With March marking the beginning of spring, it’s not only nature that’s entering a new season, but the foodie world as well. Have a look at a couple of the exciting events available in Kyoto this March.
Kyoto Confectionery Collection
The pairing of bitter, soulful matcha with sweet, delicate wagashi is a tale as old as time. There’s a reason why this is a classic and popular treat with locals and tourists alike. If you wish to turn a cup of tea into an experience in Japanese culture, history and tradition, then head to Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine to enjoy matcha and traditional sweets made by a long-established confectionery right in the heart of Kyoto.
More information at: https://kyogashi.kyoto.travel/#event
Location: Bundou Kaikan Hall at Kitano Tenman-gu shrine (facility details: https://loco.yahoo.co.jp/place/g-0O6LayjxsV-/)
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hFkAxzhak9a1GKUF7
Date: 29th of February to 1st of March, everyday from 11:00-19:30 (last tickets sold at 19:00)
Cost: From ¥1000 per person for a cup of matcha and two sweets (upgrade to a larger set available, ¥1800 for adults, ¥1400 for junior high school students and younger)
Light and Food Ensemble 2020
Illumination and light show events not only make for the most Instagrammable settings, but they are often paired with great food and drinks. Creative company NAKED is honouring the 120th anniversary of Meiji Kotokan Hall with light projections of spring themes accompanied by music at the Kyoto National Museum. Aside from the festivities, there will be a selection of pop-up food stalls with unique spins on Kyoto’s traditional foods and snacks, original recipes by culinary masters from the city, available only during the event. Whether you’re craving tempura, beef hot pot or matcha latte, why not enjoy it with great company and a modern-meets-historical aesthetic?
More information at: ensemblekyoto.com
Location: Kyoto National Museum (facility details: https://www.walkerplus.com/spot/ar0726s61435/)
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/nhFfdhM8Lp4W1Lnd7
Date: 6th of March to 15th of March, everyday from 18:00 to 20:30 from Sundays to Thursdays, 18:00 to 21:30 on Fridays and Saturdays (last admission at 20:00)
Cost: ¥800 for adults (¥700 advance), ¥400 for elementary and junior high school students (¥300 advance). Advance tickets are available for purchase at various convenience stores. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit the event’s homepage.
Japanese Food of Kyoto Festival
Culture makes food and food makes culture. This is particularly true in Japan, where each season, region and time period has its staple food. But if you still aren’t convinced, the Japanese Culinary Culture Exposition event will take you on a journey through the wonders of washoku (traditional Japanese food) of Kyoto. From traditional radish soup to Japanese sake, you will be able to sample local delicacies for free. And if you find yourself hungry for more, you can treat yourself to one of the 150 limited lunch sets – a collaboration between several long-established Kyoto restaurants. Last but not least, this is a family-friendly event that provides activities for parents to enjoy with their children, such as traditional confectionery making.
More information at: http://www.washoku-kyoto.jp/
Location: Nishi Honganji Karamon and Ryukoku University Omiya Campus
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/h1evDL774wQgz7wC7
Date: 7th of March, 10:00 to 16:00
Cost: Admission is free. Some activities require participation fee or tickets. More information on this and ticket application form can be found on the event’s website.
Super Strawberry Fair 2020
It is no secret that strawberries enjoy great popularity in Japan. Their season commences with the Christmas cake and lasts until late spring. Super Strawberry Fair, also titled “Five Senses,” celebrates the sweet, juicy berries in a chic style. This stylish event offers a curated box of desserts for each customer, and a buffet with 15 different kinds of sweets, 15 different flavors of ice cream and a selection of drinks, including cocktails – all using strawberries. So whether you’re looking for a unique day out with friends, a delicious date for White Day or just want to treat the strawberry-craving gourmet inside, this event is definitely worth checking out.
More information at: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-centuryhotel/strawberry2020/
Location: Kyoto Century Hotel
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/x9jfnJaeqq6iCzrTA
Date: 11th of January to 29th of March, held on Saturdays and Sundays. 15:30 to 17:00, 90 minutes time slots.
Cost: ¥4133 adults, ¥2067 children, ¥828 toddlers
Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon
Although Arashiyama is mainly famous for the bamboo forest, monkey park and Togetsukyo Bridge, it cannot go without mentioning the petite shops and inviting restaurants that line the streets of this district. Modern meets traditional in many of these establishments, so there’s no wonder the Arashiyama Gourmet Coupon scheme came to be. To attract visitors, Keifuku Railways released a coupon that you can claim at 3 out of 8 collaborating stores, tasting a handful of selected snacks. Hop on Kyoto’s tram, take a trip to Arashiyama, and while taking in the breathtaking scenery, get the energy to explore from the coffee or warabimochi you can get in an exchange for this coupon.
More information at: https://randen.keifuku.co.jp/test/system/ckfinder/userfiles/files/2018gurume.pdf
Location: stores and cafes around Arashiyama (individual stores in the brochure). Coupons sold at various locations: Arashiden / Arashiyama Station Information, Hankyu / Arashiyama Station, Kyoto City Transportation Bureau / Kyoto Ekimae Information Center, Kotochika Kyoto Information Center, Uzumasenjinjingawa Information Center
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/YUado6nMjCesMDXP8
Date: 1st of April 2019 to 31st of March 2020
Cost: ¥500 for a coupon (worth 3 items)
Want to discover what delicious dishes Kyoto has to offer? Be sure to book your local guide for a Food Tour!
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