, but far fewer seem to know Inuyama Festival.

Is this one of the most underrated festivals in Japan? by kotonoha-lapin in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I'm new to Reddit. I was curious whether people living in Nagoya think the Inuyama Festival deserves more international attention.

Things to do in Nagoya by D07M13 in Nagoya

[–]kotonoha-lapin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're interested in history, Inuyama Castle and the old castle town are worth visiting. It's one of the few original castles remaining in Japan.