Final preparations are made on this boat-shaped float, just before the parade begins
The Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. It is over a month long, and on the three nights leading up to the main parade, the main streets are closed to traffic, allowing tens of thousands of people – many in summer kimonos – to wander around soaking up the glow from the floats adorned with lanterns. (Night pictures to follow soon…)
We got up early to go downtown and get up close to the Gion Matsuri festival floats before the crowds decended. Here is what we found…
Exquisite paintwork on the gold leaf ceiling of the float
