The Culture Day (Nov. 3) Festival at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo is something I look forward to every year. I’ve been four times, and still get excited about going because it’s so great for photography. I tried out the Jidai Matsuri in Asakusa last year, but a lot of the costumes were kind of cheesy, and it was so crowded it was hard to take photos.

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The festival starts at 9:00 in the morning, but the first big event is the kyuudo (Japanese archery) demonstration, which starts at 11:00.

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This old man seemed really shaky – except when he had a bow in his hands.

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Everyone was given a small cup of sacred sake after the ceremony.

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The hats are kind of funny, but the kimono are just gorgeous.

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There are more photos of this festival at:

http://qjphotos.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/nawajutsu/

http://qjphotos.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/samurai-reenactors-2/