The Hino Autumn Festival was held at Hino Motors’ Hino-dai in Hino City. On October 27, 2018. We were so excited for our kids because it was like an open day, family day, sports day, and transportation fair all in one festival.
There were a lot of people at the Hino Office when we arrived at 1 pm, but the Hino grounds were so huge but it didn’t look over crowded. We started walking from the entrance near the parking area. On the right side, there was a mini stage some people were watching a performer. On the left, about 10 classic cars were on display for a car show, like Renault 4CV, Daihatsu 1959 Midget, and more.
Along the way to the main ground, there were a lot of mini games, especially for kids, like batting, puzzles, maze, soccer ball kick, mini bouldering, raffle games, and more. There was even a mascot, and a wheelchair basketball game like in the Paralympic Games. Plenty of snacks and drinks stalls like cotton candy stalls, popcorn stalls, and more. Kids wouldn’t get bored or hungry, I guess! 🙂 Aside from that, each game, kids can receive some freebie prizes, like snacks, candies, umaibo, senbe, cookies, mini toys and balloons, and sooo much more.
Before reaching the main grounds, they gave visitors a Hino Autumn Festival cash ticket/coupon. There were 5 tickets. It’s 100¥ each cash ticket, which we can use in mock stalls.
It took us about 15 minutes to walk from the entrance to the main ground. Upon reaching the main ground, there were a lot of people, mostly groups of families with their kids. There were a lot of food stalls and big vehicles. On the right side of the ground, the big Hino trucks were there. On the left side area, there were firetrucks, mini bus, a police patrol bike, and more. Then, in front of the main building, there are food stalls. We were a little hungry, so we grabbed some menchi katsu, grilled chicken, and hot dogs.
After eating, Seichiirou and Seishin rode on the Police Bike. Then I rode with Seichi and Seishin on the police patrol minivan and the firetruck, then just Seichi rode on the firetruck’s moving ladder with a platform box. I think he really had fun with his experience. 🙂 🙂 Daddy and the kids rode on the minibus. Kids were so happy that they got to experience getting in these vehicles that they only see on a bus road and TV.
Then, after that, we went to the rugby game area. The kids got a chance to play rugby together with the Hino Red Dolphins! Did you know that the Hino Red Dolphins are a Japan-based rugby team owned by Hino Motors. Yes! That’s correct!! It was founded in 1950 in Hino City, Tokyo. The players of Hino Red Dolphins were a corporate team, where some were actually company employees. How cool is that?! They build trucks and hit the field!! Total respect! Cool right?! But sadly, I didn’t have a picture of them playing with our kids because hubby was with Seishin and I was guiding Seiichirou too. Maybe next time again. 🙂 🙂 We’ll get to have pics with them. 🙂
As we strolled around, Seichi tried out a few games like mini bouldering, kickball, throw ball, and others. We were able to enjoy everything in 2 hours around 3 pm. It was 2 hrs of fun and family time. Kids got back home so happy and had a lot of take-home goodies and snacks.
I think having a local festival like this really means a lot. It was nice to be out with the community. Just seeing families together, watching our kids play and explore, it gave me a warm feeling. Like, even though we’re all busy with our own lives, we can still come together for a moment and just enjoy.
Festivals like this remind me that memories don’t always have to come from faraway places. Sometimes they just happen right here close to home. bringing families and the community together. And I’m thankful for that.
Hino Autumn Festival 2018 on Youtube
