Rickshaw Learner

I've posted before about the rickshaws that would ply the streets of our neighborhood, especially during high tourist season. These human-powered vehicles can carry up to three people and are small enough to negotiate even the smaller back alleys. Rickshaws are even more common in the historic district of Gion, closer to the city center, and the tourist-thronged streets there pose a real navigation hazard. We were amused to see this rickshaw driver in training, complete with his learner plates. Two black-clad associates (probably more experienced rickshaw drivers) sat inside, and two more followed along behind. The ones behind were presumably there to assess and give advice, but they also took the opportunity to pick up any trash that they found along the way (hence the bag being carried by the man on the right).