Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
Today is the day of the Aoi Matsuri, or Hollyhock Festival in Kyoto. It's a tradition of two of the city shrines that a procession takes place from the Imperial Palace site to each of the shrines in turn, with horses, carriages and people all fitted out in Heian era finery (the 794 to 1195), written Kyoto a the capital. People line the streets to get a good view!
I had intended on a guided tour of the Imperial Palace while in Kyoto, but the main palace is actually closed over this period, probably due to the festival. I can still wander around the grounds though - they are a huge park area - Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
I may also be be able to go into the Sendo imperial palace...