The Gion Festival, locally known as Gion Matsuri, is one of the most important festivals in Kyoto. With a history of more than 650 years, this festival originated as a part of the purification ritual to appease the god that caused plagues, earthquakes, etc. Author’s photo Today, the Gion Festival continues to be held annually…

In case you did not know, Kyoto’s biggest annual festival, Gion Matsuri, is actually held throughout the whole month of July, with the main parade falling on the 17th. Here is a complete guide to the one-month Gion Festival so that you don’t miss out on the fun! July 1 to 5 From the 1st…

Before the first day of New Year, many people visit Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto to pray for good health for the entire upcoming year. This is a traditional year-end festival held from 7 pm of December 31st through 5 am of January 1st. A large number of people attend the event and some bring home…

The Japanese festivals called Matsuri in Japanese are traditional festive and fun occasions where you can learn more about the culture and the traditions. The Matsuri normally are held by local shrines or temples. The Matsuri happen in every season and usually the ones which occur in summer or autumn are related to the rice…

smogon.com/ The cherry blossom season or the Sakura season is the most stunning time to be in Japan. To all the international visitors and everyone wishing to see Kyoto during Sakura, here I share my experience of a one day trip in Kyoto along the pink and white beautiful flowers leaves. Generally for a one-day…

As you may know, Kyoto is the ex-capital of Japan filled with nothing but magnificence. Known for being more traditional than the big cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, Kyoto will take you on a journey that will give you a glimpse of the Shogun lifestyle and the Onin war effects and many other historical…