Culture

Gion Matsuri

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto’s largest festival which takes place throughout the month of July by the Yasaka Shrine.

By Jessica Lin

Miyagawacho Beer Garden

The Miyagawacho Beer Garden is a rare occasion where you can enjoy beer, daily specialities served by neighboring restaurants, and Classical Japanese dance by the Maiko (apprentice geisha) of Miyagawacho Kabukai. Miyagawacho Kabukai is one of the five famous groups of maiko and geiko along with Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontocho, and Kamishichiken.

By Yuko Hagihara

Traditional

Karuta Hajime New Year's Card Game

At New Year in Japan's former capital of Kyoto, Karuta Hajime is an annual event where a popular traditional card game is played by women in period costume.

By Gloria Ticconi

Culture

Kemari Hajime in Kyoto

Kemari Hajime in Kyoto: a traditional New Year event at Shimogamo Shrine, where men in period costume play an ancient traditional ball game.

By Gloria Ticconi

Festivals

Ebisu Festival in Kyoto

Held at Yasaka Shrine in Japan's former capital Kyoto, the Ebisu Festival is Kyoto's first festival of the New Year, dedicated to the god of prosperity and fortune.

By Gloria Ticconi

Culture

Toh-Shiya at Sanjusangen-do, Kyoto

Held at Sanjusangen-do temple in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, Toh-Shiya is the first Japanese archery competition of the year

By Gloria Ticconi

Culture

Yabusame Shinji

Every year in early May. witness the Yabusame Shinji at Shimogamo shrine, where Japanese mounted archers fire arrows at enemy targets.

By Tatiana Garcia

Culture

KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival 2018

The KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival is an annual event held in Kyoto over four weeks. The theme for 2018 is "Up", which aims to change mindsets through awareness, action, and creation.

By Ignatius Koh