• The long, dangling obi of Kyoto's maiko is called 'darari' and is one of the many subtle differences in dress that distinguishes her rank. Seeing a maiko from behind, the long brocades of silk swaying with each step, is one of the most famous sights of Kyoto.
  • Torii, spiritual gateways leading to a shinto shrine, dot the Japanese landscape.
  • Maiko can also be distinguished from geiko by the long flowing sleeves of their kimono.
  • Okobo, 11 cm high, hollow wooden platform sandals worn by maiko. A bell is hung in the hollow of the wood, ringing faintly with each step as the wood meets the pavement, making the 'okobo' sound
  • Such a sweet profile!

Watching Fireflies at the Kiyotaki River: Miyako Odori

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Kotoha and Koyuki perform "Watching Fireflies at the Kiyotaki River" during Miyako Odori, Gion Kobu's annual spring dance.

Hiking along the Kiyotaki River in the mountain Atagoyama, located to the northwest of Kyoto city, is popular among Kyoto citizens who seek relief from the heat of summer, who enjoy autumn color leaves and also who visit the Atago shrine in the mountain. The deities of the Atago shrine are believed to prevent fires,and many pilgrims climb up to the mountain on the night of July 31 because a visit in the night is regarded as 1000 visits in value. The fourth scene portrayed some of those pilgrims who enjoy catching fireflies on the way back from the shrine.

princess_of_llyr, and 53 other people added this photo to their favorites.

  1. princess_of_llyr 75 months ago | reply

    Wow, that obi is gorgeous! *wants*

  2. Claude Renault Photography 75 months ago | reply

    those colors.. incredible

  3. JRodrigues. 75 months ago | reply

    This photograph became an
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    Please post it to the InstantFave group!

  4. Gail Peck 75 months ago | reply

    This is stunning! Thank you for sharing the details.

  5. myhappypenguin 75 months ago | reply

    lovely :-)

  6. genkimami 75 months ago | reply

    I always enjoy the notes you add on your pictures! I didn't know there is a bell in the okobos, that's very interesting.

  7. Imapix 75 months ago | reply

    Magnifique!

  8. thericerocket26 74 months ago | reply

    love that sillouette
    "A" Class

  9. Nocturnis 69 months ago | reply

    You're very fortunate to have seen a geisha dance ceremony! That's magnificent.

  10. sunshine's creations 66 months ago | reply

    Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Kanzashi, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

    Your photos are so beautiful if you have photos with Kanzashi I would love for you to add them to my group

  11. Rikku`s [deleted] 32 months ago | reply

    all your photos are very beautiful

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