Kyoto Gion-matsuri Festival
The highlight of Gion matsuri is the “Yamaboko Junko” parade. The Yamaboko, or giant wooden floats, are assembled without nails in the traditional Japanese way.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is the Buddhist festival of the feast of our ancestors. Known as the Bon festival, it is held on the evening of August 16th.
Zuiki Festival at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Zuiki Festival at Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine is held in appreciation for the year’s grain harvest. You can enjoy the parade of portable shrines around the shrine.
“Joya-no-kane” bell rings at Chion-in Temple
At Chion-in Temple, 17 monks work together to ring a massive, three-meter tall, about 70 tons great temple bell at 108 times on December 31st.
The Setsubun Festival at Yoshida-Jinja
Yoshida-jinja in Kyoto, on Yoshida-yama’s west slope, hosts the famous Setsubun festival, where visitors throw beans at Oni to drive away evil spirits.
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
At Nijo castle, the cherry orchard features about 400 late-blooming cherry trees, with special night illuminations during the blooming season.
Gion Shirakawa Sakura Light up
Gion Shirakawa-dori in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms, is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical springtime atmosphere.
Hydrangeas garden lit up at Mimuroto-ji
Mimuroto-ji temple in Uji, a quiet place outside of Kyoto city, has 10,000 hydrangeas in various pink, purple, blue and white hues.
Tanabata illumination at Kibune Shrine
Every summer, there are illuminations at Kibune Shrine in Kyoto. Tanabata is a mythical tale of literal star-crossed lovers take place all over Japan.
Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama
Ukai is a traditional fishing method in which trained cormorants are used to catch fish.This type of fishing has history over 1300 years across Japan.