Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Man in charge of Gion Matsuri




These elderly men in kimono are so-called "higher ranking" people of the Festival.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Gion Matsuri (Festival)

Kyoto is enjoying the Gion Matsuri from July 1: festival ends on July 31. The highlight of the festival is "Yamahoko-junko" which takes place on the 17th of July. It is the procession of colorful floats through downtown Kyoto.


Groups of people started to build Yamahoko today. A total of 32 Yamahoko floats are presented in the festival. The 25 meter tall, 10 ton floats are made from wood and rope without using a single nail or piece of iron. (Yamahoko is the holy place for devine spirits.)

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Rainy Season


Japan is currently in rainy season. After many rainy days in Kyoto, it's clear sky today and here is the beautiful evening glow.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Ayu (=Sweetfish) Fishing Season


Kamo river ayu fishing season opened on May 31. Ayu is one of the leading delicacies in Japanese cuisine.