Title:
Japanese Kimonos, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan.
Caption:
Jinja (shrines) are a perfect backdrop for Japanese women wearing
kimonos. Not all Japanese practice the Shinto religion, but all value
the beauty of their temples. The sight of women wearing kimonos in an
urban setting may seem incongruous but they are a propos amidst the
sculpted gardens and tiled roof shrine. Women in traditional kimonos
often go to shrines for no other reason than to have their photos taken.
Furisode kimonos on this picture are distinguishable by their long
sleeves and elaborate colors and patterns. They are traditionally only
worn by unmarried women. In the past young women declared their love for
a man by fluttering the long, wide sleeves of their furisode kimono.
