JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Kyoto's most famous geisha dance is held during the entire month of April at the Kobu Kaburenjo Theater in the Gion district. Since 1873, the show has delighted generations of Japanese and foreigners. Photography is not allowed. For more info, see miyako-odori.jp in English or call 075-541-3391.

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The Kamogawa Odori dance is performed during the month of May by geisha and geiko in the Pontocho district which straddles the Kamogawa River.

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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. These photos were taken in 2005. Also see the video at YouTube.

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One of Kyoto's Big Three Festivals and perhaps Japan's grandest costume parade, 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 by Heian Jingu Shrine. The festival commemorates the day when Japan's capital was moved to Kyoto in 794. These photos were taken on Oct. 22, 2009.

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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. And a special treat is that private residences in the old kimono merchant district open up their entryways to show folding screens, kimono, and other treasures.

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Kyoto's second Big Three Festival and one of Japan's Big Three Festivals. This Gion Matsuri is also Japan's grandest festival of floats. Held annually in July, the festival's climax is on the 17th when giant, wooden-wheeled floats are pulled through the streets for the Saki Matsuri Yama-hoko Procession. Also see the video at YouTube.

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On July 24, a week after Gion Matsuri's main yama-hoko procession on the 17th, another grand float procession is held with 10 yama-hoko floats. The parade route goes in the reverse direction of the 17th. Also see the video at YouTube.

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Kyoto has many notable temples and shrines including Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkakuji Gold Pavilion, Ryoanji's Rock Garden, Yasaka Shrine, Higashi Hongwanji, and Sanjusangendo.

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The headquarters shrine of all Inari shrines in Japan, this grand shrine is famous for its numerous torii gates along a mountain trail. This is also Kyoto's most popular shrine on New Year's Day, when I visited on Jan. 1, 2010.

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Eikando is a Jodo-shu Buddhist temple famous for autumn foliage, especially red maples. One of Kyoto's most photogenic spots for fall leaves. Next to Nanzan temple, near Keage Station. From Kyoto Station, take the No. 5 bus, get off at Nanzen-ji Eikando-michi.

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Tofukuji is a Zen Buddhist temple famous for red maple leaves. Quite spectacular and photogenic landscapes. One of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto. 10-min. walk from Tofukuji Station (JR Nara Line).

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Although it does not have a castle tower, Nijo-jo Castle is Japan's best preserved and most magnificent castle palace. Built on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu to serve as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns. The interior is full of paintings (unfortunately photography is not allowed inside). A National Treasure.

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Headquarters temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist sect. Part of a World Heritage Site and home to a few National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

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The residence of the emperor from the 14th century to 1869 when Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo. For the 20th anniversary of Emperor Akihito's enthronement in 1989, they held a special open house during Nov. 1-10, 2009 when we got to see buildings and areas normally closed to the public. The palace consists of numerous notable buildings.

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Held every Jan. 3, Karuta Hajime is the year's first karuta card game. Karuta players from the Nihon Karuta-in Hon-in organization in Kyoto play on Yasaka Shrine's Noh stage for about an hour from 1 pm. They are dressed in colorful Heian-Period costumes. Also see my video at YouTube.

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Held annually on Jan. 4 at Shimogamo Shrine, Kemari Hajime is a ceremonial and Imperial court-era game of people in a circle kicking a soft, white ball called kemari. Originating in China, it goes back to the Heian Period (794-1185) in Japan. Also see my YouTube video here.

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Arashiyama is another major tourist spot in Kyoto with a river, bridge, boat rides, temples, cormorant fishing (July 1 to Sept. 23), and more.

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Opened in 2016, Kyoto Railway Museum is a modern makeover of the old Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum that opened in 1972. New exhibition hall shows many modern and classic trains. The main highlight is still the Umekoji steam locomotive roundhouse, perhaps Japan's largest collection of steam locomotives on display. Short bus ride from Kyoto Station.

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Originally established in 1202, Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is one of Japan's three biggest Ebisu shrines. The biggest festival of the year is Toka Ebisu, a festival to pray for good business held on Jan. 9-11 (centering on the 10th). The shrine is dedicated to Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, representing business prosperity. These photos were taken on Jan. 10, 2009.

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Reconstruction of Fushimi Castle when it was still open to the public from 1964 to 2003. It was a museum about Toyotomi Hideyoshi who built the original Fushimi-Momoyama Castle. This was the main attraction of a small theme park called "Castle Lan."

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I organized a group photo exhibition at Kyoto International Community House in Kyoto, Japan during Nov. 16-20, 2011. Seven artists exhibited: Micah Gampel, Peter Macintosh, Motoyasu "Musashi" Matsutani, Peter Miller, Bruce Osborn, John Wells, and I, Philbert Ono. The exhibition theme was "Home Sweet Hometown" (Furukiyoki Furusato).

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Other sights in Kyoto city including the Manga Museum.

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