The "Pontocho Eaves Flower Exhibition - Flowers in this Town" is being held between Sanjo and Shijo Streets, decorating Pontocho Street in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City with colorful flowers. About 200 small ikebana displayed on the eaves and along the stone pavement enhance the atmosphere of the alley and delight tourists.
The "Pontocho Town Development Council," made up of local residents and shopkeepers, planned the exhibition to let people feel the charm of the alley. The ikebana exhibit was prepared by holding a free-to-attend experience session on both February 9th and 10th, inviting a wide range of people to create their own ikebana.
On February 12th, palm-sized wooden boxes containing roses, sweet peas, gerberas, and other arrangements lined the street. This year marks the 11th year of the exhibition, and the council secretariat said, "More and more people are looking forward to it every year." With the removal of utility poles complete and the clear sky as a backdrop, many people were seen taking pictures of the flowers hanging from the eaves.
The exhibition is scheduled to run until around 5:00 p.m. on February 16th. This year, the festival will collaborate with Kyoto City, which is promoting urban development that makes use of the Kamo River, and the city will set up tables and benches in Pontocho Park on February 15th and 16th. Large-scale ikebana works will also be exhibited on both days.
