The Four Seasons of Japan:
City Information
General Information & What's New
Spared the ravages of WWII, (Kyoto fortunately avoided the fires that swept other cities) so many ancient temples and shrines remain standing and have been thus able to retain their true character. This slice of fortune has lead directly to Kyoto retaining some of Japan's best sightseeing spots with many of them only enhanced by the changes in the seasons that seem to envelop them throughout the year. Various traditions and works of art were initiated and developed in Kyoto over the centuries and over 70 kinds of high-quality craft products are still made in the city today. These include the renowned Nishijinori, Kyoyuzen, Kyoningyo and Kyosensu works among others with all associated production techniques being passed down to the artists of today by the experts of yesterday. Another side effect of the magnificent history, culture and climate of Kyoto is the unique local cuisine. Elaborate and seasonal, Kyoto's finest cuisine always offers that perfect culinary journey along the avenues of Japanese food of days gone by. |
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- Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - June 1 (Sat)-2 (Sun), 2013 This event started in 1950, co-sponsored by Kyoto City and Kyoto Noh Theater Association. Bonfires are built as dusk approaches, and the vermilion lacquered buildings of the shrine when lit-up host a special stage for the Noh performance. The air is filled with a solemn atmosphere and performers from the Kanze, Kongo and Okura schools perform Noh or Kyogen plays on a special Noh stage to fascinate audiences with their ethereal beauty.  http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index_e.html |
- Kifune Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - June 1 (Sat), 2013 This is the biggest festival held at Kifune Shrine, which is worshipped as the headquarters of other Kifune shrines located across Japan. During the season of the most beautiful new green leaves, a gorgeous golden float is carried around along the Kifune River, fascinating people with its colorfulness and jaunty musical rhythms. http://kifunejinja.jp/ (Japanese version only) |
- Ruins of Nandaimon of Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara City, Nara Prefecture - May 17 (Fri)-18 (Sat), 2013 Takigi Noh, traditional plays put on outdoors with light supplied by bonfires, are held in ancient capital Nara. A play is performed at Kasuga Taisha Shrine from 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., and plays are performed on the grounds of the ruins of Nandaimon of Kofuku-ji Temple from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on both days. All four schools of Noh, including Kanze, Komparu, Hosho and Kongo, can be seen during the two days. Bonfires are lit around 6 p.m. and invite audience into the mysterious world of "yugen" of noh drama. http://www.kohfukuji.com/english.html#english03 |
| All information is subject to change without notice. |
