Sumida River Hanabi 2016 or Sensō-ji's Kaminarimon

In July 2016, my sister and I attempted to see the Sumida River Hanabi (Fireworks). We left a little late from the house and didn't arrive at Asakusa Station until the fireworks were starting. As expected, the crowds were large and it was impossible for those arriving late to get to the riverside to see the Hanabi. Oh well, we did make it to the Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), and had a wander through crowded streets trying to find a good position. We caught glimpses of the fireworks through the builds and in reflections in glass windows. However, in the end we mostly enjoyed seeing all the revelers dressed in their summer yukata.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f5.6, ISO 400, 1/6 sec.

Spiderweb Yukata in Hibiya Park

Near the end of July I visited Hibiya Park and spotted this dapper gentleman in a stylish yukata with an interesting spiderweb pattern.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f4.0, ISO 100, 1/160 sec.

Himawari Yukata

In mid-July, I spotted this woman in an attractive yukata with a himawari (sunflower) pattern.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 16 mm, f8, ISO 100, 1/80 sec.

Summer in Japan...

I returned from my vacation in Australia and was greeted by Tokyo's summer heat.  There were plenty of people out enjoying the city and the park despite the stifling weather.

This couple looked comfortable on their way towards Ginza wearing their yukata.

Others in Hibiya Park were sweating and dancing the merengue to the Latin music in celebration of Colombian Independence Day.