Winter in Kyoto – 5 events to visit during your stay in the ancient capital

We decided to collect a handful of events for you in Kyoto, that you can get the most out of your winter 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.

ARASHIYAMA HANATOUROU

Hundreds of lanterns made of bamboo and ceramic line the evening streets and bamboo forest, illuminating your path and creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby temples and shrines also hold their own special illumination events.

 

JOYA NO KANE (Omisoka New Year’s Eve)

Around midnight on New Year’s Eve, all temples ring their large bronze bells 108 times in a tradition called “Joya-no-kane”.

Why 108 times? In Buddhism, it is said that humans have 108 earthly desires that are the sources of all suffering, and each toll of the bell helps people rid themselves of one of these desires.

By bringing out the old and bringing in the new, each earthly desire is shed so the New Year can begin with a pure mind. The final toll rings just after midnight. As it is home to many temples, many places in Kyoto hold Joya no Kane events. However, the most famous one is held at Chion-in. Every year, 17 monks can be seen working together to ring a massive, three-meter tall bell.

 

HATSUMODE (First Visit of the Year)

Merchants and many others visit Fushimi-Inari-taisha Shrine where the god of commerce is enshrined. Fushimi-Inari-taisha Shrine attracts more visitors coming to greet the New Year at midnight than almost any other shrines in Japan.

KYOTO MARATHON

 

This is a large-scale citizen participation type marathon held in Kyoto City. Providing a beautiful natural setting, the course takes runners on a memorable journey through seven World Heritage sites to Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. University students in Kyoto also take part in the marathon as volunteers or “Endo-moriagetai (music and dance performers along the streets)” to bring a lot of excitement to this event. While focusing on more eco-friendly activities, they strive to create an environmentally friendly competition as well.

HYAKUMANBEN TADUKURI 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 Winter 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.