Just east of Kyoto City, not far from Ginkakuji Temple, two young girls in traditional Japanese costume wait to take part in a lively seasonal festival that involved ceremony, costume, and lots of men noisily carrying a large shrine through the narrow lanes and streets. Their brightly colored costumes and elaborate headgear make them the focus of many a picture, much to their bemusement, and the obvious pride of their parents who jostle them into position for anyone who wants a picture.

I can’t really tell you much about the festival, or the costume the little girls were so proudly wearing. All I know is that it was great fun following the procession as it snaked a slow and energetic path along crowd lined streets and lanes.