Most viewed - KYOTO 京都府 |
Visited a Tango chirimen company called Tayuh Textile Co., Ltd. (Tayuh Kigyo 田勇機業株式会社). 2420 viewshttp://www.tayuh.jp/
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Tayuh Textile Co.'s chirimen textile factory in Kyotango.2420 views
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Lobby of Tayuh Textile Co.2288 views
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A geisha/geiko and maiko head to the theater to see the Kamogawa Odori. Notice the different obi sash on the back.2234 viewsA maiko is an apprentice geisha. Her obi sah on the back is long, as well as her sleeves.
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Also watch my Karuta hajime video here.1369 views
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1133 views
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Geiko and maiko in front of Pontocho Kaburenjo theater1069 views
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Video of our group photo exhibition at Kyoto International Community House during Nov. 16-20, 2011. Seven artists exhibited: Micah Gampel, Peter Macintosh, Motoyasu "Musashi" Matsutani. We talk about our work in this 25-min. vid.1055 views
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Court ladies called uneme. Their kimono have a blue wave design. 釆女1018 views釆女
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna.884 views
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"Nanohanaya"845 views
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Court ladies called myobu. 命婦833 views
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827 views
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One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals, the Kyoto Jidai Matsuri is a procession of over 2,000 people dressed in wardrobe reflecting Kyoto's historical periods from 794 to 1868 during which Kyoto was Japan's capital. Held annually on Oct. 22.776 views
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Court lady called myobu. 命婦762 views
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"Nanohanaya" (Rape blossoms) 菜の花や749 views
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These dance photos were taken in April 2002. Note that taking pictures and videos of the dance are no longer allowed.747 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna. 騎女740 views
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714 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ712 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ700 viewsThis is a maiko.
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Maiko and geisha can often be seen in Gion.687 views
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680 views
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Karyobinga 迦陵頻伽674 views
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Sakamoto Ryoma 坂本龍馬661 views
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650 views
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626 views
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Part 2: Passing of Spring in Kyoto, "Nanohanaya" (Rape blossoms) 菜の花や623 viewsPart 2 of the program consists of dance numbers.
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Maiko poses in front of the Naginata-boko float across the street in Kyoto601 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ588 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ580 views
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The Saio-dai Princess in 2005 was Saito Ayako, a 21-year-old Kyoto native and student at Doshisha Univ. Her 12-layer juni-hitoe kimono weighs 30 kg. 斎王代、齋藤彩子さん(21)573 viewsThe Saio-dai Princess is selected every year in April and a press conference is held to announce who was chosen. She is always a native of Kyoto, single, and in her early 20s. The Saio-dai was first incorporated in the festival in 1956. In 2005, she is the 50th Saio-dai.
Read more about here.
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514 views
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She wears a juni-hitoe kimono and rides in a carriage called Oyoyo. 斎王代、齋藤彩子さん (21)509 views腰輿(およよ)
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Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto490 views
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From the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the procession proceeds on main roads to Heian Shrine.484 views
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Ninomaru Palace entrance, National Treasure 二之丸御殿476 views
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ468 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna.448 views騎女
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Entrance to the road leading to the Cherry Dance theater (Gion Kobu Kaburenjo) in the Gion district. The sign says "Miyako Odori."434 views
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Kawaii!!412 views
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Turning the hoko float at the Kyoto Gion Matsuri.404 views
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The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the emperor's residence from the 14th century to 19th century. This is the main path to the palace where major festivals such as the Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri are held.404 views
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Map and about the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.402 views
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One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals held on May 15. The Aoi Matsuri's colorful procession of over 500 people in Heian-Period costumes start off at the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace and head for the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. 394 viewsKyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所: The first ox carriage waits for the procession to start. The ox carriage is called a gissha. 牛車
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Kameyama Castle was built by Akechi Mitsuhide in the 16th century as his base for his conquered Tanba region.385 views
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The procession basically consists of two columns: The Hon-retsu which includes the procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. It consists of men. The second and longer column is the Saio-dai-retsu consisting of women.385 views
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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is near this JR Inari Station on the Nara Line, a 5-min. train ride from Kyoto Station. Also near Fushimi-Inari Station on Keihan Line.381 views
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Cherry Dance, Kyoto.376 views
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The Saio-dai Retsu column begins. Consists of all women, highlighted by the Saio-dai Princess.374 views
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373 views
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368 views
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Saio-dai Princess procession. 斎王代350 views
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Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2011. Still hordes of people going to worship for New Year's hatsumode.349 views
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Approaching Nishi Hongwanji, the headquarters temple of the Jodo Shinshu Sect (Hongwanji school) in Kyoto. A short walk from Kyoto Station. This is New Year's Day, Jan 1, 2010.348 views
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Miyako Odori, Kyoto344 views
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Model of Kyoto Imperial Palace.333 views
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These men are descendants of the original archers who protected Emperor Kammu. 弓箭組列331 views
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Kyoto geiko and maiko at their best for the finale.328 views
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Naginata Hoko and chigo child 稚児321 views長刀鉾
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Yoshino Tayu, a high-ranking geiko entertainer. 吉野太夫320 views
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Scale model of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.320 views
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Nijo-jo castle was built on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu to serve as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns. Although it does not have a castle tower, Nijo-jo Castle is Japan's best preserved and most magnificent castle palace.314 viewsSeinan-sumi (Southwest corner) Turret is the first castle building you see when you walk from the station. Important Cultural Property 西南隅櫓
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Flower umbrella313 views
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Path to Kiyomizu-dera is a slope lined with souvenir shops, a tourist trap.309 views
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These portraits come from a larger exhibition at the Oyako Gallery in JR Maibara Station in northern Shiga Prefecture until March 2012.309 views
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Hiunkaku Pavilion is a National Treasure. Unfortunately, it is not open for public viewing. One of Kyoto's Three Best Pavilions along with Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Pavilions. 飛雲閣302 views
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3D map of Kyoto Imperial Palace and the route we were allowed to take. For this special occasion of Emperor Akihito's 20th anniversary, we were also allowed to tour the northern palace quarters which is normally closed to the public.295 views
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293 views
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Flower umbrella called furyu-gasa. 風流傘291 viewsFlowers are artificial.
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PR poster for the Kamogawa Odori geisha dance held during May 1-24 in Pontocho.291 views
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We were right near the hanamichi where the geisha performed.290 views
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"Miyako Odori" poster in English.282 views
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On July 16, the night before the Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko parade of floats, the Yoiyama display of floats lit up at night attract huge crowds in central Kyoto. You can also enter some of the grand floats.276 views
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265 views
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Inside the theater, waiting for the start of the 168th Kamogawa Odori (in 2005) to start.264 views
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High-ranking lady of the court262 views
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Pontocho Kaburenjo theater260 views
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A hanamichi is also on the left side of the theater.260 views
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Line at the bus stop. The buses did not come so frequently. So I just walked back to the nearest subway station.256 views
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255 views
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Part 1 Monogusa Soshi: Taro's Shack. Lazy Taro does nothing but compose poems all day in his shack. 物ぐさ草紙 太郎の小屋254 viewsThe first half is a musical play with a storyline.
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Castle map253 views
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Flower umbrella253 viewsThese flower umbrellas are mainly for decorative purposes, to add more color to the procession.
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Karamon Gate, Important Cultural Property. 唐門252 views
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The wooden wheels creak like they did centuries ago.252 views
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The eighth and last corkboard panel showed photos of various rowing clubs rowing around Lake Biwa. Imazu Jr. High Rowing Club, Kyoto University Rowing Club, and a FISA tour.252 views
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Entrance to Pontocho Kaburenjo theater. You can buy tickets for the day's performance.251 views
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Pontocho Kaburenjo theater as seen from Kamogawa River.249 views
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Taro's Shack248 views
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246 views
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Geisha in my midst, in a taxi instead of a rickshaw.246 views
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Way to Kyoto Ebisu Shrine during Toka Ebisu as seen from Shijo.245 views
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Otsukaiban is a Meiji government administrator serving as an inspector. 御使番245 views
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Most take the train from Arashiyama, then ride the boat back.244 views
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244 views
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Ox carriage with plum blossoms dangling from the roof.241 views
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End of show, see you next year in May!241 views
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Juni-hitoe kimono worn by the empress.240 views
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Pulling a float at the Kyoto Gion Matsuri.239 views
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Ninomaru Garden237 views
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Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's grandest festivals. Held annually in July, the festival's climax is on the 17th and 24th when giant, wooden-wheeled floats are pulled through the streets.237 viewsThis is at the starting point of the Yamahoko Junko procession on July 17.
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Note that taking pictures and videos are not allowed.236 views
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More signposts reading "Miyako Odori." "Miyako" means capital (Kyoto was once Japan's capital city), and "Odori" means dance.235 views
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Kamogawa River next to the theater.233 views
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Pontocho Kaburenjo theater, venue for Kamogawa Odori.232 views
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Honmaru Palace as seen from the castle tower foundation229 viewsImportant Cultural Property
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Norijiri horseman leads the procession. 乗尻228 viewsThe procession, called Roto-no-Gi (路頭の儀), is actually one of three rites performed during the festival.
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Pontocho is a narrow alley and known as a geisha district.226 views
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Palace entrance roof225 views
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Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. Ticket office is on the right. Best to buy tickets at least a few days in advance.225 views
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Kiyomizu-dera temple on wooden stilts. Kiyomizu-dera belongs to its own independent Buddhist sect.225 views
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Visitors watch and hum along with the Lake Biwa Rowing music video on an iPad.224 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna. 騎女221 viewsThey escort the Saio-dai Princess.
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Long line for the bus stop.221 views
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The cherry dance consists of several acts each with a different dance or play.220 views
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Verse 4. From Imazu, the boys rowed across the lake and most likely took a break at Chikubushima island in the middle of northern Lake Biwa. It has been a sacred island for centuries with Hogonji Buddhist temple (宝厳寺) first built in 724.220 views
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斎王代218 views
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Tonan-sumi Turret from the street217 views
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Ichiriki, a famous geisha tea house.217 views
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Everyone is dressed in Heian-Period (794-1185) costumes.216 views
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215 views
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Kiyomizu-dera is the 16th temple in the Saigoku Western Japan pilgrimage circuit. The Hondo main hall dates from 1633.215 views
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"Nanohanaya" (Rape blossoms) 菜の花や212 views
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212 views
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The bull was mooing all the time and was very restless.211 viewsDo bulls moo or do they snort? This was making a loud noise.
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Gate to Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. Four shows daily in April, lasting about 1 hour (too short). Ticket prices range from 1900 yen to 4300 yen.211 views
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Minami-mon (South) Gate 南門210 views
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Hollyhock (aoi) leaves 葵210 views
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Kameoka Station209 views
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No. 4 official of the old police force and court justice called Kebiishi-no-sakan 検非違使志209 views検非違使志
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Torokko train at Arashiyama for Hozu Gorge208 views
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Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate (Main entrance), Important Cultural Property 二之丸東大手門206 views
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East Bridge to Honmaru and Honmaru Yagura-mon Gate206 views
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Court lady called myobu. 命婦206 views
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Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓205 views
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Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓205 views
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205 views
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Ninomaru Kita Otemon Gate204 viewsImportant Cultural Property
二之丸北大手門
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Saio-dai Princess procession. 斎王代204 views
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Saio-dai Princess riding on a special palanquin called Oyoyo. 斎王代 腰輿(およよ)204 views腰輿(およよ)
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204 views
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All finish203 views
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Huge crowd203 views
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I visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine on Jan. 1, 2010. At the Kyoto City Tourist Info office, I asked which shrine was Kyoto's most popular on New Year's Day. They told me it was this shrine, so I came here.202 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna.201 views騎女
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Norijiri horseman leads the procession. 乗尻201 views
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Honmaru Palace200 viewsImportant Cultural Property
本丸御殿
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Over 500 people in the procession walk along the 8-kilometer route.200 viewsThere's a lunch break at around noon at Shimogamo Shrine.
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"Miyako Odori" poster and paper lantern.200 views
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200 views
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The procession's highest-ranking official called Chokushi. An Imperial Messenger. The horse is highly decorated. 勅使199 views
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Honmaru Palace198 viewsImportant Cultural Property
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End of the gorge198 views
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One of six court dancers called maibito. 舞人198 views
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"Miyako Odori" sign post. Performed for over a century, the dance makes April a very special time in Kyoto. It helps to hone the dance and musical skills of the geiko and maiko who diligently practice for this annual dance.198 views
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Ninomaru Palace, National Treasure 二之丸御殿197 views
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Ninomaru Palace side view facing the garden. National Treasure197 views
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197 views
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Mother scolds the daughter for the scuffle with Taro.195 views
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Musician called baiju. There are seven of them wearing the same wardrobe. 陪従195 views
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Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret, Important Cultural Property 東南隅櫓194 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna. They escort the Saio-dai Princess.194 views騎女
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Finale: "Hana Utage" (Flower Banquet) 花うたげ194 views
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Goeido Founder's Hall194 views
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Site of Ryukoku Museum across from Nishi Hongwanji.194 views
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194 views
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Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓193 views
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Ninomaru Garden193 views
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The Heian Period was when Kyoto was the capital of Japan where the Emperor resided.193 views
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Shrine maiden on horseback called Munanori Onna.193 views騎女
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Gate to Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. You can make ticket reservations by phone, or go directly to the theater ticket office and buy tickets.193 views
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Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto193 views
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Kishima Shrine has koma-neko cat guardians because silk farmers in the 19th century kept cats to protect their precious silkworms and cocoons from rats. Rats were a major problem for the silk industry.193 viewsThey ate the silk cocoons and worms. So cats saved the local silk industry.
The left cat is the mother (holding a kitten), and right cat is the father. Also respectively "A" and "un."
These koma-neko cat guardian statues were donated in 1832 by silk merchants and wholesalers such as the Tonomura family (外村家一族、岩滝のちりめん問屋、山家屋の小室利七) who were textile merchants from Higashi-Omi (Gokasho), Shiga Prefecture.狛猫
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"Heian" comes from "Heian-kyo," the former name of Kyoto city.191 views
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A real crowd pleaser. Thanks for posing!191 views
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Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto. Inch by inch, we crept toward the main shrine on New Year's Day.191 views
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Moat between Ninomaru (left) and Honmaru (right)190 viewsEast Bridge in the distance.
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PR posters and paper lanterns for the Miyako Odori are everywhere.190 views
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190 views
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Wedding attire of the empress wearing juni-hitoe kimono, and the emperor wearing sokutai. 190 views
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Top of castle tower foundation189 views天守閣跡
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Magistrate's House189 views
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Ninomaru Palace side view facing the garden.188 views
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Warehouse wall188 views
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Ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine. 下鴨神社186 viewsThe public is not allowed to see the ceremony within the shrine.
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"Irises" 菖蒲186 views
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186 views
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A play186 views
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Kiyomizu-dera Gate186 views
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Naginata float at night185 views
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No. 3 official of the old police force and court justice called Kebiishi-no-jo 検非違使尉184 views検非違使尉
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Inside the Goeido Hall. You have to take off your shoes to enter. This was on Jan. 1, 2010. 御影堂184 views
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Whoa!183 views
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Gishumon Gate, the entrance to Kyoto Imperial Palace when it is open to the public in spring and fall. During Nov. 1-10, 2009, anyone could freely enter. Normally, you have to apply (send in a form) to be able to take a tour of the palace. 宜秋門182 views
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Karuta Hajime on the Noh stage at Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2011182 views
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Guard house181 views
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Stone foundation181 views
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The Saio-dai Princess is the main figure of the procession. She represents the Imperial princess who worked at the Kamo Shrine and served in the Aoi Festival during the Heian Period.181 views腰輿(およよ)
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"Nanohanaya"181 views
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Main stage at front.181 views
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Climax with cherry blossom motif.181 views
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181 views
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Maiko pose180 views
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Foundation of castle tower179 views天守閣跡
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10:30 am: Starting point at Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace 京都御所 出発179 viewsThe procession is ready to depart.
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The Aoi Matsuri started in the early Heian Period in the 8th century as a national or state-sponsored event.178 views
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The Naginata Hoko is the only one with a live sacred child called "Chigo."178 views長刀鉾
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Starting at 9 am, the Naginata Hoko float always leads the procession. 長刀鉾177 views
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Gion Matsuri poster for 2004.177 views
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177 views
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Guard house and Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate (Main entrance) 二之丸東大手門176 views
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176 views
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Sanjusangendo in Kyoto is famous for its numerous Kannon statues.176 views
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Next to the geisha photos was Philbert Ono's cove of photos introducing the Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta).176 views
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Top of castle tower foundation175 views天守閣跡
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Pagoda and maiko175 views
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Ryoanji temple in Kyoto has Japan's most famous rock garden. 175 views
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Ogre posing174 views
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Following the Saio-dai Princess are more high-ranking ladies of the court.174 views
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Even before evening comes, a large crowd stop to see the Naginata-boko float at Shijo-Karasuma.174 views
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Naginata float at night174 views
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Barrels of sake next to the theater.173 views
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Kyoto Station173 views
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Seishomon Gate was the exit. This is the gate normally used by the public. In the old days, it was the palace's "kitchen door" since it was used as a service entrance. It was also used by Imperial children. 清所門173 views
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Way to Shimogamo Shrine.173 views
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My favorite sight at Higashi Hongwanji in Kyoto is these giant ropes made of donated human hair. The ropes were used to reconstruct the temple during dire times.173 views
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Ninomaru Higashi Otemon Gate (Main entrance) 二之丸東大手門172 views
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The Aoi Matsuri (Festival) used to be called Kamo-sai, after the name of the two shrines which hold the festival.172 views賀茂祭
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"Irises" 菖蒲 She rises from beneath the stage.172 views
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Tonan-sumi (Southeast corner) Turret 東南隅櫓171 views
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