On our last night in Kyoto we remembered we’d seen some interesting looking construction going on at our local shrine Kamigamo Jinja, and decided to see if it was finished. We discovered an incredible display of what I describe as paper lantern sculptures, but actually I have no idea what they were or why they had been constructed in the temple grounds. Our limited Japanese often meant we didn’t understand what was going on, but in this case it didn’t matter. We joined the families and groups of friends who wandered and sat amongst the beautiful creations, amazed at what had been made from just paper and wire.
The paper creations were lit from within and were the only light sources in the dark field, creating a magical, surreal effect.
The skill involved was astounding. This one is an actual working giant pinhole camera.
This rocket changed colour.
This piano was accurately reproduced with all the strings and hammers inside.
I love the Japanese ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) of waves so appreciated this sculpture.
Some were just bizarre. A giant woman climbing through a hole…
An upside down horse balancing on an apple…
They stretched on and on throughout the field.
The perfect way to end our stay in Kyoto.
Update: Our lovely cooking teacher has given us some more information about this event. It’s a one off display of sculptures designed by students at the Kyoto University of Art & Design inspired by Aomori prefecture’s summer festival Nebuta Matsuri.
WOW!! And wonderful photography too ~
Makes me think of Sapporo’s snow festival but this looks far more ethereal -
What a beautiful end to your time in Kyoto
Thanks Linda. I don’t think I quite did them justice but I was impressed they came out at all – I was just using our point and shoot (Canon S95).
Damn those look amazing. Great photos, I love how you captured them. They look so mystical.
Thanks Jaime. Mystical is a good way of describing it.
Wow, the last 3 were amazing. So much work and effort put into them! I love them all, but the sun and the dragonfly ones were super neat. I love night shots and these are awesome.
Thanks Mica. The dragonfly was incredible – so intricate.
Wow, this is so cool Erin! I love Japanese stuff! Thanks for sharing the photos!
Thanks Adam!
Wow, what amazing creations! There’s something very magical about these paper lanterns.
Definitely magical and surreal. Thanks Danielle.
Awesome.
Looks like something made by Noboru Tsubaki. I wish you had more information about the even. (I’m gonna try to find some)
I know, we couldn’t find anything out about it. It was around the same time as some harvest full moon events, so I don’t know if it was related. Let us know if you find anything out.
awesome stuff on this guys. I never heard of this festival but now it’s gotz me wanting to go there and see it for myself!
Kyoto is one place I REALLY want to visit in Japan but I must admit Japan is just so freaking expensive it’s kept me away from visiting. If money wasn’t an issue, it would be #1 on my list to visit. Still trying to figure out how I could afford a month there without out taking a small loan! lol
It’s a tiny little festival. I couldn’t find anything online about it. It may be related to full moon events in the autumn.
Kyoto is a photographer’s dream and a great place to base yourself but yes, it’s really really expensive. We wouldn’t have gone if the house sit hadn’t have come up, and it was still expensive. Worth it though!
Wow, never seen anything like this before, will have to go next year. Great photos too by the way
Unfortunately it looks like it was a one off event by university students (update now added to post).
These are so big and intricate. Can only imagine how much impact they make up close in the dark.
The amount of work that must have gone into them is amazing.
These are BEYOND amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
They are incredible aren’t they?
Re the giant woman climbing through a hole, have you still not watched the original Ringu? For shame, ;o)! The sculptures look amazing…and it’s the work of students?! Puts our art students to shame!
I am sure there are loads of references I am missing =)
Very cool photos!!
Wow, very cool.