With its numerous world-famous sightseeing spots, Kyoto is high on everybody’s list of places to visit in Japan. The mountains of the area have given rise to some of Japan’s most famous legends, and even today Kyoto is deeply influenced by ancient tradition and culture. It is one of those places, where you can start walking in any direction, and you’ll find something amazing within minutes. But, it never hurts to have some ideas on what to do. So, if you are headed to Kyoto in June, here are a few off-the-beaten-path activities you can enjoy.
The Torii Gate at the Entrance of Kifune Shrine – Photo by Satoshi Hirayama on Pexels
Kifune Matsuri
Kifune Matsuri is the lively annual festival held at the Kifune Shrine in Kyoto. Like other matsuri in Japan, the festival begins with a lot of dancing and music performances, which are offered to the deities. Soon, the procession begins and the mikoshi, or portable shrine is carried out from the main shrine, followed by a large group of people. The highlight of the Kifune Matsuri is the sacred Izumo Kagura dance and music performance, which tells the story of the God Susano who helped an elderly couple by slaying a giant eight-headed serpent who was about to kill their daughter. The performances are made even more spectacular with the traditional costumes and the occasional fireworks, signifying victory over the evil serpent.
Dates: 1st June 2024
Location: Kifune Shrine
Website: http://kifunejinja.jp/
For more details, please visit their website
The rice planting ceremony at Fushimi Inari Taisha – Photo by Akiyoko
Taue Sai Festival
Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is very popular for its hundreds of vermillion Torii gates. But in June each year, it is also host to a traditional rice cultivation festival. The Japanese usually plant the rice in nursery beds in the spring, around April. In the summer, the young plants are transplanted into the shrine paddies, by men and women in traditional farming costumes. This is known as the Taue Sai, or the rice planting ritual. After a few hard hours of work, the priests and farmers, along with a lot of dancers and musicians, all gather together in the main hall of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine to make a ritual offering of food and prayers to the Gods, in the hopes of a bountiful crop. If you are planning to be in Kyoto in June, and are likely to visit Fushimi Inari shrine, you might want to consider planning your trip around the Taue Sai Festival, to get a unique experience. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in an ancient ceremony that’s also really fun, with all the dancing, singing and wading through the rice paddies.
Dates: 10th June 2024
Location: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Website: http://inari.jp/
For more details, please visit their website
Hydrangeas on display at Fujinomori Shrine, Kyoto – Photo by Akira Nakatani
Aji Matsuri
Kyoto is famed for its hydrangea season around June and July. The Fujinomori Shrine hosts the special Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival), as well as a month-long celebration period during which visitors can enjoy the floral displays and the local cuisine, and experience cultural events. During the matsuri, special performances are offered to the Gods, including Taiko Drums, poetry readings, and other cultural engagements. Plus there is almost always a great ajisai-themed party.
Dates: 15th June 2024
Location: Fujinomori Shrine
Website: http://fujinomorijinjya.or.jp
For more details, please visit their website
Feel the high-paced energy of bamboo-cutting ceremony – Photo by Stray Toki
Takekiri-Eshiki Ceremony
The Kurama-dera temple in northern Kyoto sits deep within an ancient forest, on the way to Mount Kurama. In June, the temple holds its annual Takekiri-Eshiki ceremony in which four bamboo poles 10 cm thick are tied up in front of the main temple hall. First, the monks carry out a ritual to offer thanks to nature for the water and harvest it provides. Once the ritual is complete, the real action begins! Two teams of monks, wearing formal robes, compete against each other using special hatchets to cut down the bamboo poles in the shortest amount of time with extreme precision. According to legends, the bamboo poles represent evil, and the ceremony is a way to pray for a good harvest. The bamboo pieces are used as protection against misfortune. After the bamboo-cutting ceremony, a new bamboo plant is returned to the grove and allowed to grow. Quite unique compared to other Japanese ceremonies and rituals, which are quite elegant and slow-paced, the fast-paced action of Takekiri-Eshiki is a great event to observe.
Dates: 20th June 2024
Location: Kurama-dera Temple
Website: http://kuramadera.or.jp
For more details, please visit their website
Enjoy the ajisai gardens – Photo by retirementbonus
Mimuroto-ji Temple Gardens
Kyoto is famous for its colourful ajisai or hydrangea season, which is in full bloom from June to July. Many shrines and temples in Kyoto hold special viewing sessions for visitors to give them an opportunity to enjoy the floral displays and experience the local culture and cuisine. In June, the Mimuroto-ji Temple, popularly known as the Temple of Flowers, opens up its breathtakingly beautiful gardens with almost 20,000 hydrangeas of more than 50 varieties to visitors. Depending on where you are in the gardens, you will be surrounded by magnificent hues, varying from pale blue to vibrant violet. There’s also a big display of lotus flowers near the temple’s main halls. The tea house inside the temple premises makes the perfect spot to rest for a bit, and enjoy the natural beauty and the Buddhist statues that surround you.
Dates: All through June
Location: Mimuroto-ji Temple
Website: https://mimurotoji.com
Kyoto is a lovely place to be, especially during the festival season with the flowers in bloom. Whether you are interested in natural beauty, ancient culture, or amazing food, the city has it all. Make the most of Kyoto when you are visiting. And if you want any additional guidance on what to do in the city, do consider our many food and experience tours in Kyoto.
Feature photo credit: PR Image Factory
