DATE:		April 29, 2007 from 14:00 – 15:00
PLACE:		7 Toba Rikyu-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
DIRECTION:		Karasuma Subway Line at Takeda Station
TEL:		81-75-623-0846
ADMISSION:		Free entrance to the shrine garden (April 29 only)
TEXT:		At a traditional Kyokusui party, seven poets clothed in colorful Kariginu and Kouchiki, the kimono of nobles during the Heian period (794-1192), sit by a slow-moving stream and recite poetry according to a chosen theme while enjoying sake.  This event is believed to have started in ancient China during the Zhougong era.  It was later introduced to Japan, and became the official annual event of the Imperial court from the Nara period (8th century) to the mid-Heian period.  A Shirabyoshi dance is also performed during the party, recreating graceful moments from Japan’s ancient past.