Just a reminder that Oct 22 is a big day for Kyoto, with the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) during the daytime and the Kurama Hi Matsuri (Fire Festival) in the evening. The former is run by Heian Shrine and … Read the rest
Category: Festivals (Page 7 of 26)
Moon-viewing is an aesthetic custom in Japan with a spiritual component. For Buddhism, the full moon is a symbol of enlightenment, and the phases of the moon indicative of the ever-changing nature of life. Nothing is constant except change itself. … Read the rest
MITARASHI MATSURI at Shimogamo Jinja from 5.30-22.30 (July 19-26) ¥300
Summer in Kyoto is hot, hot and humid! At this time of year all one wants to do is wade through cold water. Well, that’s just what you get to … Read the rest
From last year July 24 has become a busy day for Kyoto. In the morning 10 mighty floats parade through the city centre. They are joined by a Hanagasa procession from Yasaka Jinja to make a pleasing spectacle for the … Read the rest
It’s been a busy week for Kyoto.
The second parade of the Gion Matsuri, which takes place on July 24, celebrates the return of the Yasaka Shrine kami from their week-long ‘holiday’ in the city centre where they reside … Read the rest
Last year was a historic year for the Gion parade, with two processions being held for the first time after 49 years. This follows the inscription in 2009 of the festival as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by Unesco. “The floats … Read the rest
The month long Gion Festival is reaching a climax tonight and tomorrow morning. The evening of the 16th is the so-called Yoiyama, the night before the big parade when floats are dressed in all their finery with last minute entertainment … Read the rest