March in Kyoto heralds the arrival of spring, transforming the city into a canvas of cherry blossoms and vibrant cultural celebrations. From traditional rituals like the Nagashi-Bina Floating Doll Ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine to the contemporary brilliance of Nijo Castle’s Sakura Festival, Kyoto offers a diverse range of experiences. Immerse yourself in the dance of dragons at the Seiryu-e Festival, witness the enchanting night viewings at Kiyomizu-Dera, and step into the world of geiko and maiko at the Kitano Odori. As we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Kyoto’s March offerings, prepare to be captivated by the rich heritage and magical moments that define this captivating season.
Fushimi Sake Festival 2024 – Photo Credit: Kyoto Fushimi Sake
Fushimi Sake Festival 2024
In the heart of Kyoto, Fushimi Ward proudly wears the mantle of Japan’s second-largest sake producer, hosting an impressive cluster of 21 breweries within a 1.5-kilometer radius, with the majority nestled in Fushimi City. While Fushimi Inari Taisha beckons tourists, the brewing culture often lingers in the shadows. The Fushimi Sake Festival emerges as a delightful revelation, beckoning enthusiasts to uncover the nuances of sake craftsmanship. Breweries entice new customers with paid tastings, where tickets open doors to Kyoto’s liquid legacy. Beyond sake, the festival paints a colorful tapestry with food trucks, mesmerizing stage performances, and merchandise booths, casting Fushimi in a vibrant celebration of tradition and taste.
Dates: March 2nd
Location: Yoshijima Kanaidocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fees: ¥1,500 per time slot
Website: https://kyoto-fushimi-sake.stores.jp/
Nagashi-Bina Paper Dolls Floating in The River – Photo Credit: Japan Up Close
Hina Matsuri & Nagashi-Bina Floating Doll Ceremony
On March 3rd, Japan celebrates Hina Matsuri, also known as Girl’s Day, a special occasion for households with young daughters. Families adorn their homes with hina ningyō, a set of dolls representing the Heian-era Japanese court, symbolizing the growth and health of their daughters. In northern Kyoto’s Shimogamo Shrine, this celebration takes a unique form—the Nagashi-Bina Festival.
During Nagashi-Bina, a man and a woman dressed in court-style regalia, reminiscent of hina ningyō dolls, gently place paper dolls in reed baskets into the sacred stream flowing through Shimogamo grounds. Led by the head priest, Odairi-sama and Ohina-sama, the procession includes influential community members, geiko, and maiko, all participating in this serene festival. The act of letting the dolls float away symbolizes a prayer for the girl’s well-being, attracting negative forces away from her. Originating over eight hundred years ago in the Heian period, Nagashi-Bina is a beautiful tradition that invites spectators to join in by purchasing a reed basket of dolls to send down the stream. Even Kyoto Tower’s mascot, Tawawa-chan, takes part in this meaningful ritual. Whether you are celebrating your daughter, granddaughter, or niece, or you’re simply looking for a memorable photo opportunity, Nagashi-Bina offers a heartfelt way to celebrate the growth and health of young girls.
Dates: March 3rd
Location: 59 Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fees: Free
Website: http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english/
NAKED Sakura Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo Castle – Photo Credit: KKDay
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, famed for its cherry blossoms, undergoes a stunning transformation during evening illuminations curated by the Tokyo-based art collective Naked. With around 500 cherry trees dotting the landscape, the castle becomes a must-visit spot in spring. The nighttime event features vibrant projection mapping on the Karamon Gate, creating an enchanting ambiance. Beyond visuals, visitors can enjoy interactive displays, a cherry blossom tea ceremony, and cultural experiences. During the day, food trucks and cultural immersion await, making Nijo Castle an essential destination for the cherry blossom season. Additionally, the Naked Flowers exhibition projects mesmerizing cherry blossom art on the castle walls, promising a magical Kyoto experience that blends tradition with cutting-edge creativity.
Dates: March 8th – April 7th
Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: Daytime viewing – 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM, Nighttime viewing – 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fees:
- Daytime tickets (until 5 PM)
- ¥1,300 for adults and ¥300–¥400 for children.
- Evening tickets (from 6 p.m.)
- Monday to Thursday: ¥1,600 for adults and ¥1,000 for children.
- Friday to Sunday: ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,400 for children.
- Special days (Mar. 23 and Mar. 30): ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,800 for children.
Blue Dragon Procession – Photo Credit: Kiyomizudera
Seiryū-e – The Blue Dragon Festival
In the heart of Kyoto’s ancient traditions lies the enchanting Seiryu-e Festival, a celebration of myth and culture. Held at Kiyomizu-Dera, the festival showcases an 18-meter-long blue dragon, believed to be an incarnation of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The legends of Kannon intertwine with the presence of Yasha, a former demon god turned match-making deity. The procession, filled with performers in elaborate costumes, winds its way from Okuno-In temple to Kiyomizu-Dera temple, transforming the cobbled streets into a vibrant spectacle. The audience chants “Namu-Kannon,” invoking blessings and good fortune. This magical event, held in both spring and autumn, first started in the year 2000 and invites you to witness the dance of dragons, a celebration of one of Japan’s youngest festivals.
Dates: March 15th, April 3rd, and September 15th
Location: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Fees: ¥400/general admission, ¥200/Junior High School, Primary School students
Website: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/lang/01.html
Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations – Photo Credit: Kiyomizudera
Kiyomizu-Dera Spring Illuminations
Experience the allure of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple like never before during its special night viewings in spring, summer, and autumn. Witness the pagoda, temple, and Jojuin Garden bathed in the warm glow of over 500 lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
A celestial blue beam, symbolizing the legendary blue dragon from the Seiryū-e Festival, lights up the ancient streets of Kyoto during these special events. Kiyomizu Temple, usually off-limits at night, opens its doors for visitors to explore its beauty under the night sky. The spring illumination, featuring over 1,500 cherry blossom trees, turns the temple grounds into a captivating canvas of lit blossoms, offering a unique nocturnal spectacle. Don’t miss the Kiyomizu Temple Night Viewing—a perfect blend of natural beauty and ethereal illumination, providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Dates: March 23rd – March 31st
Location: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (9:00 PM last entry)
Fees: ¥400
Website: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/visit/special_night_viewing/
Kitano Odori Performance – Photo Credit: Maiko3.com
Kitano Odori
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s geiko and maiko traditions at the annual Kitano Odori in the Kamishichiken district. Since 1952, this cultural extravaganza has showcased a dynamic performance featuring a short play, themed dances, and the enchanting Kamishichiken Serenade. Witness the elegance of geiko in black kimonos and vibrant maiko costumes during this 80-minute spectacle held at Kamishichiken Kabukai, with two daily shows at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets offer an authentic immersion into Kyoto’s geisha traditions, with an optional tea ceremony. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to celebrate Kyoto’s rich heritage and witness the grace of geiko and maiko dancers in action.
Dates: March 20th & April 2nd
Location: Shakenagayacho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Start/End Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fees: ¥6000/person, Tea ceremony – ¥1000/person
Website: https://www.maiko3.com/kitanoodori/
In the embrace of Kyoto’s March offerings, each event becomes a brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of tradition, beauty, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you find yourself participating in the Nagashibina ceremony, captivated by the illuminations at Nijo Castle, enchanted by the Seiryu-e Festival, or immersed in the elegance of Kitano Odori, Kyoto’s charm remains boundless. As the cherry blossoms bloom and cultural traditions unfold, March in Kyoto promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan’s ancient capital, leaving indelible memories that will remain long after the petals fall.
Feature photo credit: Kristin Wilson
If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
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