In late November I had the chance to revisit Kyoto, a place I connect with many memories. Here is a list of scenic places I think have not been found by the typical Kyoto tourist yet.
Fall Colors in Kyoto
Gozan no Okuribi
Obon is one of the most important celebrations in Japan, during which the ancestors are honored and the family unites. Today I want to talk about „Gozan no Okuribi“ that took place at the end of Obon in Kyoto.
Motomiya Festival – Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari shrine is visited by virtually every visitor to Kyoto. I also came here many times and last time in April I climbed Mount Inari to the top. Coinciding with Gion Matsuri in July, the Motomiya festival took place at the shrine. Countless lanterns provided a different atmosphere than usual.
Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yamaboko Parade
The last post in this series about the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is about the Ato Matsuri Yamaboko parade. The second parade is a bit shorter than the first, but not less interesting my any means.
Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yoiyama
After the Saki Matsuri concluded with the big parade, you would think that was the finale. In contrast, this marks the beginning of the Ato Matsuri cycle. In the following week the remaining 11 floats are constructed, exhibited and then parade through the city.
Gion Matsuri: Shinkōsai
Today’s post is about the Shinkosai. At Yasaka Shrine four mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded through the neighborhood and then were carried down Shijo dori.
Gion Matsuri: Saki Yamaboko Parade
If one had to choose the highlight of Gion Matsuri, it would be the parade of floats on Sunday. After the floats had been constructed and exhibited, they are pulled through the heart of Kyoto.
Gion Matsuri: Saki Matsuri Yoiyama
Kyoto’s biggest festival is back after two years of hiatus. Today’s post will be about the festivities leading up to the saki matsuri yamaboko parade, the yoi(yoiyoi)yama.
Arashiyama and the Hozukyo ravine
Since my trip to Amanohashidate in May I wanted to come back to see the Hozukyo ravine between Kyoto and Toyooka. Luckily the historic train line that follows the river course has been maintained and a historic train operates on the line as a tourist attraction.
Hiei Garden Museum
Kyoto is surrounded by mountains from three sides, one of them is Mt. Hiei. The mountain top is easily accessible by a combination of train, cable car and ropeway but it is also a popular hiking destination and it is