Fushimi Inari Summer Festival

On this month, there is the summer festival at Fushimi Inari shrine.

It will be decorated by millions number of red paper lanterns and give you nostalgic atmosphere. It is definitely worth to see !

Date & Time : July 22nd from 6 pm, July 23rd from 9 am

You can also experience ”Bon dance". (Bon dance is originally an event to calm the ancestral spirits that came back during Obon season. However, it is enjoyed as a recreational event nowadays and the religious meaning has softened.)

chill with 100yen

You must be very thirsty while you are in Kyoto.

I know, The summer in Kyoto is fatal !!!

I love living in Kyoto but I dislike to be here in summer.

Well, Here is a tip to feel much better only with 100yen !!!

You can find ICED COFFEE either in 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson. It means almost averywhere in Japan! 

Starbucks is too expensive! 

Just grab some convenience store's iced coffee and keep going !!!

Gion Matsuri Festival 2015

 

If you are visiting Kyoto in summer, You don't miss the Gion Matsuri Festival!
It's one of the largest and most historical festivals in Japan.
Why don't you wear a Yukata (= kimono for summer. It's not expensive, easy to wear and washable!!) and hang out in the Festival!?



Gion Matsuri Festival Event Calendar



JULY 10-14
Hoko and Yama Tate (float construction): On these five days, the festival's 32 floats are assembled. No nails are used.

10
Omukae Chochin (welcoming lanterns): At around 16:30, men wearing formal kimono and carrying long bamboo poles from which lanterns are suspended, depart from Yasaka Shrine, heading west along Shijo to Kawaramachi.

10
Mikoshi Arai (mikoshi purification): During the festival, the deities of Yasaka Shrine reside in a temporary shrine called the Otabisho. Before moving the deities on the mikoshi portable shrines, the mikoshi are purified with water from Kamogawa River. The mikoshi depart from Yasaka Shrine at 19:00 and arrive at the bridge at 20:00, then come back to the shrine at 21:00.

12-14
Hoko Hikihajime & Yama Kakizome (trial pulling): On these days, the people of each respective float neighbourhood try pulling the newly constructed floats.

14-16
Yoiyama (eve of the grand parade): On the three nights before the grand parade, the festive atmosphere reaches its peak. The streets are crowded with people, many in traditional dress, Gion bayashi music fills the air, and many stalls are set up along the main streets.

15
Traditional Entertainment Performance: On this day, at Yasaka Shrine, from 15:00 to 18:00, traditional Japanese entertainment (kabuki, biwa lute, harp, kyogen, dance, etc.) will be performed.

16
Iwami Kagura (ancient court dance): From 19:00 at Yasaka Shrine, ancient court dance will be performed to the music of flute and bells.

17
Yamaboko Junko (grand parade): At 9:00, the main Naginata-boko starts moving. When it reaches Fuyacho, the chigo sacred child on the float cuts the sacred rope and the parade begins.

24
Hanagasa Junko (flower umbrella procession): At 10:00, about ten large umbrella floats attended by nearly 1,000 people depart from Yasaka Shrine. Various dances will be performed.

25
Kyogen Performance: At 13:00, the Shigeyama Family will perform special kyogen (comical theatre) plays at Yasaka Shrine.

28
Mikoshi Arai (mikoshi purification): As on the 10th, the mikoshi are again purified on Shijo Bridge at 20:00 before the deities are carried back to Yasaka Shrine from their temporary home, the Otabisho.

GAZAN no OKURIBI

AUG 16, 2014

GOZAN no OKURIBI is a traditional event in Kyoto.
Five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city. It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during O-Bon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world—thus the name OKURIBI. (送り火 "send-off fire").

20:00　　大 (large)
20:05　　妙法(wondrous dharma)　
20:10　　shape of boat

20:15  　大 (large)
20:20    shape of torii (shrine gate)


Come to the reception! We'll tell you where you can see them! ;-)

Ukai Cormorant Fishing

July 1-Sept. 15

Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama



Ukai is a traditional fishing method in which cormorants (large diving birds) are used to catch sweet river fish or ayu; Carried out on the Oi River, this event is one of the most popular summer tourist attractions in Arashiyama; Tourists can watch the event either from banks of the river or get a seat on a boat which let them watch the performance up close.

Adults: 1,700 yen, Children (4-12 years old): 850 yen; 19:00-21:00; Boat ride: 19:00 & 20:00; No service on Aug. 16; Access: Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Arashiyama Koen; Arashiyama Tsusen: Tel: 075-861-0302.

Gion Festival

Gion Festival, The most famous festival oh Kyoto will come soon!
Here is the schedule:

• July 7: Shrine visit by chigo children of Ayagasaboko
• July 10: Lantern parade to welcome mikoshi portable shrines
• July 10: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo River

• July 10 through 13: Building-up of floats（Former parade）
• July 13 a.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Naginataboko (in the morning)
  
• July 13 p.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Kuse Shrine (in the afternoon)
• July 14: Yoiyoiyoiyama（Former parade）
• July 15: Yoiyoiyama（Former parade）
• July 16: Yoiyama（Former parade）
• July 16: Yoimiya shinshin hono shinji, dedicative art performances
• July 17: Parade of yamaboko floats（Former parade）
• July 17: Parade of mikoshi from Yasaka Shrine to the city

• July 18 through 20: Building-up of floats（Latter parade）
• July 21: Yoiyoiyoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 22: Yoiyoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 23: Yoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 24: Parade of yamaboko floats（Latter parade）

• July 24: Parade of hanagasa or "flower parasols"
• July 24: Parade of mikoshi from the city to Yasaka Shrine
• July 28: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo river

I guess the Yoiyama of July 14-16 are fun for foreign tourists.
The streets are lined with night stalls selling food such as takoyaki, sweets, and many other culinary delights. Many girls dressed in yukata(summer kimono) walk around the area.
During the Yoiyama evenings leading up to the parade, some private houses in the old kimono merchant district open their entryways to the public, exhibiting valuable family heirlooms. This is a precious opportunity to visit and observe traditional Japanese residences of Kyoto.

 

Special Summertime Lightup @Iwashimizu Hachimangu-Shrine

Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine, founded in 860, was selected by Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) for the 2013 summer Kyoto sightseeing campaign.
 
The special summer night admission is the first ever for the shrine.
The shrine is illuminated between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from July 13 to Aug. 31.

Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine is one of the three most important Hachimangu shrines of Japan. The main vermilion-lacquered shrine building, which was remodeled in 1634 by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu (1604-1651), gives off a brilliant glow. Sculpted in the gorgeous Momoyama style, the entire building is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Address : 30 Yawata, Kobo, Yawata City

Telephone : 075-981-3001(domestic)

Access : Get off at Keihan"Yawatashi"station and take Keihan Otokoyama Cable to the top of the mountain (3 min ride)

Fee : Free

Kibune Shrine

Tanabata; (meaning "Evening of the seventh") is a Japanese star festival. It celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, the Milky way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year, on July 7th.


Between July 1st and August 15th, there is a Tanabata decorations at Kibune shrine. And it is light-up after sunset until 20:00. It is free to enter.

Also on July 8th (mon), "Kibune Shrine water festival" will be held.
Starts at 8:00 and finish at 12:00, it is better to visit early in the morning. It is free of charge, unless you join the tea ceremony, it costs you 3,000 yen.

Access: from Kyoto sta. catch 'Kyoto Bus'  and get off at 'Kibune Jinja Mae (in front of Kibune shrine). It takes about 1 hour ride.

Summer is here! Get ready for Gion Festival!

Kyoto's Original Festival Dedicated to the Capital

Gion Matsuri - synonymous to Kyoto's summer. Being not only Kyoto's, but also one of Japan's three largest festivals, the Gion Festival is celebrated by all Kyoto locals and visitors from afar. The city of Kyoto becomes filled the with energy of people who have waited for this month since the previous year. The mere ''Kon-chiki-chin'' of the Gion Bayashi music ignite this town and create a festive mood.

Traditional rituals and events related to this amazing festival are held throughout the month of July. Join in this year's Gion Festival and experience the wonders of Kyoto's history, craft and people.

Gion Matsuri Main Event Calendar

1st
Naginata-boko Osendo
From 10:00 at Yasaka Shrine, this year's Chigo (the sacred page boy who rides on the leading Naginata-boko) visits Yasaka Shrine and prays for safety during the festival.
 

10th
Omukae Chochin Welcoming Lanterns
Men wearing formal kimono depart from Yasaka Shrine at 16:30. They escort children dressed up in gorgeous traditional outfits and head west along Shijo to Kawaramachi. Their role is to welcome the mikoshi portable shrines carried out of Yasaka Shrine later in the evening.  

10th-14th
Hoko and Yama Construction
The festival's 32 floats are assembled in the communities they belong to. This is a great opportunity for getting a close up look at the floats.

12th-13th
Hoko & Yama Trial Pulling
The people of each respective float community try carrying or pulling the newly constructed floats, accompanied by Gion Bayashi music, to ensure that they are ready for the parade on the 17th.

13th
Yasaka Shrine Visit by Naginata-boko & Kuze Komagata Chigo
This year's Chigo (the sacred page boy) who rides on the leading Naginata-boko and another Chigo from Kuze region who leads mikoshi portable shrines in the Shinko-sai & Kanko-sai Festival visit Yasaka Shrine and pray for safety during the festival (11:00 & 14:00).

14th-16th
Yoi-yama
On the three nights before the grand parade, the festival's energy reaches its peak. The streets west of Karasuma and south of Oike are crowded with people looking at the lit up Yama & Hoko floats. Gion Bayashi music fills the air, and countless stalls are set up along the colorfully decorated streets.

14th-16th
Folding Screen Display
On these days the old textile merchant homes and businesses on Shinmachi and Muromachi open up the front parts of their homes and shops to show off their valuable folding screens and other treasures.

15th
Traditional Theatre Performance Dedication
From 15:00 to 18:00, traditional Japanese theatre performances (kabuki, biwa lute, harp, kyogen, dance, sword play, etc.) will be performed on the stage in the center of Yasaka Shrine.

16th
Iwami Kagura
From 18:30 at Yasaka Shrine, ancient court dance called Iwami Kagura Shinto dance and music will be performed to the music of flutes and bells.

17th
Yama Hoko Grand ParadeAt 9:00, the leading Naginata-boko starts forward. When it reaches Fuyacho Street, the float's Chigo cuts a straw rope with a sword and the parade begins.

17th
Shinko-sai Festival
At 18:00, the shrine deities that preside over the festival are transported in three special mikoshi (portable shrine) from Yasaka Shrine to the Otabisho. More than 1,000 people will participate in this important procession.

23rd
Biwa Lute Music Dedication
From 13:00 at Yasaka Shrine, traditional biwa (Japanese lute) music will be played for the deity.

24th
Hanagasa Flower Procession
At 10:00, about ten large umbrella floats attended by nearly 1,000 people depart from Yasaka Shrine. Various dances are performed as part of this event.

Kanko-sai Festival
From 17:00, many people join to carry the three mikoshi from Otabisho back to Yasaka Shrine. When mikoshi arrive at the shrine, special prayers will be held to welcome the spirits back to their main ''home''. This ceremony ends around midnight.

25th
Kyogen Performance
At 13:00, the Shigeyama Family will perform special kyogen (comical theatre) plays at Yasaka Shrine.

28th
Mikoshi Arai Purification
As on the 10th, the mikoshi are again purified on Shijo Bridge at 20:00 before they are stored away until the following year.

31st
Nagoshi Summer Purification
This event completes the one-month-long festival. The ceremony starts at 10:00 at Yasaka Shrine. A huge circular chinowa wreath made of long green rushes is set up in the shrine precinct. Passing through the wreath is said to purify the spirit and ward off illness in the coming year. 

Cormorant Fishing

UKAI, Cormorant fishing of Uji river has just started! 
This is a nice activity for the summer night.




From KYOTO to UJI sta. by JR train. (230yen, aprox 30min)

No need any reservation. Just get a ticket around 18:00 and the boats leave at 19:00. 

(1800yen/Adult, 900yen/Child, daily activity)