Hanatoro
The city of Kyoto started this event in 2003 to promote tourism in March when Kyoto had much less visitors than the city expected. "Hanatouro" or "Hanatoro" literally means "Flower and light road". They place thousands of lanterns along selected paths in Higashiyama from Sanjo to Gojo. They also exhibit flower arrangements in Maruyama-koen park. Temples and a shrine in this area illuminates their buildings and trees. The period of the event may vary each year, but it was from 12th to 21st, March in 2004.
In addition to Higashiyama Hanatoro, they started another tourism campaign, Arashiyama Hanatoro in December, 2005.
Go to Hanatoro website (Arashiyama - December 2008, Higashiyama - March 2009)
Following is photos of Hanatoro 2004:
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| A road beside Yasaka-no-to March 14, 2004 |
San'nen-zaka March 14, 2004 |
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You can enjoy various kinds of performances and exhibitions throughout the ten-day period of Hanatoro. The following are examples of events held during Hanatouro.
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| Maiko riding in Jinrikisha, or ricksha March 14, 2004 |
Dancing Maiko March 14, 2004 |
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To see more photos of Maiko, click here.