Momiji - Koto-In

Fountain at Koto-In temple

Kyoto 2011

Here we go. Fabulous autumn colors, everyone wants to enjoy the momiji (red maple leaves).

Cherry blossom - People

 To Tetsu gakku no michi

Kyoto 2011

Always a huge crowd to the path of philosophy (Tetsu gakku no michi) to enjoy the cherry blossom. No matter if you dress casual....

Or wear your nicest Kimono....

....you got to be there.....and be patient to get a nice spot on one of the bridges to take the best pictures, from the best angle etc....



And it's worth waiting because this is so beautiful. You don't want to miss it. Almost a 2km walk and it all looks like this.

Cherry blossom at Nijo castle garden

Cherry Blossom, Nijo Castle garden

Kyoto 2011

There are so many places to enjoy the cherry blossom. Nijo castle has a popular garden with many pink trees. Sunset there is amazingly beautiful and all colors are brighter.

Kyo Odori - Cherry blossom

Miyagawacho, lanterns & cherry blossom

Kyoto 2011

This is how Miyagawacho district looked like today. The lanterns announcing Kyo Odori and the cherry blossom.

Path to Miyagawacho Kaburenjo

Kyoto 2011

The path to the entrance of the Kaburenjo (theater) was also stunning. And the best was still to come: Kyo Odori dance performance.

Kyo Odori lantern, Machiya

Kyoto 2011

All the Machiya (Kyoto typical wooden houses) in Miyagawacho are currently decorated with lanterns and cherry flowers announcing the spring dance performance.

Maiko Fukuai, portrait at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo

Kyoto 2011

Unfortunately, this is now forbidden to take photos during the dance so I won't post any except this one of Maiko Fukuai collecting donation for the earthquake victims. She played Shamisen today at the final dance (Miyagawa Ondo) while 7 Maiko were opening the flower stage (hana butai) : Tanewaka, Kofuku, Fukusuzu, Kimiaya, Kimichie, Fumihana and Fukuyu.  So colorful, so beautiful.

The Kanzashi (hair ornament) in April is usually pink cherry flowers. We also see some like hers containing silver butterflies.

Cherry blossom

Cherry blossom, path of philosophy

Kyoto 2011

Life goes on. Everyone is enjoying the cherry blossom now. These photos were shot today at Tetsugakku no michi (path of philosophy) where I go every year to take the same pictures and I never get enough.

Plum collection

Plum tree, pink

Kyoto 2011

And still this wonderful plum blossom. Amazing colors. This series was shot at Kitano Tenmangu temple which is one of Kyoto most famous spot to enjoy plum blossom.

Plum Blossom, Imperial Park

Plum blossom, Kyoto Imperial Park

Kyoto 2011

After an unusual snowy winter, plum trees started to bloom a week later than last year at Kyoto imperial park.

Memories of 2010, April - Cherry Blossom

 Cherry Blossom Reflection, Path of philosophy

Kyoto 2010

Japanese people are so enthusiastic every year for the cherry blossom. This is one of Japan most famous cliche and we all have seen some cherry blossom pictures again and again. But this is so beautiful that we never get enough.

Cherry Blossom, Tetsu gakku no michi

Kyoto 2010

Cherry Blossom Enthusiasm, Imperial Palace Garden

Kyoto 2010

Memories of 2010, February - Ume Plum Blossom

Plum blossom, Imperial Palace garden

Kyoto 2010 

Plum trees started to bloom at the end of February at Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace). This is not as famous as the cherry blossom but the flowers are very photogenic and their smell is wonderful.

Momiji Dec, Kyoto Imperial Palace

  Kyoto Gosho, Imperial Palace Garden

 Dec 2010

The stunning autumn colors of Kyoto Gosho last until December every year. Can't help taking the same pictures of the same leaves of the same trees every year. This is so beautiful.

Momiji Nov 23 at Eikando temple, Higashiyama

 Momiji, Eikando temple

Kyoto 2010

Eikando is one of the most impressive spot for red maple leaves offering a stunning combination of colors. I enjoyed it a lot. And it seems these girls did too.

Click here to view Eikando Temple website in English.

 Seasonal Kimono, Eikando Temple

 Kyoto 2010

 

Maiko Chizu, Light up at Kodaiji temple

#Kodaiji temple, #momiji light up

Kyoto 2010

OK, a temple light-up when tripods are not allowed is kind of frustrating. But still, I went there because I like Kodaiji and I share the enthusiasm of the Japanese for the Momiji season (maple red leaves). I have tried somehow to get something from this scene, I am not 100% satisfied with these shots but there are not that bad.

I was focusing on my camera settings when I suddenly heard in the crowd the voice of a Maiko. They are also enthusiastic but the way they speak is very particular so I could distinguish her voice.

I turned around and saw Maiko Chizu with a guest. He was also having a hard time trying to take a picture of her in the dark etc...When he went to buy the tickets I asked for her permission to make a portrait calling her by her name. She was of course very surprised that I would know her name. The guest came back and they both asked me questions and laughed that I would recognize her. How great! Then, I didn't bother them any longer. View the portrait below in this post.

 Kodaiji temple, momiji light up

Kyoto 2010

 Kodaiji temple, momiji light up

Kyoto 2010

 

 Maiko Chizu, portrait at Kodaiji

 Kyoto 2010

Momiji Nov 14

#Momiji Nov 14, Imperial Palace garden

Kyoto 2010

Maple leaves started to turn red mid Nov. This is the momiji season and it will last up to early Dec. And as every year, this is a privilege to admire these amazing colors in Kyoto.

3 colors, Imperial Palace Garden

Kyoto 2010

Rice fields, 水田

Rice fields, near Uji

Kyoto summer 2010

Like anywhere in Asia, the landscape in the summer in Japan is green. After June rainy season, the rice fields have this photogenic light green color. In September / October, this changes to yellow (some Japanese would even say gold!) up to the harvest.

I took these pictures in the Southern part of Kyoto near Uji where the widest rice fields in this area can be seen.

And like often in Japan, this is about space optimization. Therefore, this major highway was built on the rice fields.

 Rice fields, near Uji

Kyoto summer 2010

 

 Rice fields, morning

Hydrangea アジサイ

Hydrangea アジサイ, Kyoto 2010

Japanese people enjoy watching the nature through the different seasons. Cherry blossom and red maple leaves are certainly the most popular walks. But there is basically always a flower or a tree to observe at any time of the year. June is the right time to see Hydrangea that blooms during the rainy season in several parks and temples in Japan.

Hydrangea アジサイ, Kyoto 2010

Hydrangea アジサイ, Kyoto 2010