Kyoto Festivals

There are hundreds of traditional festivals in Kyoto celebrated throughout the year. Festivals are called "Matsuri" in Japanese. Some dating back hundreds or even thousands of years.  Most festivals in Kyoto are more focused on the beauty and the dramatic story behind the original reason for the festival. There is not much excitement, dancing, or singing at Kyoto festivals but if you are into Japanese beauty, you can't miss the festivals in Kyoto.

 

 
 

The Kamogawa Odori Performance

The geisha quarter developed as an area with scores of restaurants and drinking holes. Visitors came from all over to witness the district’s lively songs and dances, and were greeted with attentive care by geisha and maiko. The “Kamogawa Odori” is a traditional dance and drama, performed by geisha and maiko in Pontocho, a famous section of Kyoto’s geisha district. Beginning in 1872, this performance has run for over a hundred years and is set within a stunningly decorated stage.

The 59th Takigi Noh Performance

Tale of Genji Millennium.  Noh and Kyogen plays will be performed on a temporary stage assembled in the center of Heian Shrine. Noh is a type of traditional Japanese musical. Kyougen contains more comedic elements. Japanese language ability isn’t necessary and one can laugh just by watching the movements of the actors. Seats are provided but visitors are also free to stroll around the temple during the performance, and view the stage from many different angles.

Hatsuka Ebisu Festival

During the Hatsuka Ebisu Festival, business people flock to Ebisu-jinja Shrine to buy fukuzasa, branches of bamboo festooned with miniature treasure ships, rice bales, gold coins and other lucky charms. This festival celebrates Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and the patron deity of merchants.

During the festival ebisu-bayashi music wafts through the air of the shrine and knives produced by the Oima school, well known among cooks, are put on display.

The Oharame Matsuri Festival

The term “Oharame” refers to women peddlers who, from the Heian period all the way to the Meiji era, walked about town, selling　small items from the Ohara Village like firewood, flowers, and agricultural products. Oharame were famous for carrying their wares on their heads.

Otsukimi ( Moon Viewing )

During the harvest moon Japan offers many special moon viewing events. The event is called “O-tsukimi”. This custom may have begun because at this time of year clear skies reveal a brilliant full moon. Moon viewing first appeared in China and came to Japan in the Heian Period. Unlike today, simply gazing at the natural landscape was considered in that time to be entertainment. Nobles would gather to gaze at the moon and improvise short poems in competition with one another while enjoying luxurious banquets.

Shimai Kobo Flea Market

On 21st of every month a flea market takes place on the grounds of To-ji Temple.

A wide range of goods are available here, often including old kimonos for a few hundred yen, valuable antiques, and delicious food. Many stalls and booths are lined up to sell goods ranging from used clothes and antiques to culinary delights.