Jidai Matsuri - Kyoto

This festival, held every year in October, celebrates Kyoto's history as the capital of Japan for around a millennium. People parade in traditional costumes, all handmade in the traditional way, representing various historical figures. Thousands upon thousands of people of course turn out to watch the displays. There were samurai, lords, ladies, farmers, you name it; Sei Shonagon even put in an appearance, fresh from the 11th century.

(Check out the Flickr account for more pics.)