Colour and costumes at Gion Matsuri

The colourful Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) takes over Kyoto’s Gion district – the birthplace of geisha culture –  every July. It’s a great opportunity to sample Japanese culinary delights while watching parades of musicians and locals decked out in their traditional costume.

Women in traditional costume at Hanagasa Junko (procession of floral bonnets) during Gion Matsuri, Kyoto

Playing taiko drums during musical performance, Gion Matsuri, Yasaka shrine, Kyoto

Girls in traditional costume, Hanagasa Junko (Procesion of floral bonnets), Gion Matsuri, Kyoto

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