My trip to Kyoto had a rather inauspicious start when a tropical storm made landfall the same day I did.  Pouring rain ensued for the next couple of days. At first I was worried about my rather tight shooting schedule, but I realized it was an entirely unexpected opportunity to see another side to one of my favorite cities. Despite the downpour, life went on as regularly as clockwork, as can be seen here as a maiko makes her way to an appointment under the protection of her paper parasol.