Kyoto
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:28am by jon
One of 600 traditionally dressed participants in the Aoi Matsuri procession
Aoi Matsuri is possibly the oldest festival in Japan, dating back to the 6th century. The heart of the procession are the ox-drawn carts. Meanwhile, many participants carry (or wear!) hollyhock leaves, apparently for decoration.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 APO, Fuji Provia F 400.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:25am by jon
A paticipant in the 600 strong procession, in the traditional costume of an imperial messenger.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 APO, Fuji Provia F 400.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:24am by jon
A rather more conservatively dressed participant in the Aoi Matsuri procession.
Once again, hollyhock leaves are worn as decoration.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 70-300mm f/3.5-5.6 APO, Fuji Provia F 400.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:19am by jon
Ornate tiles line a low roof at the Otanihonbyo buddhist temple.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DF EX, Fuji Velvia.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:18am by jon
These colourful buildings are two-thirds size replicas of the Heian period buildings of Kyoto Gosho.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DF EX, Fuji Velvia.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:16am by jon
A peaceful garden, typical of Kyoto's many temples.
Kyoto is famous for being a 'temple city'. Much of the architecture dates back to the Edo period (16th to 19th centuries.)
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DF EX, Fuji Velvia.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:13am by jon
This Shinto shrine was built in 1895 - the garden is styled in the manner of those of the Heian period.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DF EX, Fuji Velvia.
Posted Sat, 12/06/2010 - 11:11am by jon
An ornate bridge crosses a pond at the entrance to this buddhist temple.
Technical Details:
Canon EOS3, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DF EX, Fuji Velvia.
Posted Tue, 11/05/2010 - 7:46pm by jon
One of Japan's oldest festivals, Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri came around in May. It dates back to the 6th Century, when legend has it that offerings to the gods bought relief from fierce storms. Today, around 600 people parade through the streets in Heian period costume, visiting the Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines. They wear the hollyhock flowers that give the festival its name.
