Bonjour Emd,

I found one or two of those banners (Tairyou-ki or Tairyou-bata) at the Toji market, at at least two different stalls selling kimono and other second hand fabric, on the pagoda side. I'm sure if you ask at one of the stalls and show a picture (maybe print one from this site http://homepage3.nifty.com/tairyouki/ ), someone will be able to help you find some.

You can see them if you go to page 1 and scroll down at http://www.billk.org

Thanks Florence, that is what I really hoped to hear about Toji!

Will check out the pics.

I love everything I bought, but my Japanese calendar is great. I bought it at a temple and I think it is bringing blessings to our house.

emd, I glad you brought this thread back up. I had forgotten about all the things you all talked about. How I know and it brings back neat memories.

My favorite thing has to be the old Obi I bought at the Kimono shop near Nijo. We had so much fun there and the Obi is beautiful, I have it on the table now. Two of the girls may have to wait for theirs-I really like them too. They are the ones from Toji Market.

Now that you all are talking about Owls- What is the importance of them? I saw them every where and bought two different ones -beautifully carved ones. My son went to Rice Univ.-their mascot is an owl so I always try to find one for him.