Right after the second Yamaboko procession on July 24th is one of my favorite parade in Kyoto, the Hanagasa Junko.
The word hanagasa consists of two characters, two parts: in Japanese, hana means “flower” and kasa means “umbrella” but also a large straw hat, which protects from sun or rain.
In the Hanagasa Parade at the end of the Gion Matsuri, we can see both, large umbrellas and hats decorated with flowers. This parade is a real treat for photographers and tourists, with a lot of people, children, and even maiko – geisha apprentices, wearing beautiful costume.
Here are a few pictures taken this year.
