Our favourite Spring events in Kyoto – from the best Cherry Blossom spots to Geikos and illuminations

We decided to collect a handful of events for you in Kyoto, that you can get the most out of your spring vacation. Even though Kyoto is full of adventure on any given day throughout the year, these events make this city even more special to us.

 

HIGASHIYAMA HANATOUROU

As the spring tourist season gives way to March, you can experience a special illumination event called, “Higashiyama Hanatouro” at Higashiyama, one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Here, hundreds of lanterns made of bamboo and ceramic (”Andon”) line the evening streets and bamboo forest, illuminating the path and creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby temples and shrines also hold their own special illumination events.

Higashiyama Hanatouro features a variety of other events and exhibitions as well, including an extensive display of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, a small concert with guitars and the ancient Shaku-hachi flute, and classical Geisha dance performances.

 

HANAMI (Cherry-blossom Viewing)

From the end of March through the beginning of April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom all throughout Kyoto, people gather in parks in a Japanese tradition known as “Hanami” or cherry-blossom viewing.

In Maruyama Park, revelers eat, drink sake and beer, and sing beneath the beautiful cherry blossoms. The atmosphere is always festive.

Hirano-jinja Shrine, near Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, features hundreds of cherry trees and is especially popular with people who gather here to enjoy the cherry blossoms, eat, drink, and celebrate late into the night.

The banks of the Kamo-gawa River, which runs through downtown Kyoto, are beautifully colored by the cherry blossoms. Nakaragi-no-michi Street between Kitayama and Kita-oji is famous for having the most beautiful blossoms in all of Kyoto.

Tetsugaku-no-michi Street and the area around Heian-jingu Shrine are also famous as cherry blossom sites. Needless to say, Ninna-ji Temple’s “Omuro-no-sakura” (group of cherry blossom trees) is also worth the experience.

 

MIYAKO ODORI

The Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) still carry out their traditional annual dances during the height of the cherry blossom season throughout the month of April. The most popular of these dances are the Miyako Odori “Cherry Blossom Dances” and “Dances of the Old Capital.” Spectators flock from all across Japan and the world to attend the event. Gion District Geisha prefer to be called Geiko, which means a woman skilled in dance and music.

 

HYAKUMANBEN TEDUKURI ICHI

As a bonus here is an insider hint for you:  a flea market that takes place every month on the 15th by the Main-hall of Chionji temple. Here you have the opportunity to see and buy the handmade products of selected craft workers in Kyoto. There are more than 450 stalls and thousands of visitors every months.

 

Please note that these are our selected events for the Spring season. Kyoto offers you many more exciting experiences and ceremonies. Depending on your arrival, we can offer you personalized recommendations at our concierge desk! Feel free to ask us about your plans. Have a nice day and see you soon in Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei or Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G!