KYOTO - The annual Gion Festival in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto reached a climax on Tuesday, with people flocking to see the ornate floats.
Twenty-three floats decorated with lanterns line the city's main street. Festive music can be heard in the background. The area became even more dreamlike as the night gets darker.
The float parades are held twice, on Wednesday and one week later.
Kyoto has been struggling with an influx of tourists that can overwhelm public transport and services for local residents.
Organizers of the popular festival have prepared in advance for the crowds.
Fifty garbage eco-stations run by volunteers, including students, have been set up along the parade route. Visitors are called on to separate burnable and recyclable garbage.
A total of 2,400 volunteers have been mobilized from Monday.
The organizers also want to boost hospitality for visitors from abroad.
University students wearing special T-shirts are volunteering as interpreters in a service that began this year.
New efforts are underway to ensure that the centuries-old festival carries on into the future.
