The Four Seasons of Japan:
City Information
General Information & What's New
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. |
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- Kifune Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - July 1 (Mon)-August 15 (Thu), 2013 / from sunset to 8 p.m. (to 9 p.m. on Sat, Sun and holidays) Small strips on which prayers write their wishes are hung from branches of green bamboos. In the evening, bamboos are illuminated by gentle light, and the shrine is fascinating people with fireflies. "Kifune no Mizumatsuri" (water festival) is held on July 7th (Sat), and it attracts more people.  http://kifunejinja.jp/tanabata (Japanese version only) |
- Yasaka Shrine and other places in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - July 1 (Mon)-31 (Wed), 2013 *The Yamahoko Junko (float parade) is held on July 17. Gion Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Japan, is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine in the east of the city. Starting with Kippu-iri on July 1st, various rituals and ceremonies take place until the festival finishes on the 31st with the Eki-Jinja Nagoshi-sai Festival. Yamahoko (floats) are displayed in the town and Gion-bayashi music is played on the night of the 14th, 15th and 16th (Yoiyama). Yamahoko Junko, an event in which 32 floats parade through the city of Kyoto is held on the 17th and attracts numerous visitors. Paid stands are set up along Oike-dori Street for the Yamahoko Junko. http://gionmatsuri.jp/ |
| All information is subject to change without notice. |
