Oideyasu! Please take off your shoes.
910 years. They've been holdng this event, at this very spot, for 910 years, since the 12th century. that means they WEREN'T doing it for over 400 years before that, however, because Kamigamo shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, built in the 7th century, 670 or so, before Kyoto was founded as the capital in 794.
Unfortunately, I was poorly positioned to get good racing shots, with the action taking place between me and the sun, and one rider in light and the other in shade. I had to tweak the photos to get them even this presentable. I did some good scouting for next year, though. I hope to be back. this event is a lead-up to the May 15 Aoi Festival, which is one of the big 3 festivals of the year in Kyoto.
