Saturday, August 18, 2007

Hanagasa Gyoretsu: Pontocho

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The maiko Hisano looks calm and composed before joining the geiko of Pontocho in offering a dance to the dieties of Yasaka Shrine.

With a rare view of their own hair pulled back in a sleek, simple pony tale, the geiko of Pontocho ride through Kyoto in a flowered float during the Hanagasa Kyoretsu, the Procession of Flowered Hats.

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Dressed as miko, or shrine maidens, Hisano performs "Kabuki Odori" with her fellow geiko.

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