Kyoto
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kyoto
Philosopher's Path, 31 Mar - 15 Apr 2010 (annual)
Kyoto's most famous spot for the annual ritual of hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Philosopher's Path is a shady trail along a small canal. In keeping with Kyoto's refined image, this is a gentle affair of couples walking hand in hand.
Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival)
Kamigamo Shrine, May 2010 (annual)
Step back in time at Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri - a graceful procession colourfully replicating Imperial celebrations of days gone by. More than 400 people dressed in period costumes follow behind beautifully decorated ox-drawn carriages in the area around the Kamigamo Shrine.
Mifune Matsuri
Arashiyama, May 2010 (annual)
During Mifune Matsuri, a procession of lavishly decorated boats carrying costumed courtiers, musicians and dancers makes its way down the Oi River in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. The spectacle re-enacts the Imperial Boating Party of the Heian period (794-1192).
Takigi Noh (Open-Air Japanese Theatre)
Heian Jingu Shrine, Jun 2010 (annual)
Japanese actors in beautiful costumes and masks perform Noh (Japanese theatre) by torchlight around the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto. Beneath lanterns and flaming torches, spectators sit in the warm evening air and watch the complex but visually delightful shows.
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto, 1 - 29 Jul 2010 (annual)
The annual Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, considered one of Japan's three most important festivals, is a truly awesome sight to behold. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko float procession, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Daimonji Gozan Okuribi
Kyoto, Aug 2010 (annual)
Fiery Chinese characters appear to float in the night sky above Kyoto during this spectacular Buddhist fire ceremony, marking the end of Obon, the Japanese festival of the dead.
Jidai Matsuri
Kyoto, 22 Oct 2010 (annual)
An outstanding historical pageant and one of the city's greatest spectacles, Kyoto's Jidai Matsuri or "Festival of the Ages" is a splendid procession of famous characters associated with the city. More than 2000 people participate in a journey through history.
Kurama-no-Himatsuri
Yuki-jinja Shrine, Oct 2010 (annual)
Once a year, as dusk falls, the tiny village of Kurama in the hills to the north of Kyoto becomes an exotic sea of fire. Men dressed only in loincloths shoulder huge flaming torches, bonfires are lit and mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried rowdily through the village and up Mt Kurama to the Yuki Shrine.
Okera-Mairi Festival
Yasaka-jinja Shrine, Dec 2010 (annual)
Start the new year by casting away the past year's evil energy and making blessings of longevity at Kyoto's Okera-Mairi Festival. Held at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine, a ritual with Okera, the medicinal herb Atractylis ovata is performed.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, Daily
The 400-year-old Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto bustles with around 150 shops and stalls selling all kinds of fresh produce, from fish, vegetables, Japanese pickles and seaweed to tea, sweets, tofu and tempura, earning it the nickname "Kyoto Kitchen".