PHOTO GALLERY: KARUTA- ANCIENT JAPANESE CARD GAME

karuta- ancient japanese card game- performed annually at New Year's in Kyoto- Japan

players dresed in period kimono play Karuta at Yasuka Shrine, Kyoto, a New Year’s Festival

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

You might also enjoy:

PHOTO GALLERY: CHRISTMAS IN KYOTO PHOTOS PHOTO GALLERY: Kyoto, Japan’s Spectacular Traditional Festivals PHOTO GALLERY: JAPANESE TEMPLES, SHRINES AND CASTLES PHOTO GALLERY: KYOTO FESTIVAL OF AGES- JIDAI MATSURI