With a history stretching back 1000 years, the Aoi Matsuri is one of Japan’s most visually arresting processions. Over 500 participants, dressed in historically accurate Heian-period costume, journey from Kyoto’s imperial palace to the Kamigamo shrine.  The festival is believed to have originated after natural disasters struck Japan in the 6th century. Understood as punishments from the deities, an imperial envoy was dispatched to offer ritual and appeasement at the Kamigamo shrine. The festival is named Aoi Mastsuri, after the Japanese word for hollyhock, since the aoi leaves are used to decorate all manner of procession participants, including people, horses, and oxen.  📷: @kevinho_me