Culture
Aoi Matsuri Festival 2026
Bonson LamThe Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referred only to the Aoi festival.
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794.
Shimogamo Shrine is located at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers and is surrounded by a forest that contains trees up to 600 years old. The Kamigamo Shrine is about three and a half kilometers upstream and is known for two sand cones on its site, which have a cleaning function for the sanctuary and have been ritually made since ancient times.
Together the shrines host one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place on May 15th.
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Romon Gates (Tower Gates) are imposing red structures built to mark entrances to important places in Japan. In Kamigamo Shrine, visitors cross a small red bridge over the water to get to the Romon Gate. The gate stands at the entrance to the Honden and Gonden buildings that lie within. Unlike torii gates, there are only a few sites in Japan that have Romon Gates.
Tatezuna are the large conical sand mounds sitting at the entrance of the main shrine building. It is said that their conical shape was constructed to represent the sacred Mt. Kouyama. Mt. Kouyama is the mountain in which the patron deity of Kamigamo Shrine is said to have descended from. The Tatezuna of Kamigamo Shrine are allegedly the inspiration for the practice of forming sand mounds or scattering sand at new construction sites to ward off evil.
Reconstructed in 1863, the Honden is the main shrine building. Gonden is an exact replica of the Honden, built as a backup for the shrine deity in case of any damage done to the original. Both are designated as National Treasures. Every year on May 15, Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri is held at the Honden building.
20 minutes on foot from Kitaoji Station
15 minutes walk from Kitayama Station
30-minute bus ride #4 Kyoto City Bus from JR Kyoto Station get off at last stop Kamigamo Shrine
The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referred only to the Aoi festival.
Kamigamo Shrine was established in 678 and is one of the oldest in Japan. Set in a large park, this World Heritage Site is well worth visiting.
Kamigamo Shrine located in the north skirt of Kyoto, is a famous healing power spot. And the Inner shrine, Kataoka-sha, enshrines a matchmaking God. The author of “Tales of Genji”, Lady Murasaki, also worshiped this God deeply
HEALING SPOT: Kamigamo Shrine is known for its strong healing power. And before Kyoto became capital of Japan, it was already situated here in Kyoto
The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referred only to the Aoi festival.
In the Aoi Matsuri, ladies dressed in the ceremonial court robes and men in traditional costumes ride on ox carriages decorated with wisteria leaves.
The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referred only to the Aoi festival
NAKED Summer Evening Cool is set to run from July 7th until July 17th, and will include lanterns, an illuminated Romon gate (designated as an Important Cultural Propery), windchimes, and the chance to soak your feet in Nara-no-ogawa, the river running through the shrine.
Every autumn, the grounds of Kyoto's World Heritage-listed Kamigamo Shrine are filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread for one of the city's most beloved food events: the Kyoto Bread Festival.
Tokyu Harvest Club Kyoto Takagamine & Viala is a gorgeous hotel inside the historical Shozan Resort Kyoto.
While the allure of Kyoto often lies in its historic temples and bustling Gion streets, the true essence of the ancient capital is found in its quietest corners. Nestled deep in the rolling foothills of the Takagamine mountains, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a different kind of luxury: total seclusion. [photo id='245658'] As the first LXR property in the Asia-Pacific region under the Hilton brand, ROKU KYOTO is designed as an intimate retreat. The resort sits along the Tenjin River, a location that was once an artist's colony, and today serves as a sanctuary where nature, art, and French culinary techniques converge. A Modern Aesthetic Rooted in Tradition [photo id='245654'] From the moment of arrival, the "Dive into Kyoto" concept is palpable. The architecture is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics, utilizing the breathtaking panorama of the mountains as a borrowed landscape. The guest rooms are designed to maximize this connection to nature. For the ultimate indulgence, the Onsen Garden Rooms feature their own private hot spring baths overlooking a private garden, while the Poolside Terrace Rooms offer direct access to the resort’s water features. Culinary Artistry at TENJIN [photo id='245665'] Dining at ROKU KYOTO is anchored by TENJIN, a venue split into three distinct zones: the Chef's Table, All-Day Dining, and The Bar. For the gourmand, Tenjin Chef’s Table is the highlight. Here, the culinary team presents an unconventional take on French cuisine, exploring themes of nature and art using the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. It is a sensory experience that requires reservations a day in advance, ensuring an exclusive atmosphere. TENJIN All-Day Dining: This space serves as the heart of the resort's culinary offerings, open daily from 7 am – 10 pm. Whether joining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients blended with contemporary French influences. The menu offers both sophisticated set courses and flexible à la carte seasonal favorites, as well as light bites throughout the day. [photo id='245653'] For a more relaxed evening, Tenjin The Bar offers a luxurious vibe with views of the reflecting water basin—the perfect spot to enjoy signature cocktails made from natural ingredients or rare Japanese liquors. Wellness: The Thermal Pool [photo id='245651'] Perhaps the resort's most unique feature is the ROKU SPA and its outdoor thermal pool. This is the only outdoor natural onsen pool within Kyoto City, which remains open year-round. Drawing natural hot spring water from the adjacent grounds, the pool allows guests to soak up the Takagamine atmosphere in silence. The spa menu is equally impressive, based on the concept of "Kyoto Elements," with treatments like the Signature Tenjingawa Stone Massage, which utilizes warm stones soaked in the river waters to channel the energy of the land. Immersive Cultural Experiences [photo id='245659'] For guests looking to connect deeper with local heritage, the concierge can arrange exclusive activities. You can try your hand at Washi paper making with a paper artist, or learn the art of Kintsugi (gold repair) from a master. There is even a Handicraft Porcelain Making workshop that uses soil from the ROKU KYOTO estate itself. A Family-Friendly Haven While ROKU KYOTO exudes a sophisticated, adult-oriented atmosphere, my recent stay proved that it is surprisingly welcoming to families. Traveling with my wife and baby, we were apprehensive about bringing a little one to such a high-end property, but the team put us at ease immediately. The hotel is fully equipped for young families, offering cribs and creating a comfortable environment within the spacious rooms. We were able to enjoy the luxury of the location without feeling out of place. [photo id='245648'] For those with older children, the thermal pool is accessible during specific daytime hours (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) with supervision, allowing the whole family to enjoy the onsen experience. The resort even offers a "Treasure Hunt," where kids can explore the grounds to find hidden items using a secret map—a thoughtful touch that turns the resort into an adventure. The Verdict Whether you are seeking a romantic culinary journey, a solo wellness retreat, or a luxurious family getaway, ROKU KYOTO manages to be all things at once without compromising its identity. It is a rare gem where the silence of the mountains speaks louder than the city below. [photo id='245656']
For two to four people a vacation rental like Kuramaguchi-An offers a lot more space, freedom and convenience than a hotel at very little extra cost.
Tohichi is a new Ramen noodle restaurant in Kyoto, featuring superb clear soup and home-made noodles with Jidori chicken
Ichiwa is an thousand year old store with longstanding connections with Yasurai Matsuri festival at Imamiya Shrine selling aburi-mochi, grilled glutinous rice flour cakes.
An 80-year-old bathhouse is transformed into a cafe, whilst retaining its features reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award winning film 'Spirited Away'.
The Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are two of the most important and oldest shrines in Kyoto. They are located in the north of the city and are intentionally placed to ward off evil and Protect the city In fact, the two Kamo shrines are even older than the city, which became the national capital in 794. Shimogamo Shrine is located at the confluence of the Takano and Kamo Rivers and is surrounded by a forest that contains trees up to 600 years old. The Kamigamo Shrine is about three and a half kilometers upstream and is known for two sand cones on its site, which have a cleaning function for the sanctuary and have been ritually made since ancient times. Together the shrines host one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place on May 15th.
Well known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is a three-story Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) were built in the 13th century and were originally intended as noble villas for the Ashikaga shoguns. Today the building is also known as Rokuon-ji. Kinkaku-ji houses several important Buddhist relics and is a sacred place for the Rinzai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Each floor of the temple conveys a different architectural style. The first floor is in the Shinden style, the second floor in the Bukke style and the third floor in the Chinese Zen style. Thus became one of the most photogenic temples in all of Kyoto. The temple was once the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1408 he wanted to give the building to the Rinzai sect as a Zen temple. The grounds of the Kinkaku-ji Temple used to consist of several other buildings, but unfortunately burned down in the fires and destruction during the Onin War in the 1400s. The building you see today was also rebuilt in 1955.
Known for its academic blessings, Kitano Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto’s Kamigyo ward that is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, an influential scholar and politician. The shrine was built in 947 AD and is Japan’s first shrine to enshrine an actual person as a deity. Although there are numerous shrines throughout Japan dedicated to Michizane who is mainly known as a god of academics, Kitano Tenmangu is the original one. The massive Ro-mon Gate stands as the border between the city and the shrine grounds. This wooden structure, detailed with gold-and-wooden carvings, serves as an introduction to the architectural mastery ahead. Upon entering, it is customary to go to the chozuya and perform a hand-cleansing ritual. After you complete the ritual, explore the shrine’s tranquil grounds.