Oiran (花魁) is a word used to refer to the high-class prostitutes that worked in the Yoshiwara red-light district (Yoshiwara-Yukaku) during the Edo period. The Ichiyo Sakura Matsuri started in 2003 to preserve this piece of Edo history.
It takes place along a 500m or so stretch of road with members in full Edo period dress slowly making their way to the small main stage for a series of short performances, before parading back down the road again.
The fact that they move at a snail’s pace and stop in front of the crowd to pose for photographs makes it a highly entertaining event and a unique chance to see the old Edo costumes.
Read more here courtesy of Japanistry.com
