Higashiyama Hanatouro 2012. Photo courtesy of http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/index.html
Kyoto in early Spring is a great time to enjoy one of the famous night light festivals, a moonlit beauty of the Higashiyama area.
Higashiyama is famous in Kyoto for its beautiful traditional look and feel. From March 10-20th, the popular Kyoto’s Night Festivals will be held. It’s a little early to enjoy Sakura (cherry blossoms) viewing in the beginning of April, but the romantic and exotic night air creates a very special atmosphere. If you visit Kyoto during this period, don’t miss this attractive chance to enjoy such amazing night views under the illuminated sky.
The 4.6-km route will be lined with about 2,400 lanterns and large flower displays will be arranged along the route in a variety of attractive styles. The illumination area is really huge, going from Shoren-in Temple in the north all the way to Kiyomizu Temple area in the south.
Another adventure is to try the Japanese cuisine from lots of unique food stalls along the lanes, like Yakisoba, Takoyaki etc… Also, if you’re lucky you may come across such special attractions like Kitsune no Yomeiri Junko (Re-creation of traditional wedding parade) or Maiko Dancing performance.
The access from Kyoto station is by bus. Bus No: 206 or Rakubus 100 at platform D1 or D2), Get off at Gion or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop
Here are the areas you can find the Night Illuminations:
Yasaka Pagoda
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kodai-ji Temple
Entoku-in Temple
Yasaka Jinja Shrine
Maruyama Park— flower arrangement & bamboo lanterns decoration
Chion-in Temple (Yuzen-en Garden)
Shoren-in Temple
These romantic nighttime strolls will be the perfect addition to your Kyoto travel memories.
For more information, please visit: http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/index.html
Find more recommendations from Viator guide Satoko Kuroda. Satoko is an experienced Viator guide and offers tours all throughout Kyoto, Japan. Learn more about Kyoto Expert Satoko.
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19. July 2012 at 9:01 pm
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