Hanami Party in Maruyama Koen

Hanami Party in Maruyama Koen

Hanami (“flower viewing”) is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. This often involves a picnic party to enjoy the cherry blossoms as well as food and drinks. People have a Hanami party with friends, family or colleagues . . .

Weeping Cherry Trees

Weeping Cherry Trees

Our Ten Favorite Weeping Cherry Trees We are mid-March, and the early-blooming cherry trees (such as the Okame Zakura, the Kawazu Sakura, or the Harumeki Zakura are now in full bloom in Kyoto. From next week, Kyoto’s iconic weeping cherry blossoms will begin to bloom....
End of the year in Kyoto

End of the year in Kyoto

Traditional End-of-Year & New Year’s Events and Activities During the end of the year in Kyoto, you can experience traditional festivities like Joya-no-kane bell ringing, witness winter illuminations (Kyoto Station), participate in Hatsumode (first shrine...
Okame Cherry at the Chotokuji Temple

Okame Cherry at the Chotokuji Temple

While the exact start of cherry blossom season varies each year, the order in which the flowers bloom remains constant. Kyoto is home to a wide variety of cherry trees, from early bloomers to the widely beloved Somei Yoshino, and finally, the late-blooming varieties....
Setsubun Ceremony

Setsubun Ceremony

The Setsubun Festival (節分祭) at Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most vibrant spring purification rituals, celebrated annually on February 2nd and 3rd. This event marks the transition from winter to spring in the Japanese lunar calendar and is meant to ward off evil...
Taking photos of Maiko

Taking photos of Maiko

The author admires Maiko and Geiko in Kyoto’s Hanamachi districts and urges respectful photo etiquette when encountering them. They stress not to obstruct, use flash, or demand poses, underscoring the performers’ humanity and work. The piece concludes by encouraging silent admiration without cameras to fully appreciate their elegance and presence.

Hanami – Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Hanami – Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

With over 200 photos, this photo ebook will not only show you the beauty of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto but will explain and describe the way the Japanese people enjoy this season. It will provide you with information and suggestions to discover and enjoy this most wonderful season…

Empty Kyoto

Empty Kyoto

For everyone interested in or in love with Kyoto, I’d like to suggest you have a look at this photo book from landscape photographer Daniel Sofer. 2020 and 2021 were very special years due to the pandemic. Japan was closed and the streets and temples were...
Cooking Lessons in Kyoto

Cooking Lessons in Kyoto

We’re often asked about Japanese cooking lessons in Kyoto. I’m glad to introduce Keiko san, a cooking instructor who can provide Japanese home cooking lessons in English in her home kitchen or a rental kitchen.She offers various menu items from which you...