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.

Donate for Japan

During the spring dance performance Maiko and Geiko are involved as well to collect donation for the people hit by March 11 earthquake / tsunami.

To all Japan lovers and Maiko fans, wherever you are you can contribute as well!

Maiko Manaha and Tsuruha

Kyoto 2011

If you couldn't donate to Maiko Tsuruha and Manaha on April 1 in Shinbashi...

Maiko Katsutomo

Kyoto 2011

or to Maiko Katsutomo at Miyako Odori on April 2....

Maiko Tanewaka

Kyoto 2011

or to Maiko Tanewaka at Kyo Odori on April 2...

You can still make a small contribution to one of the useful links below. Many people lost everything. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks !

Canada
www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=38380&tid=001

France
www.croix-rouge.fr/Je-donne/Don-ponctuel?elk_dc_id=159&am...
Germany
www.drk.de/news/meldung/5590-japan-erdbeben-bundespraside...
Great Britain
www.redcross.org.uk/
Japan
members.canpan.info/kikin/products/detail.php?product_id=1080
Luxembourg
www.croix-rouge.lu/splashpage/
Romania
www.crucearosie.ro/proiecte/apel-pentru-japonia.html
Russia (Embassy)
Реквизиты для перечисления в рублях (for donation in rubles):
Получатель: Посольство Японии в России, ИНН 9909058036, КПП 773860001
Расчетный счет № 40807810900000000005 в ЗАО «Мидзухо Корпорэйт Банк (Москва)».
БИК 044525107, Кор.счет 30101810900000000107.
Для юридических лиц-резидентов в графе «Назначение платежа» необходимо указать : «{VO70040} Благотворительное пожертвование» (для нерезидентов - код {VO60070})
Spain
www.cruzroja.es/pls/portal30/portal.donante.donativo
Switzerland
www.redcross.ch/aid/donations/international/detail-fr.php...
USA
www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-re...
www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?c...

Daitokuji, garden

Zen Garden, Daitokuji

Kyoto 2011

Maiko Ayano, dance at Yasaka Shrine 2

Maiko Ayano, Yasaka shrine

Kyoto 2011

As a way to respect the victims of the recent earthquake in Japan, Hanatouro was canceled after the first week end, here Ayano san from Pontocho on March 13th.

Maiko Ayano, zoom on her outfit

Kyoto 2011

Kyo Odori - posters

Kyo Odori, Miyagawacho

Kyoto 2011

Not really in the mood to post any picture in this terrible month of March 2011 in Japan. When walking around Higashiyama, these posters remind us that the Maiko and Geiko spring dance performance is starting soon. These posters are announcing Kyo-Odori, the dances of the Hanamachi of Miyagawacho that will take place during April 2 - 17.  Looking forward to see Tanewaka san  who is on the above poster (right).

Miyagawacho kabukai webpage (jp)

Donation campaign for the victims of the earthquake / tsunami.