April is a busy time for the karyukai. Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, and Kamishichiken have their annual spring odori in addition to their regular evening appointments. Kamishichiken’s Kitano Odori runs from March 25th through April 7th; Gion Kobu’s Miyako Odori runs the entire month of April (though this year it runs from April 1st through 23rd due to a venue change); and Miyagawacho’s Kyo Odori runs from April 1st through 16th.
Cherry blossoms are the main motif for April, as cherry trees bloom during this time. The Miyako Odori is sometimes called the “Cherry Blossom Dance” or “Cherry Dance” in English because it’s held in April and is frequently associated with blooming cherry trees. Hanami, cherry blossom viewing, was and is a popular seasonal pastime for Japanese and tourists alike. Like the Japanese plum tree, many cherry trees are cultivated for their blossoms rather than their fruit, and some trees may not produce fruit at all.
Junior and senior maiko wear pink cherry blossom kanzashi with butterflies - a reminder of the upcoming summer - and red and white bonbori lanterns. Senior maiko tend to wear silver or gold butterfly kanzashi rather than cherry blossom kanzashi. Cherry blossom kanzashi come in many sizes and colors, and may be clustered in groups or hanging in strands. Some kanzashi have globular chōchin lanterns intern of bonbori lanterns, or miniature hina dolls for the Hina Matsuri held in March.
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