As February gracefully drapes Kyoto in its winter allure, a captivating symphony of cultural richness and seasonal delights awaits. This historical city, renowned for its ancient temples, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant traditions, becomes a canvas for an array of events that showcase the intersection of tradition, artistry, and culinary wonders. From the bustling Umekoji Park Handicrafts Market to the serene Kitano Tenmangū Shrine’s Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival, each event adds its unique brushstroke to Kyoto’s winter tapestry.
Snow Lantern Festival in Miyama’s Thatched Village – Photo Credit: Kyoto Miyama Tourism Association
Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival in Miyama Village
In Miyama Village, the Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival transforms the landscape into a mesmerizing winter spectacle from January 27th to February 3rd. Traditional thatched roof houses adorned with handmade snow lanterns create a magical ambiance. This enchanting festival allows visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japanese architecture illuminated by various lanterns, offering a unique winter countryside experience.
Admission: Free to attend; price varies depending on participation
Date: January 27th – February 3rd
Times:
Food Stalls: 14:00 – 20:00
Lantern Making: 15:00 – 19:30
Illuminations: 17:00 – 20:00
February 3rd Traditional Dance Performances: 18:00
February 3rd Fireworks Display: 18:30
Location: 美山 かやぶきの里・北村
Website: https://miyamanavi.com/en/event/yukitouro
Feature Exhibition Rulers of the Heavens: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon – Photo Credit: Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto National Museum’s Exhibition – “Rulers of the Heavens – Celebrating the Year of the Dragon”
For art enthusiasts, the Kyoto National Museum hosts the exhibition “Rulers of the Heavens – Celebrating the Year of the Dragon” until February 12th. This captivating showcase explores the mythical creature of the dragon through various artistic interpretations. From diverse depictions of dragons to their symbolic significance in ancient tales, the exhibition invites visitors on a captivating journey into the imaginative world of these mythical beings.
Admission:
Adult: 700 yen
University Student (ID required): 350 yen
Date: January 2nd – February 12th
Times:
09:30 – 17:00 (Entrance Until 16:30)
Open until 19:00 on Fridays (Entrance Until 18:30)
Location: Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing, Galleries 2F-2,3,4
Website: https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/exhibitions/feature/b/tatsu_2024/
Entering Umekoji handmade crafts market – Photo Credit: Bridget Ye
Explore Umekoji Park Handicrafts Market
Umekoji Park Handicrafts Market, nestled in Umekoji Park, magnetizes over 3,000 visitors every first Saturday (excluding January and May). With 300 stalls offering handmade accessories, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, and delectable treats, it’s a treasure trove immersing enthusiasts in a lively atmosphere. Each stall showcases unique delights, creating an unforgettable experience amid Umekoji Park’s embrace.
Admission: Free to attend; price varies depending on participation
Date: First Saturday of every month except January and May
Times: 09:00 – 16:00
Location: Umekoji Park
Website: https://sharing-kyoto.com/event_umekoji-park-tedukuri-ichi/story
Hatsu Uma Daikondaki – Photo Credit: Discover Kyoto
Hatsu Uma Daikondaki in Ōhara Village
For warmth and local hospitality, the Hatsu Uma Daikondaki festival in Ōhara village beckons from February 10th to 13th at Sanzen-in Temple. This heartwarming festival centers on a large daikon radish soup-making ritual, inviting visitors to partake in the preparation and enjoyment of organic daikon radish soup. Ōhara, an hour from Kyoto Station, offers a rural escape into a serene winter wonderland.
Admission:
- General Admission: 700 yen
- Junior High School, High School: 400 yen
- Primary School: 150 yen
Date: February 10th – 13th
Times: 09:00 – 16:30
Location: Sanzen-in Temple
Website: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/february/daikondaki-ohara-sanzen/
Pre-event ceremony, Kanpaku – Photo Credit: DAIGOJI Temple
Godai-Rikison Ninno-e Festival at Daigoji Temple
On February 23rd, Daigoji Temple hosts the Godai-Rikison Ninno-e festival, steeped in history. This unique event involves lifting large mochi cakes to invoke blessings for health and happiness. With roots dating back over a millennium, Godai-Rikison Ninno-e, or Godairikisan, is a cherished tradition attracting visitors seeking protection. The festival offers a rare opportunity to witness and participate in the symbolic act believed to ensure prosperity.
Admission: Free to attend; price varies depending on participation
Date: February 23rd, every year
Times: 09:00 – 17:00
Location: Daigoji temple
Website: https://www.daigoji.or.jp/events/events_detail1_e.html
The nodate takes place in the clearing beside the shrine’s Sankōmon Gate – Photo Credit: Discover Kyoto
Kitano Tenmangū Shrine’s Baikasai
On February 25th, Kitano Tenmangū Shrine hosts the Baikasai, seamlessly blending Shinto rituals, blossoms’ beauty, green tea’s essence, and the grace of geiko and maiko. Honoring plum blossoms, the celebration features outdoor tea ceremonies and cultural performances at the historic shrine, creating an enchanting spectacle where traditional rituals and modern festivities harmonize.
General Admission: Free
Treasure Hall:
- General Admission: 300 yen
- Junior High School, High School: 250 yen
- Primary School: 150 yen
Date: February 25th
Times: 07:00 – 21:00
Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/event/
Kyoto in February invites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of cultural celebrations and artistic explorations. From the rich traditions of the Hatsu Uma Daikondaki festival in Ōhara village to the enchanting glow of snow lanterns at the Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival, every event becomes a chapter in Kyoto’s winter story. Embrace the city’s warmth amid the winter chill, and let the tapestry of experiences weave unforgettable memories for all who embark on this February journey in Kyoto.
Feature photo credit: shun idota on Unsplash
