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 Kaikan, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - June 21st (Sat)-22nd (Sun), 2008 This is an annually held joint performance of traditional arts that have been passed on in 5 'hanamachi' in Kyoto. The five hanamachi are the traditional entertainment towns in Kyoto of Gion Kobu, Miyagawa-cho, Gion Higashi, Kamishichiken and Ponto-cho. Traditional Japanese culture and beauty remains alive and strong to this day.  http://www.ookinizaidan.com/event/ |
- Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - June 1st (Sun)-2nd (Mon), 2008 Kyoto Takigi Noh is an annual event that forms one of the most famous festivals in Kyoto early each summer. It takes place in June between the Aoi Matsuri in May and the Gion Matsuri in July. Bonfires are built as dusk approaches around Higashiyama and the vermilion lacquered buildings of the shrine, when lit-up host a special stage for the Noh performance. The air is filled with a solemn atmosphere and performers from the Kanze, Kongo and Okura schools perform Noh or Kyogen plays to fascinate audiences with their ethereal beauty. http://www.kyoto-kanze.jp/takiginoh.htm (Japanese version only) |
- Shimogamo Jinja Shrine / Kamigamo Jinja Shrine / Kyoto Gosho, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - May 15th (Thur), 2008 The Aoi Matsuri is an annual festival at Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. In times gone by everything, from the palace bamboo blinds to court carriages to the people’s costumes to bullocks and horses were once adorned with hollyhock leaves giving the festival the name of the Aoi (hollyhock) Matsuri. An elegant procession reminding people of the Heian dynasty heyday starts from Kyoto Gosho at 10.30 am and after parading around the city heads to the Kamigamo Shrine via the shrine at Shimogamo. http://www.kyotojoho.co.jp/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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