Spared the ravages of WWII, (Kyoto fortunately avoided the fires that swept other cities) so many ancient temples and shrines remain standing and have been thus able to retain their true character. This slice of fortune has lead directly to Kyoto retaining some of Japan's best sightseeing spots with many of them only enhanced by the changes in the seasons that seem to envelop them throughout the year. Various traditions and works of art were initiated and developed in Kyoto over the centuries and over 70 kinds of high-quality craft products are still made in the city today. These include the renowned Nishijinori, Kyoyuzen, Kyoningyo and Kyosensu works among others with all associated production techniques being passed down to the artists of today by the experts of yesterday. Another side effect of the magnificent history, culture and climate of Kyoto is the unique local cuisine. Elaborate and seasonal, Kyoto's finest cuisine always offers that perfect culinary journey along the avenues of Japanese food of days gone by. |
- Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - From 8pm on August 16th (Sat), 2008 Daimonji Gozan Okuribi is an event related to Obon - the Japanese festival of the dead, and the journey of the spirits, which, having just returned home for the festival must now return to the other world. Also called "Daimonji" it is especially well known in this part of Japan as a kanji character meaning "big" - seen on the hillside of Higashiyama, is ignited and can be seen from miles around. This ignition leads to a chain reaction and many other great bonfires on the mountains surrounding Kyoto are ignited one by one, burning for about 30 minutes.  http://www.kyoto.travel/ |
- Hieizan Enryakuji (Mt. Hiei's Enryakuji Temple), Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture - August 11th (Mon)-15th (Fri), 2008 19:00-20:30 Doto towers and forests in Hieizan Todo area will be lit up at night. More than 2,000 lanterns will illuminate the mountain. A solemn Buddhist memorial service will be held at Konpon Chudo Hall at night. http://www.hieizan.or.jp/enryakuji/econt/index.html |
- Yasaka Shrine and other places in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - July 1st (Tue)-31st (Thurs), 2008 *The Yamahoko Junko (float parade) is held on the 17th Gion Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Japan, is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine in the east of the city. Various rituals and ceremonies take place between July 1st and the 31st. Yamahoko (floats) are displayed in the town and Gion-bayashi music is played on the night of the 16th. Yamahoko Junko, an event in which 32 floats parade through the city of Kyoto is held from 9am to 2pm on the 17th and attracts numerous visitors. Paid stands are set up along Oike Dori for the Yamahoko Junko. http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/yasaka/english/ |
- From Nijo to Gojo, (west bank of the Kamogawa River), Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - May 1st (Thur)-September 30th (Tue), 2008 It is said people can sometimes feel the approach of summer as early as May and Noryo-Yuka is a summertime feature of Kyoto that duly starts each May when some 80 restaurants and Japanese-style hotels run a terrace above the west bank of Kamogawa River from Nijo to Gojo. When the cool Kyoto winds blow along the river, and as the temperatures soar, it is a popular family destination both during the day and also at night. http://www.kyoto-yuka.com/ (Japanese version only) |
- In the valley of Hozukyo; from Sagano in Kyoto City to Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture - March 1st (Sat)-December 29th (Mon), 2008 The Sagano Sightseeing Tram operation, not in service during the mid-winter (December 30th-February 28th), restarts operations as the days become longer and spring is just around the corner. This 7.3km, former Sanin-Honsen line between Saga and Kameoka enables passengers to enjoy the beautiful Hozukyo Valley with its 8 tunnels and ever changing views. http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/index.htm
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