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Shakujii-Koen Station, North EntranceApr 02, 2007
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ShrineApr 02, 2007
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ShrineApr 02, 2007
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Ukimido Pavilion good for feeding ducks.Apr 02, 2007
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Map of park. The park is a long, elongated shape.Apr 02, 2007
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Sanpoji Pond 三宝寺池Apr 02, 2007
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Trail to the other end of the park.Apr 02, 2007
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An egret stalking insects. It did not mind us photographers only meters away.Apr 02, 2007
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The only egret which never flew away when I approached.Apr 02, 2007
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There is a walking path around the entire park with two ponds.Apr 02, 2007
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Notice the black legs and yellow feet.Apr 02, 2007
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What is this?Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Shakujii Pond 石神井池Apr 02, 2007
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Swan boats on Shakujii Pond. 石神井公園Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Shakujii Pond 石神井池Apr 02, 2007
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Shakujii-Koen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. 石神井公園駅Apr 02, 2007
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Road to Shakujii Park.Apr 02, 2007
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One end of Shakujii Park.Apr 02, 2007
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Higashikurume manholeApr 02, 2007
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Cherry blossoms and Ochiai RiverApr 02, 2007
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Ochiai RiverApr 02, 2007
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Koi in Ochiai RiverApr 02, 2007
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Cherry blossoms and Ochiai RiverApr 02, 2007
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View of Fujimi-dori road from Fujimi Terrace. Unfortunately, too hazy to see Mt. Fuji. 「まろにえ富士見通り」Apr 02, 2007
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Higashikurume StationApr 02, 2007
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On the west side, Higashikurume Station has a lookout deck called Fujimi Terrace to view Mt. Fuji on clear days. 富士見テラスApr 02, 2007
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Higashikurume Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. On the far left is the Fujimi Terrace lookout deck. 東久留米駅Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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DucksApr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Ikoi no Mizube Park いこいの水辺Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Nice riverside path, walk further and you can see another natural spring.Apr 02, 2007
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Ochiair River with rape blossoms.Apr 02, 2007
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Map to the natural springs.Apr 02, 2007
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On the way to Takebayashi Park, you can see Ochiai River.Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Ochiair River with nanohana rape blossoms.Apr 02, 2007
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One of Tokyo's 57 Famous Natural Springs 竹林公園・東京の名湧水５７選Apr 02, 2007
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In the bamboo forest is one of Tokyo's 57 Famous Natural Springs.Apr 02, 2007
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Clear water, but I could not find any spot where the water was gushing out.Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Bamboo forest, Higashikurume, TokyoApr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Entrance to the bamboo grove at Takebayashi Park. 竹林公園Apr 02, 2007
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Higashikurume's farming homes used to each have a bamboo grove.Apr 02, 2007
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However, due to urban development, the bamboo groves were fast disappearing. So from 1974, the city decided to preserve this one bamboo grove.Apr 02, 2007
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A nice short trail goes through the bamboo forest.Apr 02, 2007
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Keyaki-dori road with bare zelkova trees.Apr 02, 2007
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In front of Kiyose StationApr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Road in front of the station.Apr 02, 2007
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Kiyose Station with overhead passge to Seiyu.Apr 02, 2007
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To Keyaki-dori road with zelkova trees.Apr 02, 2007
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Kiyose Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Only about 23 min. from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo.Apr 02, 2007
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Inside the Kiyo BusApr 02, 2007
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Another area of Area A next to the river.Apr 02, 2007
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Area A next to the river.Apr 02, 2007
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Area A next to the river. A地区Apr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum)Apr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum)Apr 02, 2007
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Front (or bottom) view of the flower. Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum)Apr 02, 2007
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Poster for the Katakuri FestivalApr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum), Kiyose, Tokyo カタクリApr 02, 2007
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Dog's tooth violet on a slopeApr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet on a slope.Apr 02, 2007
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Top view of Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum). The petals are flared back (or upward).Apr 02, 2007
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A short walk away is Area B which is a wooded slope with the flowers growing wild. B地区Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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Tiny purple flowers on the slopeApr 02, 2007
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Apr 02, 2007
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The flower is a member of the lily family, not really a violet.Apr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum)Apr 02, 2007
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Japanese dog's tooth violet (katakuri or Erythronium japonicum)Apr 02, 2007
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It is getting rarer to see these flowers in Tokyo. Kiyose has an active movement to help preserve and nuture these flowers every year.Apr 02, 2007
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Among the trees and grass, you can see the small purple flowers. C地区Apr 02, 2007
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Information Center きよせカタクリまつりApr 02, 2007
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They even provide a small deck for you to stand on to see the flowers. C地区Apr 02, 2007
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A short walk from the Information Center is Area C (C-chiku), a flat area of woods with katakuri flowers in bloom. C地区Apr 02, 2007
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No. 4 elementary school (Dai-yon Shogakko) where you get off the bus and where the Information Center is. 第四小学校Apr 02, 2007
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The cute little Kiyo Bus takes you to the katakuri (dog's tooth violet) site. It leaves every half hour from Kiyose Station's North Exit. About a 5-min. ride. This was at 8:30 am. 清瀬駅北口 きよバス(called katakuri in Japanese or Erythronium japonicum) grow in early spring (late March). While they are in bloom, they hold the Katakuri Matsuri festival Apr 02, 2007
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Sign pointing to the katakuri flower site.Apr 02, 2007
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The Information Center is where you can obtain pamphlets about the katakuri flowers and see a photo exhibition.Apr 02, 2007
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Apr 01, 2007
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Sumida Park's cherry blossoms at night.Apr 01, 2007
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Apr 01, 2007
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Apr 01, 2007
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Sumida Park's cherry blossoms at night. These night photos were taken before Tokyo Sky Tree was built.Apr 01, 2007
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Apr 01, 2007
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Sumida Park's cherry blossoms at night. Not as crowded as Ueno Park.Apr 01, 2007
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Sumida Park's cherry blossoms at night.Apr 01, 2007
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Entrance to Sumida Park's cherry blossoms at night.Apr 01, 2007
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Apr 01, 2007
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Cherry blossoms along Sumida River.Apr 01, 2007
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Cherry blossoms on Shinobazu Pond at night. Not lit at night.Mar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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Neon lights near Ueno ParkMar 31, 2007
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Lot more people eating and drinking at night than during the day.Mar 31, 2007
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Ueno Park at nightMar 31, 2007
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Also at night, Ueno Park is hugely popular for hanami.Mar 31, 2007
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The trees are not well lit, but small paper lanterns make it viewable.Mar 31, 2007
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Youth hostelMar 31, 2007
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Higashiyama Teramachi (Temple Row)Mar 31, 2007
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View from Shiroyama ParkMar 31, 2007
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Higashiyama TeramachiMar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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Shiroyama Park, former site of Takayama Castle.Mar 31, 2007
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Shrine near ShiroyamaMar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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The floats cross Nakahashi Bridge.Mar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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Held on April 14, the night procession is the festival's major highlight. 夜まつり曳行Mar 31, 2007
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On Nakahashi Bridge.Mar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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The floats are lit and paraded on the streets.Mar 31, 2007
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Storehouse for a float. 屋台蔵Mar 31, 2007
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Superb embroideryMar 31, 2007
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Floats are displayed on the street. Takayama Matsuri, GifuMar 31, 2007
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Street lined with floats.Mar 31, 2007
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Shakkyoutai Karakuri which transforms into a lion dance. 石橋台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri throwing confetti. 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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The karakuri perfom one float at a time.Mar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri, Takayama Festival, Gifu 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Sanbasou Karakuri 三番叟からくりMar 31, 2007
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Sanbasou Karakuri 三番叟からくりMar 31, 2007
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Ryuujintai Karakuri 龍神台からくりMar 31, 2007
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Only four of the 12 floats have karakuri puppets which perform. Takayama Matsuri, GifuMar 31, 2007
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The puppets come out on a plank sticking out of the float and perform in a mini play with various stunts.Mar 31, 2007
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The karakuri puppets first appeared on the Takayama Matsuri floats in the 18th century. They were handcrafted by artisans in Kyoto.Mar 31, 2007
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Japan has three basic types of karakuri puppets based on the region: Kyoto, Nagoya, and Kanto (Tokyo area). The Takayama karakuri are the Nagoya-type.Mar 31, 2007
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Large crowd gather to watch the karakuri puppets perform on the ornate floats.Mar 31, 2007
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Large crowd gather to watch the karakuri puppets perform on the ornate floats. Sign says "Watch out for pickpockets."Mar 31, 2007
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Shrine priestMar 31, 2007
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Portable shrine 神輿Mar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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Portable shrine 神輿Mar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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A middle-aged woman uses her camera phone to photograph herself. "I was here!"Mar 31, 2007
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Shrine maidensMar 31, 2007
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Shrine maidensMar 31, 2007
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Mar 31, 2007
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MikoshiMar 31, 2007
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Shrine maidensMar 31, 2007
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Shrine officials in the procession.Mar 31, 2007
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The portable shrine (mikoshi) passes through Hie Shrine's torii to join the procession. 神輿Mar 31, 2007
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Hie Shrine hall. The shrine is on Shiroyama Hill. 日枝神社On Dec. 1, 2016 (JST), Takayama Matsuri Festival was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of 33 "Yama, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals in Japan."Mar 31, 2007
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The Takayama Festival is held twice a year, during April 14-15 and Oct. 9-10. The spring festival is held by Hieda Shrine and it is called Sanno Matsuri. The festival features twelve ornate "yatai" floats which are displayed and pulled along the streets. In a large plaza, katakuri puppets perform on a few of the floats. The festival is also dramatic at night with a float procession. The Takayama Festival procession in spring starts at Hieda Shrine. Photo shows a banner reading "Hieda Jinja." 祭行列Mar 31, 2007
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Cherry Dance, Kyoto.Mar 30, 2007
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Mar 30, 2007
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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.Mar 30, 2007
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Kyoto geiko and maiko at their best for the finale.Mar 30, 2007
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Climax with cherry blossom motif.Mar 30, 2007
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Somebody had a big head...Mar 30, 2007
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Miyako Odori, KyotoMar 30, 2007
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AutumnMar 30, 2007
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A playMar 30, 2007
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A hanamichi is also on the left side of the theater.Mar 30, 2007
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Main stage at front.Mar 30, 2007
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The cherry dance consists of several acts each with a different dance or play.Mar 30, 2007
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Note that taking pictures and videos are not allowed.Mar 30, 2007
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Maiko and geisha can often be seen in Gion.Mar 30, 2007
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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.Mar 30, 2007
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We were right near the hanamichi where the geisha performed.Mar 30, 2007
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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.Mar 30, 2007
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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.Mar 30, 2007
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"Miyako Odori" poster and paper lantern.Mar 30, 2007
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Mar 30, 2007
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PR posters and paper lanterns for the Miyako Odori are everywhere.Mar 30, 2007
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Ichiriki, a famous geisha tea house.Mar 30, 2007
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More signposts reading "Miyako Odori." "Miyako" means capital (Kyoto was once Japan's capital city), and "Odori" means dance.Mar 30, 2007
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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."Mar 30, 2007
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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.Mar 30, 2007
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"Miyako Odori" poster in English.Mar 30, 2007
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Tokyo Sea Life Park's main attraction: Tuna aquariumMar 30, 2007
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Tokyo Sea Life ParkMar 30, 2007
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Tokyo Sea Life ParkMar 30, 2007
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Tokyo Sea Life Park aquariumMar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Kaihin ParkMar 30, 2007
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Mar 30, 2007
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The spacious park is an oasis. Lots of greenery, a beach, bicycling roads, birdwatching stations, and an aquarium.Mar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Rinkai Park from ferris wheel. Disneyland in the distance.Mar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Rinkai Park from ferris wheel.Mar 30, 2007
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Don't ride the ferris wheel if you're afraid of heights. It is very high and the wind blows through.Mar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Rinkai Park from ferris wheel.Mar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Rinkai Park from ferris wheel.Mar 30, 2007
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Kasai Rinkai Park ferris wheel. Distorted by wide-angle lens. (It does not lean like that.)Mar 30, 2007
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View of Kasai Rinkai Park from ferris wheel.Mar 30, 2007
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Kasai Rinkai Park ferris wheelMar 30, 2007
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Mar 30, 2007
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In the murky waters.Mar 30, 2007
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Edogawa River mouth next to Kasai Rinkai ParkMar 30, 2007
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Edogawa River mouth next to Kasai Rinkai ParkMar 30, 2007
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Kasai Kaihin Park beach. In the distance are Tokyo Disneyland hotels.Mar 30, 2007
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Baby stingray (dead) beached.Mar 30, 2007
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Swimmers in summer at Kasai Kaihin Park, one of the few places in Tokyo where you can enjoy an ocean beach.Mar 30, 2007
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No swimming signMar 30, 2007
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Kasai Kaihin Park beachMar 30, 2007
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Kasai Kaihin Park beach. It's not Hawaii, but better than nothing. 葛西海浜公園Mar 30, 2007
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