players dresed in period kimono play Karuta at Yasuka Shrine, Kyoto, a New Year’s Festival |
PHOTO GALLERY: NEW YEAR’S KARUTA- ANCIENT JAPANESE CARD GAME
Happy New Year!
Japan rings in the new year with the rather unusual practice of an annual New Year’s card game. Modern versions are played all over Japan in people’s homes. Kyoto presents to the public a much more elaborate version at Yasuka Shrine, where players dress in spectacular period silk kimono and compete in an outdoor temple pavillion. I watched the festive games one winter while living in Kyoto. Enjoy these colorful scenes. SEE FULL GALLERY
Have a fantastic 2012! cheers, Lash