On 23rd of March, 2016, Kyoto weather forecast station announced the first bloom of cherry, or in other words, the beginning of this year’s Hanami — the Cherry Blossom Season.
This is four days earlier than last year and five days earlier than the average year.
Maiko from Kyoto’s five entertainment areas (Hanamachi) will perform dances dedicated to the gods at the Yasaka shrine. This event takes place outside on the shrine’s stage at the beginning of the Higashiyama Hanatouro (Lantern) Festival.
Hanami – 花見- in Japanese literally means “Flowers Viewing”, but we usually understand it as Cherry Blossom. But the cherry is not the only type of flowers we can enjoy, and the Hanami season doesn’t start in late March or early April…
Patrick’s first experience at a local photo contest — Maiko and Momiji organized by the Photo Partner Kyoto Association, ended up today with the award ceremony. Patrick’s very pleased and very proud to have one of his photos receiving a “Special Mention”.
To try Shojin Ryori (精進料理), Zen Vegetarian Cuisine, this is a good address. It’s located next to Kodaiji Temple and is open from lunch to dinner, non stop. The type of Shojin Ryori provided is called “Fucha Ryori”, and was brought to Japan by Chinese monks during the Edo period.
よろしおすか？, Maiko and Momiji photo Shoot, Kyoto
While I didn’t actually win any price, I’m still very proud to have my photo selected among the “Special Mention” in the PPK “Maiko & Momiji” photo contest!
Kyoto is, without a doubt, the home of all kinds of traditional cultures of Japan. However, the most enchanting and also mysterious treasure of this old capital is “The Kagai”, the district where the culture of Geiko and Maiko still exists.
After a rather warm Autumn, we’re now in Winter and snow has fallen over the city. If you happen to be in Kyoto, know that this is a rare treat! Nothing is more beautiful than some of the city temples or shrines covered with a white carpet.
2015 has not been a very good year for 紅葉 (Kôyô), the Autumn foliage colors. But we still have visited and enjoyed a number of places. Here is a little series of photos taken in November and the beginning of December around Kyoto.
