What a morning! The Gion matsuri (festival) I believe was established to get Kyoto over a funk it was in due to the plague and to send prayers to the god of the Yasaka Shrine to protect them. It also became a big boost to the economy and is one of the biggest festivals in all Japan. Japanese tourists flock to this area to see the huge wooden floats, exhibits of tapestries and kimono, and to celebrate traditional culture. Many women and some men wear colorful 'yukata' (cotton robe), and museums in the area have special exhibits. It's like a carnival too with games of chance, street food, and kitsch. I'm hoping to buy a couple yukata because the prices can be exceptionally low at some shops. It was the first sunny day this week; so people came out in droves. I lasted 4 hours and then had to get back to the air conditioning. Good timing because the thunder started rumbling and the heavens ope'd after I got back! I'm hoping it will be clear enough to go back tonight for the dragon dance at the Yasaka Shrine.
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