Chimaki
−Chimaki are a specialty of Kyoto’s Gion festival, and a common sight in the city’s streets.−
When walking down the streets of Kyoto, you’d be hard-pressed not to find one in the front of a person’s home. The “chimaki” are charms said to ward off illness and disaster, and are sold at the various yamahoko (floats) during the Gion Festival. The people of Kyoto receive their “chimaki” each year to pray for happiness and safety in the coming year. A chimaki can also be found at the entrance of
