Kyoto Travel Inforamtion, Sightseeing, Events and Activities

SPECIAL OPEN @ Tofuku-ji

2012-01-25T18:58:00.003+09:00

Tofuku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tofuku-ji Temple branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and number three of the Five Mountains of Rinzai Zen in Kyoto. The mountain name of Tofuku-ji Temple is "Enichi-zan"

Tofuku-ji Temple is noted for its many excellent landscape gardens arranged with a fine blend of moss and stones. Among the outstanding Buddhist architecture on the grounds is the twenty-two meter high Sanmon (gate), built in 1425, the oldest Zen main gate in Japan.

On this time you, can enter the Gate, and you can see many of national treasure.

DATE :2012/1/14(sat)～2/29(水) 10:00～16:00(reception close)
access from J-Hoppers :Walk about 20min
fee of charge :600yen

a train cafe

2012-01-12T20:26:00.002+09:00

We are not talking about a cafe on the trains. There is a cafe with trains in Kyoto.

open (they call it 'the first train'): 12:00 weekday
10:00 weekend
close ('the last train): 23:30 weekday & saturday
19:30 sunday

They serve 'Special curry rice'(680yen) and several other foods. The price is set slightly higher than other restaurants. But other restaurants don't have trains in their place. So it is reasonable, maybe.

Of cause the staffs serve you in uniform. This is cool.

They are located in the downtown in the city, Shijo area.
Once you arrive at Keihan 'Gion Shijo' sta. please head to Hanami-koji street.Then please turn right when you come cross the street 'Shin monzen' street. You'll see a train model in front of the building. That is a train cafe!

The first shoot an arrow in the year

2012-01-05T15:58:00.004+09:00

A Happy New Year !
We hope all of you have such a wonderful year.

As you see the picture above, there is a Coming-of-Age Day in Jan. (1st Monday of Jan)
It is for the people who is 20years-old both boys and girls celebration.
They wear a special Kimono or Hakama on that day.

Regarding the special event,there is a special shoot an arrow coming on the 15th Jan. at Sanju Sangen do Temple.

DATE: 15th Jan. 9:00 AM-3:30 PM

★The first shoot an arrow in the year
The shrine has a long corridor which is about 60 meter.
The people who play Japanese archery come from all over Japan.
They stand at an end of the corridor, and then they shoot the spot at another end.
It is called “the shooting through of the Sanjusangendo Temple.”

This event is lasting for about 500 years.

Free to observe!

Access: From J-Hoppers Kyoto Guest House City Bus #208"Hakubutsukan Sanjyu Sangen do"

the watch‐night bell

2011-12-07T18:36:00.004+09:00

Dec 31st is called 'Ohmisoka' among Japanese people. We stay up till midnight hearing 'Jyoya no kane'(the watch-night bell).

This bell sound is coming not from far mountains but from the temples nearby.
And you can even ring the bell to visit temples.

'Tofuku ji temple' is one of our closest choices for ringing bell.
We ring the bell only 108 times for some Buddhism reason, so usually we make a queue to get a a numbered ticket indicating the order.

Tofuku-ji Temple
・23:00 gate open and ticket will be served
・23:00 start to ring the bell
No reservation
Free to join
Access: 15 minuets walk from J-Hoppers Kyoto Guesthouse

Kakure Nenbutsu at Rokuharamitsuji Temple

2011-12-04T18:37:00.001+09:00

DEC.13 - DEC.30
Rokuharamitsuji Temple

Unique style of Nenbutsu, prayer to the Buddha, started by the holy priest Kuya in 951 to help the people in Kyoto from epidemics.
Priests chant/dance the prayer wishing people to expiate the sins of the past year and to have a happy new year. ( daily around 4:00PM)

* [ Rokuharamitsuji Temple ]
* Tel : 075-561-6980
Access : City Bus No.206 "Kiyomizu-michi"

Arashiyama Hana Toro

2011-12-02T15:49:00.002+09:00

Time flies !
2011 is just a month to go.

Before turning into 2012.
There is an event for lit up in Arashiyama.

Schedule: 9th Dec. to 18th Dec. @17 pm to 20:30pm

There are some beautiful stuff to look up
such as bamboo forest and a Togetsu bridge.

You'd better to see the difference between daytime and night time.

Access: JR Sagano line to "Saga Arashiyama"

The Special Kabuki performance on the end of this year

2011-11-28T01:14:00.002+09:00

Day by day it's getting colder and colder.
This is one of the annual event we call Kichirei kaomise Kabuki(吉例顔見世歌舞伎) is held in the end of year.

All big kabuki stars gather at Minami-za on this time

Nov 30th - Dec 26th
@Minami-za
￥５５００～

Manpukuji Art Festival -EN-

2011-11-12T19:31:00.004+09:00

Date: Nov 19th(sat)-Nov 2oth(sun)
Time: 12:00 - 19:00
Ticket: Advance 700yen/one day 1300yen/two days
Door 800yen/one day 1500yen/two days

At: Manpukuji temple
Access: JR Kyoto sta. →　JR Obaku sta. （21min, 230yen)

We used to have a fair stall in every village quite often. Nowadays those stalls are getting less and less throughout Japan.
The students from Kyoto and the artists gathered to exhibit their performance for the public. Usually they perform different places each other. You may be meeting up someone special by a curious turn of fate on this day.

Arashiyama Momiji Festival

2011-11-10T15:49:00.004+09:00

Momiji means autumn leaves.
So, the season for autumn leaves is coming soon!!!

There is an event in Arashiyama.

"ARASHIYAMA MOMIJI FESTIVAL"

13th Nov (SUN)
from 10:30am～

around Togetsu bridge

This year of the leaves might be late as reddish.
Though, this event is very exciting for anyone who likes Arashiyama.

Why don't you visit there?

Access: JR Sagano line "Saga Arashiyama"

Why don't you go out night time in Kyoto !?

2011-11-04T16:34:00.003+09:00

Day by day in everywhere in Kyoto, It will getting colder and colder.
The foliage season has come to Kyoto once again.

I recommend you to see the night time Eikando on this year.
Eikando Temple
Nov.5 - Nov.30, 2011
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
(Gates are closed at 9:00 PM)

¥1,000
Tel : 075-761-0007
Access : City Bus No.5 "Nanzenji Eikando-mae"

Jonangu Shrine "Kyokusui no En"

2011-10-31T15:31:00.002+09:00

NOV.3　Jonangu Shirine

Elegant poetry game played by men and women dressed as Heian aristocrats.

Free

[ Jonangu Shirine ]
Tel : 075-611-0575
Access :
City Subway Karasuma Line "Takeda" station
City Bus No South 1,2, 3 to "Jonangu-higashi-guchi"

Let's ZAZEN!

2011-10-18T19:29:00.004+09:00

Our neighborhood temple, Tofukuji temple has a monthly Zazen practice.
It will be held on Oct 23rd (Sun) this month.

---Sunday Zazen Practice---
Date: Oct 23rd
Time: 8:00 - 9:00
Place: Zen hall at Tofuku ji temple
Free to join

There are the learner monks. They sit with you and some of them hit you if you ask.
It will be a bit chilly in the hall, please bring extra jacket with you.

Open air-cafe & Handmade Art Gallery

2011-10-12T19:33:00.004+09:00

How are you enjoying with this beautiful Autumn?

You might feel that you need something or someone
to hold you warm in this season.

Is this just my feeling? anyways....

A heartful event is coming!!

"Open air-cafe & Handmade art gallery"

23rd Oct. (SUN)
@Kyoto Kaikan 10a.m. - 16p.m.

There will be many kinds of handmade stuff to look up!

Take a hot drink and see around with lovely arts.

Access: City Bus #5 " KYOTO KAIKAN BIJYUTSUKAN MAE"

Hold a mass for dolls

2011-10-09T16:43:00.004+09:00

It's a bit spooky as you can see on the photo avobe.
This is an festival for holding a mass for any dolls.

It's called " NINGYO KUYO"

DATE: 14th OCT.
TIME: 10:30am -12pm
PLACE: 宝鏡寺（HouKyou-ji)

You may have some dolls since you were a small kid.
However, it's hard to throw them away without any feelings.
So, they've made an event for any dolls.

COST: 3,000yen for your dolls.
"Free"to Visit !!

Access: City Bus #9 or #12 "Horikawa Teranouchi"

Fire Festival in Kurama

2011-10-08T18:48:00.004+09:00

Usually Oct 22nd is the day of `Jidai Matsuri Festival' among people in Kyoto.
'Jidai Matsuri Festival' ;http://www.kyotojoho.co.jp/english/event/2011/10/index.html

However there is another festival on the same day at just a bit north of Kyoto, Kurama.
It is called as `Hi Matsuri (Fire Festival)'.
Ans it is known as unusual festival...

---Fire Festival in Kurama---
DATE: Oct 22nd (sat)
TIME: 18:00~midnight
PLACE: Yuki Jinja Shrine
Access: from J-Hoppers Kyoto, Keihan train 'Tofukuji'sta. - 'Demachiyanagi'sta.
transfer to
Eiden train 'Demachiyanagi'sta. - 'Kurama'

* The festival will be finished at midnight, please check your last train in advance.

Long row of torches planted on both sides of the street leading to Yuki Shrine are lit at 6pm.
Children in festival dress march to the Shrine carrying small torches, followed by adults with bigger torches.

Toji Temple Treasury Opening

2011-09-30T15:04:00.003+09:00

At this season almost all temples show the special treasures.

Fro J-Hoppers guests, you have to go Toji- temple special open!!

Admission : ¥500

SEP.20 - NOV.25

An unrivalled collection of national treasures are open to the public.

[ Toji Temple ]

Tel : 075-691-3325

Access from J-Hoppers : Walk about 15min

"Seiryu-e"at Kiyomizu Temple

2011-09-11T18:48:00.003+09:00

15th - 17th Sep. 2011
@Kiyomizu Temple "Seiryu-e"

"Seiryu-e" is Blue Dragon Dance

Seiryu, a dragon, is said to drink the waterfall in Kiyomizu Temple.
Colorful parade of the blue dragon with people in traditional costume at 2:00PM

Fee: 300yen( regular entrance fee)

Access: City Bus #202,#207 "Kiyomizu-michi"

the Harvest Moon Festival

2011-09-08T19:47:00.003+09:00

It is a night of full moon - Sep 12th.
This month's full moon is special for us. It is believed that brings rich harvest.
There are several festivals in Kyoto on that night.

---the Harvest Moon Festival at Shimogamo shrine---

Date: Sep 12th (mon)
Time: 17:30-21:00
Access: Train Keihan line from 'Tofukuji' station to 'Demachi yanagi' station.
Free entrance (1000yen for the tea ceremony)

There will be various orchestral music concert. You will see the players putting traditional costume on.

a Monster train!?

2011-08-19T19:29:00.004+09:00

Only once a year, you will experience the train ride full of monsters!

---a Monster creature on the train---

DATE: Aug 19th - Aug 21st and Aug 26th - Aug 28th
TIME TABLE: between Shijo Omiya station and Arashiyama station

Shijo Omiya 18:04 - Arashiyama 18:26
Arashiyama 18:50 - Shijo Omiya 19:12
Shijo Omiya 19:34 - Arashiyama 19:56
Arashiyama 20:10 - Shijo Omiya 20:32

FARE: adult 200yen
children 100yen
a monster 50yen

Adashino nenbutsuji sentou kuyou

2011-08-18T16:02:00.004+09:00

@ Adashino nenbutsuji sentou kuyou

Date: 23rd and 24th August
Time: 17:30 - 20:30
Fee: 1,000yen

There will be a special ceremony at Adashino nunbutsuji.
They correct their stone Buddhists and stone pagodas for that.
Worshippers could votive candle between the stones.
It would be a very mysterious.

Access: City Bust #72 "Toriimoto"

20th of Aug KAMOCINEMA７(カモシネマ７)

2011-08-07T08:00:00.003+09:00

the hot summer day every day in Kyoto.
But after the sunset, we have nice breezy time!!

On the 20th of Aug, the now customary cinema event at Kamo river side.

'KAMOCINEMA 7'

Outside evening cinema event open : 18:30
start : 19:30
fee : free
the map link　⇒　Map
the Official HP ⇒　HERE！！

Fushimi Toro lit up

2011-08-02T16:33:00.004+09:00

Do you know Fushimi in Kyoto?
It's famous for sake breweries such as "Gekkeikan".

There are lit up in this area.

Date: Today - 21st August
Time: 18:00pm - around 21:00pm
Free to walk around!

You could also taste some sake breweries in the as well.

Access from Kyoto sta. : Keihan line " Fushimi momoyama"

Buddhism Lecture in summer

2011-07-30T18:52:00.003+09:00

Some of the temples in Kyoto are going to held the 'Lecture' about Buddhism as an annual event.
You will experience Zen meditation and several religious discourses.

Here is the information;

・Chion in temple Jul 27th - Jul 31st
from 6:00-
* You will be served a cup of gruel after the lecture.

・Kiyomizu temple Aug 1st - Aug 5th
from 6:00-

・Chishaku in temple Aug 1st - Aug 3rd
from 6:30-
* You will be served a cup of gruel and a small gift (500 people)
You can visit the garden for free ( between 7:30-9:00)

There is no charge and reservation for all of those temples above.

The early bird catches the worm!

Hanagasa-Junko ( Umbrella Procession )

2011-07-22T17:15:00.002+09:00

Gion Matsuri Festival still goes on !!

JUL.24 Hanagasa-Junko ( Umbrella Procession )

About ten large umbrellas, decorated with flowers, parade through the streets accompanied by musicians, Geisha and many other people.

* Prossesion route :
* Yasaka Shrine --> Shijo St. --> Kawaramachi St. -->
* --> Oike St. --> Teramachi St. --> Shijo St. --> Yasaka Shrine

* [ Yasaka Shrine ]
* gion_hanagasa-02.jpg Tel : 075-561-6155
* Access : City Bus No.206 Gion

Movie 'Chandmani' @Kyoto Cinema

2011-07-10T19:12:00.004+09:00

It is showed only for a week.

Jul 9th (Sun) - Jul 15th (Fri)
everyday 19:20 start 21:00 close
Ticket 1,800yen (general) 1,300yen (student)
@ Kyoto Cinema
http://www.kyotocinema.jp/

---story---
Two boys travel from Ulaanbaatar (capital city of Mongolia) to Chandmani village. They try to look for who they are through the traveling. It also shows that how people in Mongolia lives - young people leaves countryside and heads for the capital city, they work at the factories (leather or meat) for making a living, families are apart from each other, traditional Tuvan throat singing is going to be disappeared little by little.

If you have never been to Mongolia, first you will experience amazing landscape. We are questioned what the affluent society is by this movie.

Highlights of Gion Festival

2011-07-06T19:27:00.002+09:00

One of the largest Festival is coming on !

It's called " Gion Festival".
As you may know about Gion district, and the festival is one whole July.

We introduce some of the highlights of the festival.

14th-16th July
Time: 18pm - 23pm

"Yoiyama"
All the 32 Hoko and Yama (floats) are decorated with lanterns , and
musicians wearing "Yukata" (summer Kimono) play rhythmical
"Gion Bayashi" music on the floats.
There are some outside shops on Shijo st. during the night.

17th July
Time: 9am -15pm

"Yama-Hoko Junko"
The first Naginata Float starts moving at 9am,
then a formal ceremony confirms the order of the floats.
The route of the moving is as follows,

9AM Shijio Karasuma ⇒ Shijo Kawaramachi　⇒ Shijo Oike ⇒ Oike Shinmachi

There will be so many people around.
Please don't miss your way!

Access;
City bus #202 or #207 "GION"

Fight For the Win!!

2011-06-20T20:33:00.007+09:00

Kyoto Sanga F.C. has 2 games on the end of Jun.

Even though they on the division 2, they will show you the exciting game.

Jun 26^th(Sat)18:00 kick off @Nishikyogoku stadium

Vs Yokohama F.C.(Vs King Kazu)

Jun 29^th(Wed)19:00 kick off @Nishikyogoku stadium

Vs Roasso Kumamoto

1500yen～(advance ticket)Access : City bus No.73 "Kyoto Station”⇒“NishikyogokuUndokoen-mae”

Great Tea Party at Yoshida yama mountain

2011-06-13T21:26:00.003+09:00

Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to held a great tea party 500 years ago in this area.
Now, 21st century, we take over his spirit at Yoshida yama mountain.

○Great Tea Party at Yoshida yama mountain
Jun 18th (sat) - Jun 19th (sun)
10:00 - 17:00
free to enter

○access
from Shijo area: city bus no.203 "Kyodai Nohgakubu mae" 5 minuets walk
from Kyoto sat. area: city bus no.206 "Kyodai seimon mae" 5 minuets walk

There will be various kinds of tea from all over the world. From oolong tea and Korean tea to coffee and herb tea. They will serve organic stuffs and show you the manners.

For more information, please refer to the below;
http://www.gancha-bou.co.jp/

Have a good tea!

Rice Planting Ritual

2011-06-02T19:53:00.001+09:00

June 10th @Fushimi Inari Shrine

from 10am~

By the way, do you know rice planting?
It is just onece a year to plant rice root on the water bace ground.

A festival to pray for the good harvest.
A dance called Otamai is performed by young girls
in the Heian period costumes at 1:00PM,
and rice-planting ceremony is held by thirty farm women
wearing traditional work clothes at 2:00PM.

It is very traditional. You can't Miss it!

Access to Fushimi Inari Shrine

From J-Hoppers Kyoto: walk about 30min'
or City bus # 202 or # 207 to " Tofukuji" then transfer South #5 "Fushimi Inari"

From Kyoto station: JR Nara line "Inari station" (5min' ride)

Noryo Yuka

2011-05-16T17:03:00.005+09:00

Noryo Yuka is a terrace to enjoy dinner in the cool breezes of the evening. Their wooden floors, connected with restaurants, are built over the Kamo River from Nijo-dori St. to Gojo-dori St. in summer (Lunch: May and September, Dinner: from May to September).
The custom goes back to the Edo period (1603-1867).

Formerly, Most of the restaurants in Kyoto specialized in the country dishes. However, recently, they have diversified and internationalized; French, Chinese, Thai and Starbucks!

Why not having a special dinner on Noryo Yuka tonight???

Aoi Matsuri May 15th

2011-05-10T20:04:00.004+09:00

This is the high light of May in Kyoto!!

The Aoi Matsuri, now one of the Kyoto's three big festivals (Aoi, Gion and Jidai), is one of the most solemn and graceful festival in Japan and has been well preserved throughout the ages since the 6th century.

We have some usual flyers on the our information rack.
Please take it and have a enjoy for the festival and early summer!!

Misogi no Shinji

2011-05-02T15:59:00.003+09:00

Misogi no Shinji @Shimogamo Shrine

May 4th from 10am~

This is a religious ceremony to purify "Saio-dai" dressing Heian period costume
by the river in the Shrine.Saio-dai is the main figure of Aoi Festival coming May 15.
　In old days Saio was chosen from the Imperial Family,
but now from unmarried ladies in Kyoto.

Access: City but #205 "Shimogamo jinjya mae"

Hieizan Enryakuji

2011-04-30T16:53:00.007+09:00

I went hiking to Hieizan with my housemates one day, and

the weather was beautiful.

First, we took the Eizan train to Yase Station.

I love local trains such as the Randen and the Hiroden.

While we were climbing on the

animal trail from Yase Sta

tion (for about two hours), we discovered bleached white animal bones. Whoa (゜д゜)

At last, we arrived at the top of Hieizan, while singing an

d joking with each other.

The panorama was lovely!

Did you know that there is not a specific Enryakuji temple?

There are 150 temples and pagodas at the top of the Hieizan area, like Koyasan, and together

they are called Enryakuji Temple.

There is also a really peaceful Zen garden.

By the way, we used the Eizan Gondola and the Eizan Cable Car for the way back.

They ran using old technology, and it was thrilling for us!

Tofuku-ji temple

2011-04-19T17:50:00.007+09:00

Tofuku-ji temple is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
They have a special event for this fresh green season.

’Travel that enjoys fresh green. Special Great Tacaraten’
Apr 16th - May 15th 9:00~16:30(Special ticket : 2000yen)

Please refer to the website for more information about Tofuku-ji temple.
http://www.tofukuji.jp/index2.html

Cherry Blossom Info. !

2011-04-01T08:51:00.005+09:00

One of the big events in Kyoto has come !
SAKURA ,cherry blossom

Some of them has already bloomed dramatically.
You can't miss them.

Popular spots are ....
Ninnaji-Temple
Kiyomizu-Temple
Along Kamo-river
e.t.c

Please check more details from the web-site below
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3951.html

Kyoto International Manga Museum

2011-03-30T16:05:00.003+09:00

I went to the Kyoto international manga museum by bicycle under a blue sky.

There it is like a huge manga library rather than a museum that enjoys displaying exhibits.

Inside of the museum and in the garden, the young and old men and women are reading manga.

So I also laid down in the garden and read "NANA" vol 14-17.

Since this museum is located in a closed elementary school, you can also see an historic building.

Also there are Japanese manga translated into many languages.

The exhibition of La Rose de Versailles is going on until May 8th and there are some original drawings.

What is your favorite manga?
My favorite manga is,,,,,,,"Jarinko Chie".

http://www.kyotomm.jp/english/

Nijo castle Light up

2011-03-26T17:50:00.005+09:00

Sakura season will be soon.
And why don't you go night time walking @Nijo castle!!

A variety of cherry blossoms including someiyoshino, yamazakura and satozakura, benishidare-zakura, and majestic buildings are all fantastically illuminated. Important cultural property Ninomaru Palace Daidokoro (kitchen) will be colorfully enlivened with Kyoto’s traditional culture such as ikebana (flower arrangement) and Japanese music.

Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto Guest House ⇒City Bus #202→MarutamachiChiekoin(about 50min)
March 25 (Fri)-April 17 (Sun), (400yen)

Girl's Day -3rd Mar.

2011-03-01T15:48:00.003+09:00

Do you know about Girl's day?
It's on the 3rd of March every year.

People display graceful dolls in ancient court costumes
on a tier of 5 or 7 shelves covered with scarlet cloth.
These dolls represent the Emperor and Empress,
the court ladies, the ministers and the court musicians.
The girls are expected to be as elegant as these courtly ladies.

There is an event for Girl's day at Shimogamo shrine.
DATE : 3rd March
TIME: 10:30am -

The event called " Nagashi bina",paper dolls floated downriver.
wish for a state of perfect health for you and your kids.

This is a very arcane ritual and Japanese tradition.

Access: City but #205 "Shimogamo jinjya mae"

His season has come !!

2011-02-28T17:04:00.005+09:00

The most famous Kyoto city tour season will come back on Mar 1st !!
Johnnie Hillwalker : WALK IN KYOTO TALK IN ENGLISH

Mar - Nov
Every Mon, Wed and FRI
No walk on National Holidays

Just come and join
10:00-10:15 @ 10 steps down small square, AQUA FANTASY between JR Kyoto sta and KYOTO TOWER.

Plum Blossom has been bloom !

2011-02-21T08:51:00.005+09:00

Baika Sai ( Plum Blossom Viewing Festival ) is on

FEB.25th @ Kitano Shrine

This shrine is well known for plum blossoms.
Beautiful colors on them!

Outdoor tea ceremony performed by Geiko and Maiko girls
is the highlight of the festival ( From 10:00AM to 3:00PM ¥1,500).

Monthly Flea Market is also held on this day.

You can feel Spring just over there!

Access: City Bus No.50 "Kitanotenmangu-mae"

11th Feb. Nanakusa Gayu

2011-02-04T20:14:00.002+09:00

11th FEb. 2011　10:00am - 16:00pm
at Jonangu Shrine

Nanakusa ( the seven spring herbs ) is believed to purify the body and prevent illness.
The shrine offers Nanakusa Gayu ( rice gruel ) Nanakusa grown in the shrine's garden in it.

Here are the seven spring herbs below,

1. Water dropwort (seri, Oenanthe javanica)
2. Shepherd's purse (nazuna)
3. Cudweed (gogyo, Gnaphalium affine)
4. Chickweed (hakobera, Stellaria media)
5. Nipplewort (hotokenoza, Lapsana apogonoides)
6. Turnip (suzuna)
7. Daikon (suzushiro)

...I can't still remember what herbs are in.

Let's eat and make a good health !

Nanakusa Gayu : ¥450 ( not fixed yet )

Access: From CitySubway-Karasuma-line "Takeda Station"

Sestubun

2011-01-31T21:35:00.002+09:00

Setsubun means the parting of the seasons.
On February 3, people scatter soybeans throughout their house to drive out demons and bring in good luck.(Oniwa soto fukuwa uchi!!) The ceremony is also held at temples and shrines.

I recommend you Mibu temple they will play Kyogen on the date

Kyogen Play is performed 8 times a day from 1:00PM on Feb.2 and 3.( Free )

[ Mibu Temple ]
Tel : 075-841-3381
Access : City Bus No.26 "Mibudera michi"

Hatsu EBISU Festival

2011-01-05T15:39:00.003+09:00

HATSU EBISU FESTIVAL is on

8th JAN - 12th JAN 2011 at Ebisu Shrine

Time: 8th： 8:00am -23:00pm
9th :all the night long
10th :all the night long
11th: 8:00am - 24:00pm

*Ebisu (one of the Seven Lucky Gods) is the partrom deity of merchants.
Citizens go to the shrine to pray for a prosperous year.

Why don't you go there to pray for the new year wish?

Access: City Bus No.207 to "Shijo-Keihan Mae"
or
Subway Karasuma-line "Shijo Station"

Japanese New Year

2010-12-31T17:31:00.003+09:00

New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. Families gather to spend the days together, and most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3.

Visiting Japan during the time may be inconvenient, as many tourist attractions, shops and restaurants are closed, but can be a good opportunity to experience the traditional atmosphere.

=Hatsumode=

Hatsumode refers to the year's first visit to Shinto Shrines.
On this visit, people pray for many different things for the coming year, such as health, safety, passing an exam etc.
Each Shinto Shrine is said to have a significant benefit, and people go to the different shrine depend on their wishes.

My recommended hatsumode shrine is

Fushimi Inari shrine : The shrine for a good business Access : JR Nara-line, "Inari Station"

And Yasaka Shrine : The shrine for protecting people from evils Access : City Bus No.206 "Gion"

13th Dec. Kotohajime at Gion

2010-12-02T19:25:00.006+09:00

Place: Gion district

Kotohajime, is the traditional ritual,
the start of New Year preparations in Geisha districts.

Geishas and Maiko, apprentice Geishas, visit their masters to express t
heir gratitude for the past year and best wishes for the year to come.

You may spot some of them if you walk around the Gion district on this day.

It's a very traditional ritual for Geisha and Maiko.
You can't miss it !!

Access: City bus 202,207 Gion

Kibune Momiji Tourou 2010

2010-11-24T18:14:00.001+09:00

The other day, I went to Kibune to see autumn leaves lit up.
(Until 12th-30th in Nov. Lighitng is an a sunset -9:00p.m.)

Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto to Kibune.
　 Take Keihan private line Tofukuji sta⇒Demachiyanagi sta(15min, 26oyen)
⇒Take Eizan private line Demachiyanagi sta⇒Kibune sta(30min, 410yen)

The peak of Kibune's autumn leaves are getting red and yellow in day by day.
In particular, Kibune riverside displays a beautiful color gradations from green to red.

The Eizan Line has very nice seasonable tunnel between Ninose sta. and Ichihara sta.

Sorry but this movie is not so nice. You should... You must see the tunnel with your own eyes

Gionodori Nov 1st- 10th

2010-11-02T21:52:00.003+09:00

This dance is performed by maiko and gekoi of the Gion Higashi Kabu-kai. First performed in 1953, the dance is distinguished for its original planning and composition.

¥3,500 ( ¥4,000 with tea service )

Access from J-hoppers Kyoto guest house : City Bus No.202 or 207　⇒ "Gion"　bus stop

14th Nov. Maple Leave Festival

2010-11-01T17:57:00.004+09:00

14th November 2010 (except rainy day)
Momiji(maple leave) Festival on Arashiyama area

Performance of Japanese traditional arts ( dance, Noh-play etc ) ,
staged on boats on the Oigawa-River.

FREE

Morning: 10:30～

Afternoon:13:00～

*The best spot to see these performance from Togetsu Bridge!

Access : Kyoto Bus 71, 72, 73 "Arashiyama"

JR Sagano line " Sagano Arashiyama"

Oct 22nd @ night time"Kurama Himatsuri"

2010-10-06T18:59:00.003+09:00

Yuki Shrine "Kurama Himatsuri" ( Fire Festival )

OCT.22nd
Yuki Shrine

Exciting festival.
Long row of torches planted on both sides of the street leading to Yuki Shrine are lit at 6pm.
Children in festival dress march to the Shrine carrying small torches, followed by adults with bigger torches.

Admission : Free

[ Yuki Shrine ]
Tel : 075-741-1670
Access : Eizan Railway Kurama-line "Kurama"Station

22nd Oct. Jidaimatsuri Festival

2010-10-04T19:00:00.005+09:00

Jidaimatsuri Festival ( Festival of the Ages)

22nd October
starting from Kyoto Imperial Palace

One of the three great festivals in Kyoto.
A procession of thousands people dressed in ancient costumes,
representing different epochs of Kyoto's 1200 year history.

Route
Kyoto Imperial Palace at 12 noon
↓
Karasuma-Oike at about 12:50pm
↓
Heian Shrine at 2:30pm.

The procession is long and it goes on for about an hour.
Should it rain, it will be postponed until the next day.

Admission : ¥2,000 ( reserved seat )

Access: Kyoto Imperial Palace
Subway Karasuma-line "Marutamachi" Station

Heian Shrine
City Bus No.5 "Kyotokaikan Bijutsukan-mae

1/10～3/10　Kyoto Antique Fair

2010-10-01T12:30:00.005+09:00

1st Oct. (Fri) - 3rd Oct. (Sun)
Time: 10:00am - 17:00pm

@ Kyoto Puluse Plaza

BIG Antique fair is coming on those special days!
There will be more than 350shops from different places in Japan.
A lot of people are coming from Japan and overseas to buy special antiques!
You can't miss it !!

There are only a few fairs in a year.
Next fair will be in March 2011 !

Access: Subway Karasuma Line to 'Takeda'
then Take city bus to No.18, South1,2,3 to 'Puluse Plaza Mae'

Karasu Sumo Wrestling @Kamigamo shrine on Sep 9th

2010-09-05T10:41:00.004+09:00

Kamigamo shrine is one of Kyoto's 17 Unesco World Heritage sites.

Karasu means crows. After the ceremony in the main shrine, a priest holding a bow and arrow near the sand mounds in front of the hosodono pavilion leaps in a sideways motion and emits a cawing sound like a crow in a unique manner. After that there are sumo wrestling matches among the children of parishioners.

[ Kamigamo Shrine ]
Tel : 075-781-0011
Access : City Bus No. 4 "Kamigamojinja-mae"

15th～17th Sep. Seiryu-e(Blue Dragon Dance)

2010-09-02T17:24:00.002+09:00

15th (wed) - 17th(Fri) September from 14:00pm～
at KIYOMIZU Temple

Seiryu, a dragon, is said to drink the waterfall in Kiyomizu Temple.

Colorful parade of the blue dragon with people in traditional costume at 2:00PM

Admission ¥300

This performance is very traditional in Autumn at Kiyomizu Temple.

Access : City Bus No.206 "Kiyomizumichi"

Gozan-Okuribi Festival

2010-08-09T19:41:00.003+09:00

Aug 16th,the most popular event on hot summer night in Kyoto Bonfires are lit to light the way for the souls to go back to their world after the yearly visit to this world.

The festival starts at 8:00 p.m., when fires are lit on Mt. Nyoigatake to form the Chinese character dai, meaning "large". After this, more fires are lit separately on each mountain to form different patterns.

Kodaiji Temple Lit Up

2010-08-03T16:32:00.003+09:00

Kodaiji Temple
1st August - 18th August
Sunset - 21:30pm

Artistically lighted up landscape is UNFORGETTABLE!!!

¥600 ( including the visit to Sho Musuem )

Kodaiji Temple does lit up every different season.

Why don't you have a memorable summer time at Kodaiji Temple?

Access : City Bus No.206 "Higashiyama-Yasui"

Nagoshi no Shinji

2010-08-01T15:56:00.003+09:00

6th August from 18:30 ~
There will be a Nagoshi no Shinji ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine.

A Shinto ceremony to pray for health.
Young men jump into a small pond to compete to get sacred sticks set up in the ponds.

Summer of Kyoto still keeps warming you up!
Take care of your health with this ceremony.

Access: city bus 205 to ''Shimogamo Shrine mae"

HANABI =fireworks display=

2010-07-31T20:14:00.003+09:00

Summer night bloomer == Fireworks display

What's more Japanese summer than Fireworks display?
What's more Fireworks display than Japanese summer?

We cannot say anything about Japanese summer without Fireworks display.
Unfortunately we don't have big fireworks in Kyoto city. but nearby Kyoto(Shiga pref and Uji city) have big one.

Lake Biwa fireworks display
⇒ Aug 6th (fri) 19:30->20:30 around Lake Biwa (20min by JR from J-Hoppers)

Uji river fireworks display
⇒ Aug 10th(Sat) 19:45->20:45 beside Uji River(20min by JR from J-Hoppers)

Gion Festival 17th July Yama-Hoko Junko

2010-07-11T11:49:00.005+09:00

17th July from 9:00am～

Most exciting part of Gion Festival is....
Yama-Hoko Junko (The Grand Procession)

The first Naginata Float stars moving at 9:00am,then a formal ceremony confirms the order of the floats.
The floats are so big and heavy that bunches of bamboo are spread at each street corner to help the floats make a turn.

This technique, called "Tsuji-mawashi" , adds the exciting spectacles to the procession.

You can't miss it!

Why don't you wear Yukata for the special day?

Enjoy and feel one of big famous festivals in Japan !!

Access:

City bus No. 12, 46, 100, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207

to " Gion " bus stop !

A thousand times visit Atago Shrine

2010-07-10T19:28:00.003+09:00

Through the night on Jul 31st to Aug 1st,
tens of thousands of people visit Atago Shrine,
which on top of the mountain located northwest part of Kyoto city.

This is not only all night long crazy visiting shrine,
but also once you visit there on that day,
it means you visit there a thousand times.
Especially Atago shrine is a symbolic of fireproof.
So this worship brings you protection from fire.

It is about 4km climbing. And on the top of mountain, there are some place to have a rest and shops to have a little snack. Also, you can get the charms for your kitchen wall to put on (500 yen).

Access: Kyoto bus no. 62 or 72
　　　　Kyoto sta.~ Kiyotaki bus stop 270/one way 54mins
　　　　075-861-2105

7th JULY　Tanabata

2010-07-04T09:24:00.000+09:00

Do you know about ☆Tanabata☆ ? ... meaning is "Evening of the seventh"
This is a traditional Japanese star festival on the 7th JULY every year.

It celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair).
The Milky Way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers,
and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh.
The celebration is held at night, once the stars come out.

How Romantic !

Nowadays, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes on tanzaku, small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo.

There are some events for the day in Kyoto !

☆Jinushi Shrine @ Kiyomizu Temple☆

This shrine is very famous for ''Love Wish''.
Most of Japanese girls have been there once to make a wish for their any love.

This time you can write a wish on Kokeshi dolls,cylindrically-shaped bodies with a round head and no hands or feet, and hanging them on the bamboo !
Sounds very interesting !

Access: City bus #100, 202, 206, 207 to 'Kiyomizu Michi'

☆Kitano Tenmangu Shrine☆

7th July 13:30～
There will be a Tanabata dance performance @Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
It is also very traditional and only for that day !

Enjoy Tanabata !

Access: City bus #50 'Kitano Tenmangu Mae'

Gion-Matsuri Festival

2010-06-30T19:05:00.003+09:00

JUL.1 - JUL31

Gion Matsuri is one of the largest festivals in Japan.
This festival actually started in 869, when a priest of Yasaka Shrine led a procession of people through Kyoto in an attempt to pray Shinto gods to stop the plague raged at the time. The plague soon ended but this event became the most popular festival in Kyoto.
Most exciting part of the festival is Yoiyama ( eve of the Festival ) from 14th - 16th,and Yamaboko Junko ( The Grand Procession ) on 17th, but many other ceremonial rituals are held throughout July.

I prefer Yoi-Yama!

Why don't you go with your friends wearing Yukata?

Yoi-Yama ( Eve of the Festival ) and Byobu Matsuri (Screen Display)
JUL.14 - JUL.16

All the 32 Hoko and Yama(floats)are elaborately decorated with lanterns, and musicians wearing "Yukata", (summer Kimono) play rhythmical "Gion bayashi" music on the floats.
Also private houses along the streets open their doors to show their family treasures such as "Byobu (traditional folding screens)" to the people passing by.

Kyoto Beer gardens 2010

2010-06-22T20:07:00.001+09:00

The beer gardens; drinking beer on the roof gardens with your friends or colleagues in the evening are set at various spots in Kyoto city.

Hotel Keihan ( 5 minuets from J-Hoppers Kyoto on foot)
3,500 yen per person All you can eat and drink
Ladies and senior nights (Mon, Tue and Wed) 3,000 yen per person
17:30~21:30 (L.O 21:00)
To be called off in case of rain
* It is 100 year anniversary since Keihan railway company was established. To celebrate it, wines (red and white) and Shochu drink are served just 100 yen!

Other Beer gardens in Kyoto;
Kyoto Gion Hotel: 3800 yen (male), 3300 yen (female) 17:30~21:00
Takashimaya Beer garden: 3500 yen (male), 3200 yen (female) 17:30~22:00
New Miyako Hotel: 4000 yen 17:30~21:00
Kyoto tower Beer garden: 3500 yen 17:30~ 21:00

The time has come. Let the summer begin.

Antique Grand Fair in Kyoto

2010-06-01T09:44:00.004+09:00

JUN.18 - JUN.20 10:00AM - 5:00PM at ”Pulse Plaza”

Over a million antiques are exhibited and sold by 350 antique dealers from all over Japan .

People are coming for this from all over the world !

Why don't you get Japanese antiques for a gift or for your memory of Japan ?

Access : From Kyoto City Subway Karasuma-line Takeda Station,

City Bus No.South1,2,3 Pulse Plaza-mae

'artDive' Kyoto art festa

2010-05-24T19:28:00.002+09:00

This is an exhibition and sale event of young and energetic artists, for young and energetic artists, by young and energetic artists.
There will be more than 150 exhibit booths and you will get a lot of chances to be stimulated by their work.
The products are; paintings, movies, animation works accessories etc.....
Please enjoy new talented art work in Kyoto!

16th May Mifune Matsuri Festival

2010-05-11T19:35:00.005+09:00

16th May Mifune Matsuri Festival

*Mifune Matsuri = Boating

During Mifune Festival, a procession of lavishly decorated boats carrying costumed courtiers, musicians and dancers makes its way down the Oi River in the Arashiyama area.

The spectacle works out the Imperial Boating Party of the Heian era.

Their prows shaped into clourful dragons and phoenixes.

Sacred dances, poetry readings, Noh dramas and traditional melodies are performed on the boats.

Hire a boat or book a place on a sightseeing for a close-up view of the water-borne performances, or join the crowds watching from Arashiyama's famous Togetsu Bridge.

This is annual event ! Why don't you experience boating in ancient way?

[ Date ]

16th May 12pm - 16pm

[ Fee ]

Free

[ Access ]

City bus No.71,72.73 from Kyoto Station to 'Kurumazaki jinjya mae'

May 15th Aoi Festival

2010-05-06T18:23:00.003+09:00

Aoi Festival reproduces the imperial processions to the shrines in ancient days .

An Imperial messenger and his suite in court costumes assemble at Kyoto Imperial Palace .
The festival is called Aoi ( hollyhock ) , because all the participants of the parade decorate their costumes with hollyhock leaves.
Hollyhock is believed to have all sorts of powers, including protection against lightning and earthquakes, and guaranteeing easy childbirth.

Route of the procession as below;
Kyoto Imperial Palace ( 10:30AM ) ---> Shimogamo Shrine ( 11:40AM )
Shimogamo Shrine ( 2:20PM ) ---> Kamigamo Shrine ( 3:30PM )

Kamogawa　Noryo Yuka

2010-04-30T19:13:00.003+09:00

It's getting summer in Kyoto!!(?)

Kamo river Noryo Yuka( open-air dining areas along the river) are unique to Kyoto. They are set up during the summer months as a way to dine while enjoying a cool summer breeze.
('cool summer breeze'... Now it is still spring cold wind:-).)

May 1st - Sep 30th
Along the kamo river, between Nijo street and Gojo street.

Senbon enmma do kyogen

2010-04-29T20:23:00.004+09:00

Senbon Enmma do kyogen

It is very unique pray , traditional and attractive.
Why don't you share the laughter with local people in relaxed atmosphere.
May 1st sat to 4th Tue
At senbon enmma do temple.
One of the 3 famours kyogen in kyoto.
May 1st 2nd from 19
May 3rd,4th 13 and 18:00

Free

Take city bus 206. get off at Senbon kuramaguchi
This place is close to the funaoka onsen. Famouse public bath house.
You can visit the bath after the pray. :)
By Reina

Dedication of Kobudo @ Shimogamo-Jinja

2010-04-27T22:39:00.003+09:00

Before Aoi festival, one of the biggest festivals in Kyoto, that is held on 15th May, there are various events are taken place at Shimogamo-Jinja and Kamigamo-Jinja.

I found an interesting event that is called Dedication of Kobudo. Kobudo is used as the generic name for old martial arts that were bases of Kendo or Judo.

The event starts in the afternoon of 4th May. This should be fun for those who like K-1. Don't miss it !

Mibu Kyogen play

2010-04-21T20:37:00.006+09:00

Apr 21st – Apr 29th 13:00 – 17:30
5 shows are played everyday
800yen an unreserved seat (no photograph)
*There is a night show on Apr 29th. 18:00 – 22:00
@ Mibu Dera temple
Access: city bus No.26 'Mibu dera michi'

Mibu Kyogen play known as Mibu Dainenbustu Kyogen play have been loved by local people for 700 years since it was showed by one monk called Enkaku Shonin. He performed it to tell people about teachings of Buddha. It was too difficult to understand Buddha's lessons for local people at that time. So he tried to make it easier – he pantomimed about what Buddha says in front of the audience. This is the origin of Mibu Kyogen play.

It has been matured and there are 30 stories in our time. All the players put the musk on and they speak no word during the show. Now Mibu Kyogen play is performed by the local people – they are usually office workers, students and shop owners from 6 years old up to 80 years old.
There are only two chances we can watch this traditional play in a year. Why don’t we come and enjoy it with cozy spring breeze?

Hanami @ Maruyama Park

2010-03-29T20:29:00.004+09:00

Cherry blossom-viewing (Hanami) is not only meant for viewing flowers. Hanami is a time for merrymaking with drinking, eating and singing under the trees...

Maruyama park is one of the most famous spot in Kyoto. You can find great cherry blossoms and find...Japanese nice hanami culture :-)

Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto
city bus #202 or #207
⇒get off Gion bus stop
⇒walk for 5 min

SAKURA Cherry blossom has popped out!

2010-03-21T17:49:00.006+09:00

Finally, long cold winter has left and Sakura came out .
This year , sakura came out earlier than last years.
Don't worry, all the different kinds of sakura bloom in different time.
If you come to Kyoto within this week, I recommend you to visit north part of Imperial park.
(Free, 24hours open)
Gorgeous hanging sakura is blooming fully.Also in-between Gojo and Nanajo street, kamo river side, you can see such an amazing sakura giving joy to people's eye and hearts!

Shidare sakura at Kamoriver
around Shichijo and Gojo
22nd March 2010

Yukiyanagi flowers at Kamo river
22nd March 2010

Shidare Sakura near Heian shrine.
19th March 2010

Spring Dance Festival by Maiko & Geisya

2010-03-21T08:54:00.005+09:00

Annual dance performances by Maiko & Geisya of Kamishichiken. Kamishichiken is located in a few streets away from Kitanotenmangu Shrine where antique flea market is held every 25th day of the month.

Schedule of The Spring Dance Festival

Date: 3/25-4/7

Time: 1:30~ / 16:00~

Fee: 4,500 yen (includes tea service and complimentary gift) or 4,000 yen (without tea cervice)

View Kyoto Rental Furnished Apartment and Monthly Guest House in a larger map

Kyoto Hana Toro 2010

2010-03-12T20:13:00.003+09:00

We can sense the smell of the cherry blossom. We are almost ready to have new season. If you visit to Kyoto this time of season, you will enjoy the atmosphere of celebrating for having spring.

Kyoto Hana Toro 2010 is held in between Mar 13th to Mar 22nd.
The beautiful lighting and flower lane is set up along the most popular Higashiyama walking route, from Kiyomizu temple to Shorenin temple.
The 4,6 km route will be lined with 2,400 lanterns which are lit between 6pm to 9:30pm.

During this event, you can also visit some temples at night.

Kiyomizu temple: 6:30pm - 9:30pm 400yen
Kodaiji temple: 5pm - 9:30pm 600yen
Yasaka shrine: after sunset - 9pm
Chion in: 5:30pm - 9:30pm 500yen
Shorenin temple: 6pm - 9:30pm 800yen

For further informations, please refer to the following website;
http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/index.html

Nehan-e March 15th, When the Buddha entered Nirvana,,

2010-03-09T00:37:00.004+09:00

Nehan-e .
It is a Nirvana ceremony of the day of Buddha had past away.
A big scroll depicting the Buddha entering Nirvana will be hanged in the several Buddhist temples in Kyoto.

The ceremony expressing our gratitude to the Buddha's performance.

Shinnyo-do Temple 真如堂
March 1st to 31st
9am-16pm
Entrance 600yen.
This area is very quiet and non touristy ,you are able tovisit many temples(free to enter) and shrines in a tranquil local atmosphere.
March 15th, special ceremony is held.
*City Bus 202 from J-hoppers. 25 min ride .Get off at "Kumano -jinja mae" bus stop. 10min walk

Sennyu-ji temple泉涌寺
March 14th-16th
9am-16:30

This temple is close to J-hoppers Kyoto.
The temple is surrounded by beautiful forest .
You can visit Imakumano kannon temple and shrines also Tofukuji zen temple by walk.

Biggest Nehan-zu scroll in Japan
Entrance 500yen
March 15th, special ceremony is held.

*2 stops from j-hoppers .City bus 202,207,208 4min ride. 5 to 10 min walk
* From J-hoppers, 20min walk.

Tofukuji-temple 東福寺
March 14th-16th

It's a big scroll and famous for the detail and beauty of the painting.
Free to see the Scroll in the main temple .
Entrance for other gardens 400to 500yen .
Tofukuji is consisted by many sub temples with beautiful zen gardens .
It's worth visiting those gardens .
*1stop by bus City bus get off at "Tofuku-ji" 3min ride . 202,207,208
*From j-hoppers, 10 to 15 min walk.
March 15th, special ceremony is held.
Free sweet soup(amazake) will be offered and Shakuhachi will be played.

Seiryo-ji temple清涼寺
March 15th
Very interesting Kyogen play is held(Entrance is FREE only on this day).
Huge fire will be lit when the night comes to send the spirit of Buddha.

Kyogen play 15:00 16:30 18:00
Special ceremony from 18:30
Taimatsu lit up from 20:00

Saga-Arashiyama area is a great place to spend a day.
*10 to 15 min ride by JR train. 15 to 20 min by walk from the Arashiyama train station.
(This ceremony will be very busy with many people)

Honpo-ji temple 本法寺
March 15th-April 15th
10am-16pm
Entrance 500yen
The scroll is one of the three best nehan-zu in Japan.
National treasured garden is open for this period.
* From the Kyoto station,City bus No.9. 40 min ride .Get off at "Horikawa Teranouchi" 3min walk from the bus stop.

Plum Blossom Shower in Kyoto

2010-02-28T20:32:00.002+09:00

Plum blossoms in Kyoto has appeared so many times in Japanese classical poems.
It colors memory of people for it's fragrance .
Spring is here ,one after another , different plums are blooming like a bird fly from the brunch to brunch.Why don't we take a walk in the new spring shower?

KitanoTenmangu shrine
plum garden 600yen comes with sweets and tea
10am-16pm until the end of March
This is a nice district for walk and nice restaurants and shops.

Jonan-gu shrine
Hanging plum blossoms and Camellia
Feb 18th-March 21st 500yen 9am -16pm
Gorgeous Hanging plum blossoms and spacious fantastic gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori.

Other selected places to enjoy plum viewing
Kyoto Impreial palace (down town)
Umemiya taisha shrine(south west)
Kyoto botanical garden(north)
Zuishin-in temple(south east)

Shuntoue (春桃会) @ Sanjusangen-do on the 3rd of March

2010-02-28T11:51:00.002+09:00

March 3rd is Girls' Festival in Japan. The day is not an official holiday, but the day is one of the most interesting days for tourist.
Many temples and shrines have special festival on the day. I especially recommend you to go to Sanjusangen-do (again :-)).
Highly recommended point is===>Entrance Free!!(usual -->600yen)

↓Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto guest House ↓
City bus #208'Oishibashi'⇒'Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae'
@Sanjusangen-do

Also the 3rd of Mar is Wednesday. So Club World @Shijokawaramachi is entrance free !! (every wed entrance free!<--but this one for girls only).

Nagashi Bina at Shimogamo Shrine

2010-02-28T10:10:00.004+09:00

It is Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival for girls) on March 3rd in Japan.
Here in Kyoto, there are various kinds of events at the temples and shrines to celebrate that day.
One of the most interesting event is ' Nagashi Bina ' which is held in Shimogamo Shrine. Hina dolls made of paper are put on straw plates and they are floated into the river to pray for children's health and happiness.
This traditional event has been taken place for more than a thousand year(since Heian period).

There will be the street performance, traditional kimono show and if you are lucky, you are able to take the pictures with Hina dolls.
Also one of the luckiest couple will wear proper costume of Hina dolls and her husband.

Access: City bus #205 'Tadasuno mori' bus stop

Sanyare Festival @ Kamigamo Shrine

2010-02-16T19:17:00.004+09:00

Sanyare Festival which means a coming‐of‐age ceremony will be held at 11:00 of the 24th @ Kamigamo Shrine.

Boys who live in Kamigamo Shrine's neighborhood will be 15 years old in the year form a line and play the drum, gong and flute.

It's a bit distant from J-Hoppers to Kamigamo Shrine, but there is a historical townscape remains around Kamigamo Shrine area.

Setsubun event at Yoshida Shrine

2010-01-23T19:35:00.005+09:00

Before romantic Valentine, there is a event for soybeans in Japanese culture. It is called Setsubun. People scatter soybeans to outside to drive bad spirits out of their houses and bring in good luck.

This ceremony is also held in temples and shrines.
Feb 2nd-Feb 4th [ Yoshida Shrine ]

http://www.yosidajinjya.com
Tel : 075-771-3788
Access : City Bus 202 'Kumano Jinjya mae' walk 10minits

Feb 2nd:Tsuina-shiki ( Ceremony of Chase Devils ) 6:00PM～
Feb 3rd:Karo Festival (good luck charms from last year are burned in a giant central bonfire) 11:00PM～

There are also more than 800 street stalls during the events.
Please enjoy Japanese traditional toys and sweets.
If you buy a bag of soybeans, you will get a a raffle ticket.
Why don't you try your luck for 2010?

"Toshiya" Archery Contest at Sanjusangen-do　on the 17th of Jan

2010-01-15T21:11:00.004+09:00

An annual New year's event, the 'Toshiya'archery contest is held at Sanjusangen-do on the 17th of Jan(Start : 9:00a.m.).

Many women join the contest wearing colorful hakama dress they have prepared for 'Coming-of-Age day (Seijin-no-Hi)'.

↓Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto guest House ↓
City bus #208'Oishibashi'⇒'Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae'
@Sanjusangen-do
Admission fee⇒ Free!!(Only the 17th of Jan)

Kyoto Fushimi Sake Brewert Tour !!

2010-01-11T18:14:00.003+09:00

Do you know about "Sake"? Sake is a rice wine and getting a good reputation among the world these day. Kyoto is the second Sake producing prefecture in Japan.

It is hard for the brewer to accept the casual visitor while they are making sake but they have the wish to introduce how to make great sake. So this tour is a rare opportunity for those who are interested in sake.

Period: Januray 11th to February 28th, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Time: 9:15~11:00
Price: 2,500 yen (included sake tasting and a special sake cup)

The owner of the brewery guides you and explain in (broken) English. Please ask at the reception of J-Hoppers Kyoto for further information. (our guests only)

Tiger's Park @ Kyoto Station Porta

2010-01-09T20:08:00.007+09:00

Here is not Koshien Baseball Stadium. Here is Kyoto Station.
But some tigers gatherd to celebrate the year of the tiger (in Chinese astorology)

These are replicas of the national treasure. These are still very graceful and good for the new year. It's worthseeing!!

Ah!!...Sorry but This park will open until the 11th of Jan...
Hurry up !! Otherwise these tigers run away:-)

Kushikatsu Party @ J-Hopeprs Kyoto Hostel !!

2009-08-14T17:32:00.002+09:00

We had a kushi-age party in Kyoto J-Hoppers hostel the other day.
Kushi-age is one of the Japanese foods.
Tempura is more famous for deep-fried stuff, but kushi-age is also very popular especially in Kansai region.
It is very easy to cook.
The recipe is provided in the movie.
You can try, too.
Have fun !

HINA MATSURI FESTIVAL

2009-02-21T18:38:00.005+09:00

Girl’s celebration ceremony starts from 11:00 and dance performance by Shimabara Tayu is performed @ Hokyo-ji Temple on the 1st MARCH. It costs 600 yen. You need to be there at least 1 hour before to keep the good position to see the dance.

PLUM BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

2009-02-17T10:54:00.003+09:00

February 25 (Wed) Tea ceremony: 10:00-15:00 @Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Feb. 25 is the death memorial day of the deity and saint, Sugawara no Michizane, who loved plum blossoms. Ceremony starts from 10:00 and plum blossoms will be offered to the deity. An outdoor tea ceremony will also be held.

MOCHI POWERLIFTING

2009-02-15T11:17:00.004+09:00

Mochi weight lifting conpetition is held at Daigo-ji temple on 23rd February. Trying to hold huge mochi (15kg for men, 9kg for women) and the winner will be given the big mochi as the prize. If you wish to join in the competition, be there before 11 am.