Introducing Kyoto's festivals! A wonderful event to experience Japanese culture!
2022-07-11 Management office
Hello. In this article, I would like to introduce about 7 recommended festivals and spots in Kyoto Prefecture. Kyoto Prefecture can be said to be the very front line of inheriting Japanese culture, and festivals with various thoughts and feelings are held throughout the year. We would like tourists to enjoy themselves by learning about such festivals. You can not only enjoy them, but also experience Kyoto's traditions and the culture that Japan should be proud of, and have a quaint sightseeing experience. We will introduce festivals for each season, so please consider your itinerary according to the timing of your visit.
Author of this article
Management office
Table of Contents
- 1.2.3.4.5.6.
Gion Festival (in Kyoto during the month of July, with high point on the 17th)
It is impossible to mention Kyoto's Gion Festival without mentioning the Gion Festival. It is a large-scale festival that takes place during the entire month of July, and the procession of portable shrines called Yamaboko Junko is designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival is held from July 17 to 24, and is the peak of the excitement.
Super popular! A city-wide summer tradition
Gion Festival is the name of the festival, and Gion, the central district of Kyoto, is filled with festive atmosphere in July. The Gion area in the heart of Kyoto is filled with a huge number of visitors, both domestic and foreign, and the area is abuzz with excitement and prosperity. One of the main attractions is said to be the Yamaboko Junko, a procession of floats carried by a large number of people. The mikoshi carried by a large number of people is so powerful that it takes your breath away. The mikoshi floats run through the city, and the realism of the procession is something you definitely want to see and experience. Paid seats are available for spectators, so we recommend that those who want to see the mikoshi for sure take advantage of them. There are also countless stalls, so you can fully enjoy the dual pleasures of enjoying the culture and having fun at the festival.
"information "
Before the name: Gion Festival (Gion Festival)
Held: July 1-31
Official website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/gion/
Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Festival (May 5th)
The Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Bonfire on the Five Mountains) is another summer festival that stands alongside the Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) as one of the most famous summer festivals in Kyoto. Although not as crowded as the Gion Festival, the Gozan Okuribi Festival is held over a very wide area and attracts many visitors. The festival has been postponed for the past few years due to the new coronavirus, and in 2022 it will be held again at "and ". However, in light of the current times, we believe that the time is near for its revival.
The words "large "blazing loudly in the Kyoto night!
The main attraction of this festival are the letters and illustrations blazing brightly on the mountains of Kyoto. All of the letters and illustrations are painted with flames. To protect the scenery, Kyoto's streets are regulated by ordinance not to use gaudy colors or lights, and the atmosphere at night is very quiet and dark, which goes hand in hand with the cityscape. The atmosphere at night is very quiet and dark, and the glimmering flames are very beautiful in such an atmosphere. The sense of scale and unity that seems to illuminate the entire town is truly fascinating. It is a peaceful symbol that connects many people and is very much worth seeing. In addition to actually viewing the flames, you can also enjoy eating a variety of foods and playing games at the various stalls that will be set up along the streets.
"information "
Name: Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto Gozan Bonfire)
Held: August 16
Official website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/okuribi/
葵祭
This festival has its roots in the Heian period. In this festival, portable shrines are paraded through a relatively compact area from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine. And while most people have a strong image of mikoshi festivals as being filled with the excitement and enthusiasm of orahora-type men, this festival is quite the opposite. People dressed in the white costumes of Heian aristocrats parade through the streets of Kyoto in a relaxed manner.
You can feel plenty of Japanese historical culture!
As mentioned above, you can feel the atmosphere and culture of the Heian period, but that is not all. You can also see the "Kishigeki Sanmono "event, which has been rooted in Japan since around the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Not only artifacts such as portable shrines, but also people dressed as Heian aristocrats on horseback stride through the streets of Kyoto. And then there is yabusame (archery on horseback), "called yabusame ", which is the various art of shooting a target with a bow while riding a horse. This event, which was originally held as a training for samurai, is very powerful and spectacular. This is a rare opportunity to see this event, so please come and see it for yourself.
"information "
Name: Aoi Matsuri (hollyhock festival)
Held: May 3 and May 15
Times Festival
This next one is a festival that stands alongside the three we have covered so far "and is regarded as one of the four major festivals in Kyoto ". It is a wonderful event that takes place from early summer to early autumn in Kyoto. These events are very important and special to the Japanese people, as they show off and protect Japanese culture and traditions. This festival also follows this aspect. With the Heian Jingu Shrine as the stage, you can experience the passage of time as a connected story through a production that makes you aware of the "and "eras that have been nurtured in Kyoto. This is an event that will tickle the intellectual curiosity of everyone from history buffs to those who are proud to be a part of Japan.
Experience a history that has continued uninterrupted since the Heian Period! Direct knowledge of history and traditions
The history of this festival dates back to the Heian period (794-1192). The festival has its roots in the 1100th anniversary ceremony of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. The festival is not only a festival, but also a show-style event. The main purpose of the festival is to look back over 1,000 years of Kyoto's history as the capital of Japan, from the Heian period (794-1192) to the present day, and it is as if a scene from a history textbook is unfolding right before your eyes. The people along the route were so excited to see the scene. People along the route watch and think about the history that Kyoto has spun out. This is a valuable cultural event that Japanese people should experience at least once, and I recommend that you participate. Pamphlets will be distributed in advance so that you can watch the play in light of it.
"information "
Name: Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)
Held: October 22
Official website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/jidai/Festivals
The following are some of the most fascinating and interesting festivals in Kyoto, although not "Kyoto's Four Major Festivals " Setsubun events have become widespread throughout Japan, and in Kyoto, the Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine is particularly well known. Based on the classical idea of dividing the seasons into four equal parts, the Setsubun event is a way to be aware of the division of time. It is well known among men and women of all ages as an event to sow beans.
A standard festival! Held at various shrines
Setsubun Matsuri is held at various shrines and temples in Kyoto Prefecture. Because of the participatory aspect of the festival, it is popular among children and is a good starting point for exposure to Japanese culture. Setsubun festivals at some shrines in Kyoto are becoming even more popular, for example, Yasaka Shrine and Rozanji Temple are particularly famous. Oni (ogres) in authentic disguise make an appearance, and visitors can enjoy throwing beans at them. At Yasaka Shrine, the sight of the priest of the shrine dropping bags of beans at the masses may be even more memorable. Originally, this festival originated as a court event in the Heian period (794-1185). Please pray for a happy life and ward off ogres, which have always been the object of fear.
"information "
Before the name: Setsubun Festival (Setsubun Festival)
Holding:Early Feb.
first session (trading day) of the year
This is a traditional festival held at Shimogamo Shrine at the beginning of each year. "It is called Kemari Hajime ", which means "the beginning of the kickball game," and is a very festive event that is appropriate for the beginning of the year. There has always been a certain number of people who want to celebrate the New Year in Kyoto, and this festival is one of the most popular events held at the Corona Disaster.
People dressed as Heian aristocrats play kemari!
The kemari (Japanese game of kickball), performed by people dressed as Heian aristocrats, lasts as long as an hour and a half. At first glance, it may seem like a long performance, but it is well worth seeing. "The sound of leather shoes kicking the ball "echoes through the quiet town of Kyoto with a unique sound. It is a great way to experience the warmth of human connection at the beginning of the year. It is customary for the festival to be crowded every year, so we recommend that you secure a spot as soon as possible.
"information "
Name: Kemari Hajime
Held: January 4
Phone number: 075-781-0010 (Shimogamo Shrine)
Cow Festival in Qin Dynasty (of China)
The last festival we will introduce is this one. This festival has a very long history and is held at Koryuji Temple, which is also known as the sacred place of Prince Shotoku x Buddhism. This festival is held every year around the beginning of autumn to pray for a good harvest and to drive away evil spirits.
The visuals with outstanding impact leave a lasting impression!
This one is also known as "Kyoto's three most bizarre festivals ". It is a very unusual festival. The masks worn by people astride oxen have an outstanding impact, and seem to combine the eerie with the sacred. Just looking at them makes you feel as if you are receiving power. The dynamic movement of the masked people as they read sutras and dive into the hall at the end of the performance is also well worth seeing. This is a mysterious festival that sticks in your mind once you see it, and nowadays it seems to be held irregularly, so please check the official information.
"information "
Name: Uzumasa Cattle Festival in Uzumasa
Holding:October
summary
Thank you for reading this far. In Kyoto, there are still many valuable festivals that carry on Japanese culture and traditions. We hope you will enjoy them during your visit to Kyoto.
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