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. |
- Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - 18:15-21:00 on April 8th (Thur)-11th (Sun), 2010 (No postponement for rain) This concert is annually held at Kihinkan Hall in the East Garden (Higashi-Shinen) of Heian Jingu Shrine. Weeping cherry blossoms in the South Garden (Minami-Shinen) and the East Garden are fantastically lit up. Seats are not set up for this concert. Visitors can freely walk around the gardens, seeing the cherry blossoms, and enjoy music near Seihochi Pond in the East Garden. In the evening, elegant weeping cherry blossoms around the pond create a fantastic atmosphere, which is quite different from the lovely feeling in daytime.  http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html |
Miyako Odori: - Gionkobu Kaburenjo Theater, Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - April 1st (Thur)-30th (Fri), 2010 Kyo Odori: - Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - April 3rd (Sat)-18th (Sun), 2010 Kitano Odori: - Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - March 25th (Thur)-April 7th (Wed), 2010 Kamogawa Odori: - Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - May 1st (Sat)-24th (Mon), 2010 From this year, starting with the Kitano Odori, where the curtain will be raised on March 25th (the monthly lucky day of Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine), visitors can witness traditional performing arts as if they were in the Hanamachi (entertainment district) area of Kyoto itself. Especially famous is the popular Miyako Odori – an annual dance performance with a history of more than 100 years. http://www.ookinizaidan.com/ (Japanese version only) |
- Higashiyama area in Kyoto City, Kyoto - March 13th (Sat)-22nd (Mon & holiday), 2010 Hanatouro (Lantern and Flower Lane) is an annual event which produces a path connecting Shoren-in Temple in the north to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the south, with decorations of lanterns and flowers. Various elegant events, such as the special night-time illumination of neighboring temples and shrines, and the "Ikebana (flower arrangement) Promenade," will take place to showcase Kyoto in early spring. http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/ |
- Hozukyo Valley (along the Hozu River); from Sagano in Kyoto City to Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture - March 1st (Mon)-December 29th (Wed), 2010 *No service on Wednesday, except during the designated season The Sagano Sightseeing Tram, not in service during midwinter (December 30th to February 28th), restarts operations as the days become longer and spring is just around the corner. This 7.3km-long, former Sanin-Honsen Line between Saga and Kameoka enables passengers to enjoy the beautiful Hozukyo Valley, with its eight tunnels and constantly changing views. http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/index.htm |
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