Maiko Ayano, dance at Yasaka Shrine

Maiko Ayano, dancing at Yasaka

Kyoto 2011

March is the start of the season of Kyoto great events and festivals. Like last year I went to Hanatouro, the temples light-up in Higashiyama. The highlight of this event are the dances performed by Maiko of the several Hanamachi (Maiko district) in Yasaka shrine. It started with the Hanamachi of Gion-kobu and Pontocho. Next week-end will be the 3 other hanamachi Miyagawacho, Kamishichiken and Gion-Higashi.

How wonderful to see Ayano san from Pontocho again. She became such a great dancer.  I enjoyed watching her and taking pictures with a 200mm lens. I am so glad about the results of these shots.

Sensu, Maiko Ayano

Kyoto 2011

Scoop Ichiraku san Erikae 2

Geiko Ichiraku, Pontocho

Kyoto 2011

First of all, thanks for all the messages I received after the earthquake yesterday. My family and myself are all safe.

I could finally post some pictures of Ichiraku san Erikae. Look at all the detail of her outfit, she is stunning. Unfortunately, I couldn't go there so we have to thank my wife for these nice pictures. Pontocho is my favorite place for Maiko pictures because this is not as crowded as Gion and the lighting is much nicer with the natural shadow of this narrow street.

Ichiraku san, Pontocho

Kyoto 2011

Scoop Ichiraku san Erikae

Ichiraku Erikae

Kyoto 2011

Congratulations to Ichiraku san who became a Geiko on March 8. Maiko Tomoyuki would not miss it and shot a film of this great event.

Maiko Satsuki Misedashi

Satsuki san, first day as a Maiko

Kyoto 2011

Doesn't she look like an angel? Lovely Satsuki san! Her Misedashi took place on Feb 28.  She was certainly impressed by the crowd of fans and photographers who would not miss her debut as a Maiko. This was only her first day and she was already famous.

Maiko Ichiraku, sakkou haistyle

Maiko Ichiraku, Pontocho

Kyoto 2011

I am so grateful to Maiko Ichiraku for this portrait because she was in a hurry. I can't go to her erikae next week but what a chance to see her a few days before wearing sakkou.

A Maiko wears sakkou in the last 2 weeks of her Maiko career just before the erikae, the ceremony  where she will become a Geiko.

 Maiko Ichiraku, sakkou

Kyoto 2011

A beautiful day

Maiko Satsuki and Geiko Sayaka

Kyoto 2011

It was raining today in Kyoto but it was a beautiful day for Sayaka san and Satsuki san. And a great event for their Okiya.

It was Sayaka san's erikae the day she became a Geiko. And it was Satsuki san's misedashi the day she made her debut as a Maiko.

Congratulations and good luck to both of them.

I will post more photos in the coming days.

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.

Kyoto Traditional entertainment festival

Maiko Mameyuri, performing shatsukyo (stone bridge)

#Kyoto 2011

The 41th Kyoto Traditional Entertainment Festival took place on Feb 27 at Kyoto Kaikan. Several groups performed songs, music and dance of the several festivals held every year in Kyoto. "Pictures not allowed" as usual but I couldn't help it when I saw Maiko Mameyuri. Sumimasen ne.

Children performing a festival dance

Kyoto 2011

And I also enjoyed watching these children performing yaseshamenchi odori (Akimoto temple dance). This festival takes place in Yase every year since 1707.