Shrines & Temples Chionin Chionin (知恩院) is located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto and is the head temple of the Jōdo…
Shrines & Temples Daikakuji Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a temple complex in the west of Kyoto. It dates back to the early Heian…
Shrines & Temples Ninnaji Ninnaji (仁和寺) is a temple in western Kyoto that dates back to the late 9th century. It is…
Shrines & Temples Ginkakuji Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, “Temple of the Silver Pavilion”) is a Zen temple in the Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto. The…
Gozan no Okuribi Daimonji Gozan no Okuribi (also known as the “Daimonji Festival”) is a bonfire festival held on 16 August…
Jidai Matsuri Jidai Matsuri (時代祭, “Festival of the Ages”) celebrates the foundation of Kyoto and is held on the 22…
Aoi Matsuri The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) or the “Hollyhock Festival” is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals (the others being…
March Osaka Sumo Tournament Six major sumo tournaments (called honbasho) are held during the year—one on each odd month, each taking place…
Nachi Fire Festival Nachi Fire Festival (那智の扇祭り, Nachi no Ogi Matsuri) or “Nachi Fan Festival” is one of three major fire…
Nara Chugen Mantoro More than 3,000 lanterns are lit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara twice a year—on 3 February for…
Nara Setsubun Mantoro More than 3,000 lanterns are lit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara twice a year—in early February for…
