Gion Matsuri Festival
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), the festival of the Yasaka Shrine, is one of the three largest festivals in Japan, and probably the most famous one. It takes place in Kyoto over the entire month of July. There are many different events,
Nagoshi no Harae Summer Purification
Every year, at the end of June, many shrines hold an ancient Japanese purification rite called “Nagoshi no Harae”. In this ceremony people atone for their sins . . .
Equestrian Festival at the Fujinomori Shrine
The Fujinomori’s festival is famous for the Kakeuma Shinji Shinto ritual that shows skills of handstand and “Fujikudari” (pretending to have been hit by an enemy’s arrow) while riding . . .
Yabusame Shinji at Shimogamo Shrine
Yabusame is the traditional Japanese art of mounted archery. An archer on a running horse shoots three special “turnip-headed”arrows successively at three wooden targets.
Shopping in Kyoto
Shopping is one of the pleasures of being on holiday. Products that you can use on an everyday basis while also feeling the atmosphere of Kyoto make perfect gifts for yourself and for others. Take the feeling of Kyoto home with you!
Hirano Jinja, a Favorite Hanami Spot
Hirano Jinja (Shrine) is a very old Shinto shrine — established in the year 794. It is among the most popular spots in Kyoto among Japanese people for its gardens and numerous cherry trees, for viewing the flowers, singing and drinking.
The Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.
Rickshaw Tour
How about a Rickshaw Tour around one of the numerous touristic spots of the city? I’ve seen them around a few times and always thought we too should try that. It does look like fun and a great way to look around spots such as Arashiyama, Kodaiji or Miyagawa-Cho.
Beginning of the Cherry Blossoms
Today, we had a beautiful warm and sunny day. On the way back from the Kyoto Station, we realized that the cherry trees along the bank of the Kamogawa River were starting to blossom.
