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Discover Latest #Kyoto News, Articles and Videos with Contenting
- ABC News Find the latest Kyoto news from WIRED. See related science and technology articles, photos, slideshows and videos. Kyoto is a city located in Japan, and is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world. It is also home to some of the most beautiful gardens and shrines, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Kyoto is also known for its traditional cuisine, with a variety of flavors from all over Japan. Visitors can enjoy the city's many festivals, including the famous Gion Festival and the Aoi Matsuri. Kyoto is also a great place to experience traditional Japanese art and culture, with a variety of museums and galleries located throughout the city.
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in April 2025: Enjoy Japan's Exciting Spring Events | LIVE JAPAN travel guide
April in Kansai bursts with color and excitement. Alongside cherry blossom festivals and seasonal traditions, you'll also find themed events inspired by popular anime and characters, as well as immersive art experiences drawing large crowds. From Osaka to Kyoto, we've curated a list of standout events and festivals happening across the Kansai region this April. This page includes promotional content
Things to do in Kyoto in April 2025 | Arigato Travel
April is a transition from spring to early summer for Japan. Mild and pleasant weather makes cherry blossoms bloom and crowds gather and enjoy picnics under the trees. Whilst there are warm days in most regions, occasional rain and cool evenings remind us of the end of the early spring. Despite the unpredictable weather of spring, Kyoto offers a lot of opportunities for trips to do outdoor activities and visit seasonal festivals. The best thing about April is Hanami (花見), which means watching cherry blossoms in full bloom. Also, you can enjoy historical and heritage tours. In this blog, we will introduce several locations and events so that you can get the most out of your Kyoto trip. Miyako Odori (Spring Dances by Geiko & Maiko) If you visit Kyoto, you should see Miyako Odori, which is one of the most beautiful spring events. This annual dance performance is presented by Geiko and Maiko of the Gion Kobu district (kagai). In 2025, Miyako Odori will be held at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre. The first performance was held 150 years ago during the First Kyoto Exposition. Since then, Miyako Odori has been treasured as a seasonal spring tradition in Kyoto. Miyako Odori runs for about an hour to showcase the changing seasons from spring to the following spring. Date: April 1st ~ 30th (there will be no performance on April 15th) Time: 1st - 12:30 ~ 2nd - 14:30 ~ 3rd - 16:30 ~ Address: Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō, 570-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074 Website: https://miyako-odori.jp/english Admission fee: 4000 ~ 7000 yen (depends on seat and plan) Heianjingu Sakura Otoyo Held at Heianjingu, the Sakura Otoyo concert is a great night-time event that should be added to your plans. People listen to Japanese artists’s music while enjoying the Benishidare weeping cherries. The interesting thing about this is that there is no seat. Artists will play from the Shobikan ceremonial hall, and the audience listen to their music near the Seiho-ike pond in the east garden. You can listen to the music of Japanese instruments, such as shamisen and koto, which make nostalgic sounds. Date: April 2nd ~ 6th Time: 18:15 ~ 21:00 Address: Heian Jingu Shrine, 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341 Price: 3000 ~ 15000 yen (depends on plan) Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/ Enjoy viewing Cherry Blossoms (Hanami) In April, Cherry Blossom viewing (hanami) in Kyoto will be a precious experience. The famous parks and temples become beautiful with pink petals and draw visitors for picnics. There are several Sakura spots in Kyoto. Maruyama Park which is next to Yasaka Shrine is known for illuminated weeping cherry trees at night. In the Higashiyama district, Philosopher’s Path follows the canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. The length of this path is about two kilometres long! I recommend seeing Kiyomizu-dera Temple also. A spectacular view of cherry blossoms is overwhelming. Time: early to mid ~ April Address: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862 Website (Kiyomizu-dera Temple): https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en Admission fee: Most parks - free Kiyomizu-dera Temple - 500 yen for adults Oka-sai Oka-sai, a Sakura festival, has been held at Hirano Shrine every year since 985 for over a thousand years. This is the oldest festival in Kyoto. After a ceremony in front of the shrine at 10:00, the ritual is held at the Mausoleum of Emperor Kazan, who reigned when the festival was established. At 13:00, the procession, which is made up of a portable shrine, women in historical kimonos, priests, and warriors on horseback, starts at the Hirano Shrine. Date: April 10th Time: 10:00 ~ 15:00 Address: Hirano Shrine, Japan, 〒603-8322 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Hirano Miyamotocho, 1 Admission fee: free Website: https://www.hiranojinja.com/home/english-page Kamo Kyokusui no En In Kamigamo Shrine, the Kamo Kyokusui no En is held following the style of poetry parties during the Heian period. In this event, authors have to compose improvised poems based on the tanka format, which consists of five lines of 5, 7, 5, 7, and 7 syllables. Through this event, people can feel the elegance of the Heian style of noble living by listening to Japanese classical music. Date: April 13th Time: 13:00 ~ Address: Kamigamo Shrine, 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047 Admission fee: free Website (only in Japanese): https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare Yasurai Festival One of Kyoto’s three unique festivals, the Yasurai Festival at Imamiya Shrine, is held to pray for good health and prevention of illness. There is a lively procession led by performers who dress as oni (demons). The sounds of traditional instruments make this event mysterious. In the Yasurai Festival, red umbrellas play a pivotal role. They are said to attract the god’s eyes and bring good health to those who pass under these umbrellas. If you write your name on the effigies, you can get purified by a priestess and ask for god’s blessings. Date: April 14th Time: 12:00 ~ The procession starts from Kōnen-ji (small temple near Imamiya Shrine) 15:00 ~ Arrival and performance at Imamiya Shrine Address: Imamiya Shrine, 21 Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8243 Admission fee: free Website: http://www.imamiyajinja.org/eng/imamiya_ENG/Yasurai_festival.html Toji Temple flea market Held at the Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Toji Temple flea market is a great event to add to your trip plans to find antiques, bargain crafts, kimonos, and souvenirs. Even if you do not buy anything, it is enjoyable to just explore a variety of goods. Go to a lot of stalls and see what you can find. Not only are there material products, but you can also enjoy snacks at the food stalls! This flea market is one of Kyoto’s three major markets. Date: April 21st Time: 8:00 ~ 17:00 Address: To-ji Temple, 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473, Japan Admission fee: free Website: https://toji.or.jp/ In April, Kyoto has breathtaking nature, a beautiful display of traditional culture, and lively seasonal festivals that attract you and keep you captivated. Whether you go for geisha performances, hanami under cherry blossoms, or enjoy historical festivals, Kyoto has a little bit of everything for everyone during this time. Featured Photo Credit: Balazs Simon If you'll be stopping by Kyoto to enjoy some of these great events and scenic spots, be sure to book a food tour for a truly local experience!
Interview with Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast | Arigato Travel
One of the main draws of visiting Japan has always been experiencing its rich history. Given the fact that the one-of-a-kind tradition unique to this incredible country is especially visible in the Kansai region, cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara are often the top destinations for anyone looking to peer into traditional Japan whilst still having access to the modern metropolis. Many visitors opt for a more hands-on, historically accurate experience and go for a walking tour down the Tokaido Road, a once-important trade route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo Period. But just like the merchants and pilgrims of the day – and even if you decide to go by the Tokaido Shinkansen – you’re bound to stay overnight at its many designated stops before you can accomplish such a feat. So, why not reward yourself a little bit earlier by staying at Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast, a traditional-style inn located at the very last stop of this historic route only half an hour away from Kyoto by train? We recently met with the team behind this incredible spot, and we couldn’t wait to share what they had to say with all of you. Read on to learn more about your potential detour spot and its most notable accommodation! Firstly, can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at Inase Otsu Machiya? My name is Yoichi, the director. My job means that I am in charge of planning and managing the Otsu Machiya Inn Inase. Can you please tell our readers about Inase Otsu Machiya? Inase is a guesthouse that was renovated from a rice shop built in the early Showa period and has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property. It is within a 10-minute walk of Mitsui-dera Temple, Otsu Port, and Keihan Biwako Hama Otsu Station, (making it easy to get to and from Kyoto) and a quiet place to stay. I understand that Inase was renovated in 1933 from a townhouse that was once used as a local rice shop. Could you tell us which parts of the original building were preserved and which parts were changed or updated to become the current Otsu Machiya no Yado Inase? The renovations began when a proposal was made to tear down the building and turn it into a parking lot. However, our owner decided to buy it to save it and turned it into an inn. The main building has been left untouched, and the mud walls and floor plan have been preserved. To make it into an inn, toilets and washbasins have been installed in each guest room to make it easier for guests to spend time there, and on the first floor, a community space has been set up to meet the diverse needs of travelers and allow guests to interact with each other. The room called “Bansho” in the annex has been renovated while preserving the beams. We also built a storehouse to replace the one that previously existed on the premises. Inase has seven rooms, each with its own distinct name. Can you briefly point out the unique characteristics of each room? The rooms are named after the eight most beautiful spots in Omi. As mentioned previously, the main building has been renovated to retain the original atmosphere of each room and now has washbasins and toilets. There is also a shared bathroom, shower room and laundry on the first floor, as well as a common space facing the garden. We opened one detached room that ensures privacy and two rooms in the new “Kura” building, which is equipped with a mini-kitchen for long-term stays, in August of 2023. In each room, we have explanations of the eight scenic spots of Omi using the names of the rooms, and the lighting and furniture are also from the early Showa period, so we hope you will enjoy the retro atmosphere while learning about the history. Inase is surrounded by an abundance of picturesque spots, but Inase itself shines with its beautiful historic architecture. What’s the most scenic spot at the inn where guests might relax and unwind? By far, this has to be the courtyard and garden that can be seen from the community space. You can relax on the veranda and take in the beautiful view. The main building of Inase has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. To ensure this, we have used the same materials as when the building was first constructed, and have preserved it as much as possible in its original state. You can feel the atmosphere of a traditional Otsu townhouse no matter where you look. In addition, from the community space overlooking the courtyard, you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons while staying indoors. We invite you to find your own favorite spot in the calm space of the Otsu townhouse. Inase serves a delicious and plentiful Japanese breakfast. What’s usually on the menu? We serve a homemade Japanese breakfast every morning, including miso soup made with our own vegetables and miso, and other dishes. Please enjoy your morning in a homely atmosphere to start your day. We heard that you offer cultural experiences in addition to your services as an accommodation. What kind of services do you offer? We have a wonderful traditional tea ceremony service with Inase's tea master. Now, we hold tea ceremonies with a tea master. (Advanced reservations required) We also hold casual tea parties for the purpose of international exchange. Otsu is overflowing with must-visit historical sites – including Inase itself which was designated a Tangible Cultural Property in 2017. Which places do you always recommend? And are there any hidden gems that most people would miss but you as a local think are worth visiting? Here are some places we suggest that are also popular among the locals: Nyoigoe, which connects Daimonji Mountain and Miidera Temple, is perfect for trekking. Rokasennsuisou (Kionji) was built as a villa for the Japanese-style painter Yamamoto Shunkyo and is designated as a nationally important cultural property. Advanced reservations are required for visits. The Karahashi Bridge in Seta is one of the eight famous views of Omi and is the location that appears in the poem “Seta no Yūshō”. It is a historic bridge in Japan, and the name of the room in the Inase is taken from the Seta no Yūshō. The date of the renovation is written on the bridge's giboshi, making it one of the places where you can truly feel the history of the area. Not only places, but Otsu boasts many distinct festivals, food specialties, and folk arts & crafts. What experience and/or souvenirs can guests only get by visiting Otsu? There are many things to see and do while in the area, but here are two suggestions we think you definitely can’t miss. Chajo Fujimura, located near Ishiyama-dera, is a Japanese sweets shop where you can eat freshly made Japanese sweets, and there is also take-out. For those looking for more physical activity, Otsu Machiya no Yado Inase is a place that you can get to by cycling along the shore of Lake Biwa, so you can feel the nature of the season. Lastly, what kind of experience or impression do you want your guests to be left with after staying at Inase, and Otsu in general? Otsu City is close to Kyoto and is a base for visiting tourist attractions, but unlike Kyoto, it is a place where you can relax and spend your time in a leisurely manner. It is also very close to Lake Biwa, making it easy to go for a stroll. We would like you to stay at the Otsu Machiya Inn Inase, a traditional Japanese-style house, and experience everyday life like never before. Thank you again for sharing all about your beautiful inn and the surrounding city of Otsu! I’m sure our readers wouldn’t miss the chance to stay at an actual machiya, in a region known especially for its rich history and lingering traditional atmosphere. With only seven rooms available at any one time, make sure to book one of Inase’s special rooms in advance for your equally special trip to Otsu, nearby Kyoto, or perhaps your journey back in time down the ever-scenic Tokaido Road. Check out Inase Otsu Machiya at the following: Website: https://www.inaseotsu.com/en/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/inase_otsu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/%E7%B2%8B%E4%B8%96-inase-Otsu-Machiya-Bed-Breakfast-155534281592404/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCan9JMjh5f2-I1DiMg8Sscg TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298202-d12389627-Reviews-Inase_Otsu_Machiya_Bed_and_Breakfast-Otsu_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html Featured Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya. To try great matcha and green tea, join us on any of our fantastic Green Tea Experiences in Japan!
[Tokushima] Let's go see the Naruto Whirlpools! A detailed transportation guide to accessing the whirlpools from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe - Japan Travel Guide MATCHA
Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture is an attractive place with abundant nature, including the Naruto Whirlpools . We will introduce recommended ways to get there from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. using the Shinkansen, rental cars, and express buses.
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma scheduled to open in August 2025 - Japan Travel Guide MATCHA
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is scheduled to open in August 2025 in Shijo, Kyoto . This hotel, operated by JR Tokai Group and Marriott, offers a special stay experience to travelers from Japan and abroad. *The image is for illustrative purposes only.
[Kyoto] Introducing recommended wedding photo spots in Kyoto and its surrounding areas! - Japan Travel Guide MATCHA
Kyoto is a hugely popular tourist destination, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is home to beautiful, historic cityscapes and is a recommended location for wedding photography. In this article, we will introduce 15 recommended photo locations in Kyoto and the surrounding area!!