September 23rd, 2017: The Takasegawa Boat Festival (高瀬川舟まつり) took place today with maiko Ichiteru (市照) and Ichiaya (市彩) of Masunoya (桝之矢) in Pontocho participating. The event celebrates the boats that traverse the Takase River, and the subsequent industries that it feeds, and revolves around the blessings of the boats for another fruitful year to come. It is only observed by the maiko of Pontocho due to Pontocho’s close proximity to the Takase River in that the Takase River crosses through the Kamo River. Ichiteru and Ichiaya also performed at the event in 2016. Images courtesy of Naranofuku on Instagram [1] [2].

Random Fact of The Week 22/9

An interesting fact for an interesting week! Events that Pontocho participates in all revolve around water! Examples include the Kamogawa Odori (鴨川をどり - Dances of the Kamo River, which Pontocho is built along the shores of), Suimeikai (水明会 - Gathering of Shining Water, again referring to the Kamo River), and the Takasegawa Boat Festival (高瀬川舟まつり - The Takase River crosses the Kamo River).