Museum of 'Ogura hyakunin isshu'

Museum of 'Ogura hyakunin isshu'

KYOTO, Japan - A diorama forms part of the displays at Shigureden, a Kyoto museum devoted to ''Ogura hyakunin isshu'' (100 poems by 100 poets). The museum was shown to the media on March 14, 2012, prior to its scheduled reopening on March 17 following a yearlong renovation. Hyakunin isshu karuta (playing cards) of the Edo period (1603-1868) and dolls representing the poets are among the exhibits and visitors can try on Heian period (794-1185) costumes.

'Karuta' queen competition in Otsu

'Karuta' queen competition in Otsu

OTSU, Japan - Participants of the Japanese traditional card game competition try to snag a card for the ''karuta'' queen title at Omi Jingu, a Shinto shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on Jan. 8, 2011. The karuta game using ''Ogura Hyakunin Isshu,'' one hundred ''waka'' poem cards, is a typical New Year event in Japan.

Museum of 'Ogura hyakunin isshu'

Museum of 'Ogura hyakunin isshu'

KYOTO, Japan - A diorama forms part of the displays at Shigureden, a Kyoto museum devoted to ''Ogura hyakunin isshu'' (100 poems by 100 poets). The museum was shown to the media on March 14, 2012, prior to its scheduled reopening on March 17 following a yearlong renovation. Hyakunin isshu karuta (playing cards) of the Edo period (1603-1868) and dolls representing the poets are among the exhibits and visitors can try on Heian period (794-1185) costumes. (Kyodo)

'Karuta' queen competition in Otsu

'Karuta' queen competition in Otsu

OTSU, Japan - Participants of the Japanese traditional card game competition try to snag a card for the ''karuta'' queen title at Omi Jingu, a Shinto shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on Jan. 8, 2011. The karuta game using ''Ogura Hyakunin Isshu,'' one hundred ''waka'' poem cards, is a typical New Year event in Japan. (Kyodo)