I woke up to get a coffee. At 8:00, the sun is out and it is scorching. We are planning on taking things easy today and getting ready for tonight: Yoiyama.
Yoiyama
Festival highlight. One “yoi” means one more night before the processions on July 17. All floats shrine areas celebrating their respective deities and displaying their treasures are open and all musical troupes play music until 21:00-22:00, centered near the Shijo-Karasuma intersection.
Department Store
I took the bus to Central Kyoto for something to do out of the heat. Owen wanted to sleep in and hang around.
Yodabashi Camera was fun to walk around. It is immense. It is six floors and I could only handle exploring three of the floors. To give a sense of it’s immensity, they have a track inside for trying out bicycles.
Of course they had an Ohtani display. Japan is immensely proud of this guy.
After a nice curry karage (fried chicken) lunch I headed back home and laid low with Owen.
Gion Matsuri Festival
Gion Matsuri
Owen and I are now in a holding position waiting for the sun to set. Then it is festival time. We are in our yakata ready for festivities!
