Japan Photo Journal: Soaking in the city

"Yamahoko" floats are on display along crowded Shijo-dori avenue in the rain during the Yoiyama period of the historical Gion Festival, in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward in western Japan on July 14, 2019. A total of 23 floats, including six measuring over 20 meters high, stood along streets in the center of the ancient capital. About 28,000 people had turned out to watch the annual spectacle as of 9 p.m. on July 14, according to police. The streets will become vehicle-free promenades on the nights of July 15 and 16 for visitors to enjoy the floats, which are decorated with various important traditional craftworks. The floats will be paraded through the city on July 17.

(Japanese original by Kenji Yagura, Kyoto Bureau)