Gion-Matsuri (Gion Festival) in Kyoto,2012 July

I'm so sorry for my long break.

Today I'm in Shijou-Karasuma in Kyoto.

The sky is so blue!

Today is Gion-Matsuri in Kyoto.

I'm very exciting!

This is "Yamaboko",the parade float.

The origin of Gion-Matsuri dates back to 1000 years ago,

when epidemic disease spread throughout Kyoto.

So people offer a prayer to the God to drive away bad spirit.

That is said to be the origin of Gion Matsuri.

Wow,look at this tapestry!
This is "Rising Carp",by Gekka Minagawa (famous kimono dyer).
It was so damaged because of oldness that it was renewed 7 years ago.

This tapestry is "Chinese Lion,Kirin(mythical animal in China)".

This is "Flying Crane and The Sun".

This tapestry is "Baghdad".
This was made by Taizo Minagawa(famous kimono dyer) in 1982.

Seeing these gorgeous tapestries is one of my favorite things.
They are really worth seeing!

http://kyoto-k.sakura.ne.jp/gion103.html#gikikusui

Takitani Shoubu Garden (Nara)

Today I went to Takitani Hanashoubu Garden in Nara.

There are more than 600 species of Japanese iris in this garden,

one of the biggest iris garden in West Japan.

Every year,so many tourists visit this garden in June.

They are breathtaking!

Hope you'll enjoy these photos. 

I also found lotus flowers in the pond.

They're so lovely!

Cristiano Ronaldo

Poltugal vs Holland match will be held on June 17. (GROUP B)
Go for it, Ronaldo!

Hana-shoubu are in full bloom (Heian-jinguu Shrine,Kyoto)

In Japan, "Hana-shoubu" flowers (Japanese Iris) are in full bloom now.

I visited "Shin-en" garden in Heian-jingu Shrine today.

There were so many Iris flowers,blooming beautifully.

I love these graduated deep violet colors.

Iris Flower Meaning is "trust", "truth", "The importance of someone's friendship".

Hope you'll enjoy these photos!

The Temple of Peony (Hase-dera,Nara)

I went to "Hase-dera" Temple in Nara today.

"Hase-dera" Temple is famous for peonies,

that is why this temple is also called "The Temple of Peonies".

This temple was built in 727.(approximately),

and has been famous for a pilgrimage of thirty-three Buddhist temples throughout the Kansai region of  Japan. Very sacred place.

The main hall was designated as National Treasure in 2004.

Honestly,now peonies were at a little time past their prime,(last week was at their best),

so next time I'd like to see their full bloom.

Hope you'll enjoy these pictures.

(An admission fee is 500 yen,and the nearest station is Hasedera-station,Kintetsu line.)

This five-storied pagoda was built after World WarⅡ.

The species of peonies are more than 150,

and there are about 7000 peonies in this temple.

The best season is at the beginning of May.

They bloom only 1 week or so,very short time.

 

 

Wisteria garden (Manyou-botanical garden,Nara)

I went to Manyou-Botanical Garden in Nara today.This botanical garden is located near Kasuga-taisha shrine.
In May,Wisteria is in full bloom here,
many tourists visit here to enjoy beautiful garden.
Wisteria has been like a symbol flower of Kasuga-Taisha,since ancient times.
There are more than 10 species of wisteria here.
I uploaded the scene on YouTube;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3rIyXkQfFo&feature=youtu.be

Hope you'll enjoy it.

Usually Japanese iris blooms in June.

It is too early now. 

Archery on horseback (Yabusame) in Shimogamo-shrine,kyoto

Today there was a big event in Simogamo-shrine,kyoto.
"Yabusame"(archery on horse ride) is a pre-ritual event which is held every May 3.
This ritual is has the meaning of praying for the safety of  Aoi-Festival's procession (May 15).
People disguise themselves as an ancient nobleman or warrior,and they shoot an arrow from their horse,running at full speed.

I want to share it with you,so I uploaded the scene on YouTube. It is really exciting.
Hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD7QJ-HWcMw&feature=youtu.be (parade scene)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QI-5SwqRUk (archery scene)

The excitement of the spectators reached fever pitch.

They look so heroic and brave.

This is Shimogamo-shrine,UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This shrine is one of the oldest shrine in Kyoto,the origin of this shrine dates back to 90 B.C.

This shrine has been worshiped by Imperial Court for a long time.

Surrounded by a big forrest (Tadasu no Mori,124000 square), this shrine always create a misterious atmosphere, and is an ideal place for the misterious ritual.
May is good season to visit here, the new green leaves are so beautiful.