Planning your visit to Japan’s old capital around May this year? Lucky you! This month is one of the best times to be in Kyoto! Once the wintry winds have completely vanished, cozier weather – but still a long way off from the summer heat – awaits you in May. Aside from the pleasant air, the city has numerous events, attractions and spots deeply rooted in its traditions to offer. From millennium-old festivals and unique meals by – or better to say just above – the river, to street markets full of art and gorgeous handicrafts, here’s a list we prepared for you to best enjoy your days in Kyoto during May.
Photo Credits: Kibune Fujiya Official Website
Kawadoko Ryori (Riverbed Meal)
Imagine the flowing water right beneath you washing away the stress and foot pain due to never-ending walks during your trip – and the calm river burble gently filling your mind with peace. Now you’re ready to be treated to some delicious cuisine in the best traditional fashion. Originating in the Taisho Era (1912 – 1926), Kawadoko Ryori is a style of restaurant meaning literally “riverbed food,” and consists of placing the dining area right upon the river. While the summer brings along its hot weather and hordes of insects, May might just be the perfect time to enjoy the milder temperatures. The first of its kind, the Kibune Fujiya Inn and Restaurant is located Northwest of Kyoto.
Dates: The season starts on May 1st
Location: 40 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan
Google Maps link: Fujiya
Time: 11 am ~ 8 pm
Fees: Roughly ¥13,750 (min. 2 people)
Website: http://www.kibune-fujiya.co.jp/english/
The 185th Kamogawa Odori festival – Photo Credits: Kamogawa Odori Website
Kamogawa Odori
The iconic and perhaps most famous symbol of Kyoto, the geisha – or geiko in the local dialect – every year in May hold an edition of their artistic performance called Kamogawa Odori: the show with the greatest number of performers. Established in 1871 to boost the cultural relevance and interest of the city (the capital had just been transferred to Tokyo), the festival became an annual event held between May 1st and 24th. Divided into two acts of dance performances, participants can also enjoy a special tea ceremony before the event.
Dates: May 1st ~ 24th
Location: 130 Hashishitacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8003
Google Maps: Pontocho Kaburenjo
Time: every 12:30 pm, 2:20 pm and 4:10 pm
Fees: Starting from ¥6,000 (plus ¥1,000 for the Tea Ceremony)
Website: https://en.kamogawa-odori.com/
Two shrine representatives in a heated race: Photo Credit – Kamo Kurabeuma Website
Kamo Kurabeuma Festival
If you are into traditional rituals, horses and speed, this festival held at the Kamigamo Shrine on May 5th cannot be missed. First celebrated back in 1093, the Kamo Kurabeuma festival is considered the origin of horse racing in Japan – although it takes on a bit of a different form than what exists today. Held in anticipation of the bigger festival Aoi Matsuri, the Kamo Kurabeuma comes with early rituals, prayers and six rounds of racing.
Date: May 5th
Location: Kamigamo Shrine (339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan)
Google Maps link: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama
Time: 2 pm
Fees: free
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/
Participants dress in Heian Period garments and parade through Kyoto – Photo Credits: Kamigamo Shrine Official Website
Aoi Festival
One of the big three festivals held in the old capital, Aoi Matsuri can be traced back to the 6th century when the Emperor sent his messenger to the two shrines (where the festival happens now) to pay homage to the gods. In the 8th century, the celebration gained acclaim as Kyoto had become the capital. Embedded in ceremonies and rituals, the main activity is the great parades that leave the Imperial Palace and head to Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine – with its celebrants dressed in the traditional Heian period style.
Date: May 15th
Location: Kamigamo Shrine (339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8047, Japan)
Google Maps link: 339 Kamigamo Motoyama
Time: 10:30 am (setting off from the Imperial Palace) ~ 15:30 (arrival at Kamigamo Shrine)
Fees: free
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/rituals/kamo-festival/
Rows of booths at the craft market – Photo Credits: Heian Rakuichi Official Website
Heian Rakuichi Market
If you are interested in finding the most unique decorative items and memorable souvenirs or simply love the artistry of handcrafting, you must come to the Heian Raku Ichi Market. Held every month, it gathers dozens of booths where artisans share their artwork and bring costumes from all over the world. There is also the possibility of joining workshops first-hand and experiencing handcrafting at its finest. Since it is located in Okazaki Park, you can enjoy the marvels in its surroundings like the Heian Shrine, the two art museums in the area, or the Kyoto City Zoo.
Date: May 9th (Thursday)
Location: Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342
Google Maps link: Okazaki Saishojicho
Time: 10:00 am~4:00 pm
Fees: free
Website: https://kamigamo-tedukuriichi.com/publics/index/142/
Tea Ceremony at Nijo Castle – Photo Credits: Nijo Castle
Shimi Sencha no Kai (Citizens’ Tea Ceremony)
Whether you want to partake in one of the most traditional facets of Japanese culture or want to try world-famous Japanese tea, you can’t miss this opportunity. Held every year in May, the Shimi Sencha no Kai (Citizen’s Tea Ceremony) at the Nijo Castle brings tea ceremonies performed by two schools that breathe life into this tradition. In such an inviting atmosphere, you can enjoy the experience itself and also feast your eyes and mind on the tranquil gardens of this 17th-century castle.
Date: May 3rd and 5th
Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301
Google Maps link: Nijō Castle
Time: 10:00 am ~ 2:30 pm (last admission)
Fees: ¥2,100 (castle entrance fee included)
Website: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/event/70sencha/
Important notice: if you don’t make a reservation, only 40 tickets are sold at the reception, on a first-come, first-serve basis
As the days get longer and longer and the summer heat approaches, the magic of the old capital reveals itself in each corner – whether it is in the flow of water right beneath your dining seat, in the majesty of geisha performances and millennium-old festivals that revolve around the very core of Japanese history, or in the delicacy of a tea ceremony and the minute details of handmade objects. If you are lucky to be in Kyoto this time of the year, make sure to not miss any opportunity to dive into the best Japan has to offer!
Feature photo credit: Kyoto City Official Travel Guide
