Sunday 17 April 2016

Cultural Events during April and May in Kyoto

Shiramine Shrine
There are over 500 annual festivals in Kyoto.

Spring Annual Festival, 14 April 2016

Shiramine Shrine
From around 11:30am Kemari ball-kicking game is played by people dressed in ancient court costumes (Visitors are able to join).
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Kyokusui no Utage, 29 April 2016

Jonan-gu Shrine
Jonan-gu Shrine
A traditional Heian-period poetry game will be recreated by 7 people dressed in the Heian-period costumes sitting by the stream in the shrine garden. A small sake cup will be released on the stream and people have to create a short poem before the cup arrives in front of them. Free of charge to enter the event. In the precinct, traditional dance performances will be held from 14:00 (programme subject to change due to rain).


Spring Dance

The 64th Kitano Odori - 25 March - 7 April 2016
The 144th Miyako Odori - 1 April - 30 April 2016
The 67th Kyo Odori - 2 April - 17 April 2016
The 179th Kamogawa Odori - 1 May - 24 May 2016
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Aoi Festival, 15 May 2016
Aoi Festival
Aoi Festival is the most important annual ritual for Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. Commonly known as "Aoi Festival," the official name is Kamo Festival.

Shrine priests offer hollyhock leaves (aoi) to the deity and costumes of the people, carts, shrine halls and nearby buildings are decorated with the leaves. The festival retains the elegant imperial atmosphere of the Heian period (794-1185). The procession departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30, then, slowly proceeds to Kamigamo Shrine via Shimogamo Shrine.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (start: 10:30)
Shimogamo Shrine (arrival: 11:40, start: 14:20)
Kamigamo Shrine (arrival: 15:30)

*Postponed in case of rain.
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Other events related to Aoi Festival
Yabusame Shinji Arrow Shooting Ritual, 3 May 2016
Purification Ritual for the Saio-dai and Her Servant, 4 May 2016
Busha Shinji Arrow Shooting Ritual, 5 May 2016
Kamo Kurabe Uma Horse Ritual, 5 May 2016

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Mikage Festival 12 May 2016

Shimogamo Shrine
Before the main festival starts, people prepare to welcoming the spirit of the deity to Shimogamo Shrine. "Azuma Asobi” a traditional elegant dance, takes place in the Tadasu no Mori forest in the precinct of the shrine from 16:00.

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