[December 2018] Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatoro
In December in Kyoto, the "Arashiyama Hanatoro" begins with the end of the autumn foliage season. From Arashiyama to Kita-Sagano, the winter Hanatoro is enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere, giving you a new sense of the charm of Kyoto. In this article, we will introduce the best viewing spots at this time of year, as well as information on the illuminated temples and Buddhist temples.
<Best time to see>
●Togetsukyo Bridge
Togetsukyo Bridge, the foot of the mountain, and the waterside will all be lit up, creating a magnificent and beautiful natural nightscape.
●Bamboo Forest Path
The bamboo forest along the walking path from Nonomiya Shrine to Okawachi Sansou Garden will be lit up, creating a fantastical scene.
●Path of lights and flowers
Taking advantage of the natural scenery and historical and cultural heritage of the Saga and Arashiyama region, including the waterside and bamboo forests, the event is presented with the "light" of outdoor lanterns, which have a rich Japanese atmosphere, and the "flowers" of voluminous Ikebana works. Please enjoy the walkway lit by the warmth of outdoor lanterns.
●Ikebana Promenade
Ikebana works with a sense of volume will be exhibited in large vases at nine locations along the path of lights and flowers.
●Kotonoha Lantern
This is a participatory event where you can write a commemorative message on a sticker with a maple leaf pattern and attach it to a large lantern at Nagagami no Mori. Decorate the lantern with your message.
●Drawing lantern
You can draw an illustration on paper at the Nakanoshima Park venue, create an original design lantern, and display it at the venue. The illustration you draw will be reduced and copied on the spot to create a miniature lantern. You can take it home as a memento of your visit to Arashiyama Hanatoro.
<Special viewing, opening and illumination information>
●Jojakkoji Temple
The quiet temple grounds on the middle slope of Mt. Ogura seem as if one is reveling in the Pure Land of Eternal Tranquility, the most excellent of the four Tendai Pure Lands, hence the name of the temple. The approach to the temple from the mountain gate to the Niomon Gate, main hall, and pagoda becomes a tunnel of autumn leaves in the fall. The night view of the entire city from the mountainside is magnificent.
Special night viewing: 5:00pm - 8:30pm (last entry at 8:00pm)
●Nonomiya Shrine
After the capital was moved to Heian, it was customary for the princess chosen as the Saigū of Ise Shrine to stay here for a year to purify herself. The bamboo that grows nearby is called Nomiyatake. The deity worshipped here is Amaterasu Omikami. It is also the starting point for a tour of Sagano.
Sunset to 8pm (last entry)
●Hogon-in Temple
A sub-temple of the Tenryuji temple. The garden, Shishiku Garden, is a vast stroll-style garden with Arashiyama as a backdrop. In spring, the garden features cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, and in autumn, the leaves change color, creating a beautiful natural landscape. In particular, the temple grounds are lit up in autumn, turning the temple red.
Special night viewing: 5:00pm - 8:30pm (last admission at 8:00pm)
●Horinji Temple
This ancient temple was founded by Gyoki Bodhisattva in 713 at the request of Emperor Genmei. It is the most sacred place in Japan for Kokuzo Bodhisattva. Its miraculous powers are described in the Konjaku Monogatari and other sources. It is known as the temple where the Jusan Mairi ceremony is held, and from the stage you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto city.
Sunset - 8:30pm
●Rakushisha
This is the hermitage of Mukai Kyorai, a famous Edo period haiku poet who is one of the Ten Philosophers of the School of Sho. The name comes from the fact that 40 persimmon trees in the garden dried up overnight. Basho wrote his masterpiece "Saga Nikki" in his later years here. A straw raincoat and hat indicating the abbot's residence hangs at the entrance, and in the garden there are stone monuments bearing haiku by Kyorai and Basho.
Nighttime special admission: 5:00pm - 8:30pm (last entry at 8:00pm)
● Saga Arashiyama Museum of Literature
It was renovated and reopened in the fall of 2018 as a comprehensive museum that introduces the art and culture of Arashiyama and Kyoto. A special exhibition introducing Japanese paintings related to Arashiyama, "Arashiyama Now and Then: Heart-Pounding Art," is currently being held.
Special night opening hours: 5:00pm to 8:30pm (entry until 8:00pm, closed on Tuesdays)
●Enjoy the winter scenery of Kyoto in a kimono!
Why not try touring the Arashiyama Hanatoro in a kimono? We have a limited plan, the Twilight Pack, available from 3pm. If you book online, you can choose from all the kimono plans for 4,900 yen, and you can return it the next day. Enjoy Kyoto at night without worrying about the return time!
What did you think? This time we introduced the Arashiyama Hanatoro, a seasonal winter event in Kyoto. Why not give it a try? And for those who are considering renting a kimono, we recommend the VASARA Kimono Rental Kyoto Station store.
<About reservations>
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