Sestubun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"