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. |
- 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/ |
- 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/ |
- Sanzen-in, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - June 15th (Sun)-July 14th (Mon), 2008 The Ajisai Matsuri Festival is held as the hydrangyas of Kyoto come into bloom with Buddhist sermons also scheduled for the time during the festival. This unique combination of sermons and more than 3,000 hydrangyas attracts many visitors who can look forward to seeing various types of hydrangya including yama-ajisai (Hydrangea serrata), hoshi-ajisai and gaku-ajisai (Hydrangea macrophylla) as well as the more common types of the flower. http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/ (Japanese version only) |
- 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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