Giant beasts of straw down on the farm in Niigata
Mammoths, dinosaurs and a big boot are among the grassy artworks popping up in fields
Niigata plays host to a gaggle of beasties during the fall, from mammoths to turtles to giant beetles. All created in the name of art, from straw.
Click "View Gallery" above for more pictures.
Folk festival
The Wara Art Matsuri takes place every year in two locations in Niigata, at Kanko Shisetsu Iwamuroya (96-1 Iwamuro Onsen, Nishikan-ku, Niigata) and Uwasekigata park (1 Matsunoo, Nishikan-ku, Niigata).
The area has the "largest paddy fields in the country," according to Japan Style.
The art is created from rice straw by locals and college students. The structures are made from pipes and wood sticks, then the straw is added, taking about a week per piece to complete.
The matsuri also includes folk performances, food and drink stalls of local produce, and a workshop for budding straw-art enthusiasts.
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