Dondoya in Yoshino

Today we went to Yoshino to take part in the Dondoya festival. The weather forecast said to expect heavy snow so we all had our coats, hats and gloves at the ready. Luckily the weather was fine and we had a great day with the Yoshino gang.

First we had to beat the mochi (rice) Watch the experts!

After we’d all had a turn pounding, we had to make round mochi cakes filled with red beans, cheese and natto.

After a great lunch we all headed down to the bonfire with our bamboo poles to roast more mochi and then eat and drink some more.

It is always nice to hang out with the locals. I picked up a few grandmas who were so cute!

This is papa-san! Crazy guy who loves to drink and smoke (even though he’s not supposed to) and calls himself our papa! We love him!