When talking about seasons in Kyoto, a lot of people are sure to point towards autumn when the leaves turn fiery red and sun yellow. But did you know that in Kyoto enjoys cool and truly beautiful summers?
If you’re in the old capital this summer, or are planning to catch the sun there with a trip next year, then you’ll want to add the 4 spots in this list into your schedule, each abloom with magical foliage and verdure.
We are joined by Macchan, a Japanese Instagrammer who snaps photos of sightseeing spots around Kyoto lush with greenery.
Giouji Temple
Giouji Temple is a modest thatched hut wrapped in a bamboo thicket and maple trees. The temple is detailed in the epic The Tale of the Heike in which the dancer Gio fled to the temple from her home in the capital with her mother and sister after falling out of love with Taira no Kiyomori.
A visit here ensures you can enjoy the summer with more than just your eyes as you listen to the dancing of the bamboo thicket and the cries of the cicadas.
Giouji Temple
Address: 32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Official Website: http://www.giouji.or.jp/en
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple with a history spanning 1,200 years. A memorial service for those who died without kin is taking place on August 23 and 24 at the riverbed of the temple’s west wing where candles will be lit in their honour. Lanterns are also lit in the surrounding area along the streets.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
Address: 17 Saga Toriimotoadashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Official Website: http://www.nenbutsuji.jp/index.html
Fushimi Port Park
Fushimi Port Park is a huge park home to a gymnasium and sumo area. They also have a hiking course. The sea does not reach here, but there is a canal which boats go up and down, and this is where the park gets its name. It has a bounty of trees and plants, so if you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll in nature then be sure to visit.
Fushimi Port Park
Address: Yoshijima Kanaidocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Official Website: http://www.kyoto-park.or.jp/fushimi/
Kan’in-no-miya Residence
This residence was built for and used by the Kan’in-no-miya family in 1710, with Prince Naohito as its founder―the son of Emperor Higashiyama. The family lived in the house until 1877 after which they moved to Tokyo. Following the war, it was liberated and became a park, and today it is used to exhibit photography and paintings. The residence is famous for its peach trees, making it a popular spot in spring. However, in summertime, it’s much quieter, adding grace to the tranquillity of the surrounding green landscape. What’s more is that despite it being such a prestigious location, it’s free to enter! Don’t tell too many people about this secret spot.
Kan’in-no-miya Residence
Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo War, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: https://kan-in-nomiya-teiato.jp/eng/
Macchan has visited many incredible spots around Kyoto, so if you’re in need of recommendations be sure to give them a follow.
Photos: ＠macchan358
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Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy. After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs. Don't miss this curious exhibition! Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators. Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako
Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland - Sunshine by Ono Tako
Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements. A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece. Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements. A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800 Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator OmulettomatoDraft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato
Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits. Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements. A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon. Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.Information
NFT Marketplace HINATA
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Official Site: https://hinata-nft.com/company
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From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day. This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan. NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well. NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED Tsukubai Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping DANDELION PROJECT Virtual Fashion Show Limited Edition Paper Goshuin This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way! Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture.Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves. While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning! We applaud monopo's attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. Information
monopo × Shokuraku Asano
Official Site: https://obiproject.monopo.net/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/724915502 -
From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto
*The products shown are under development and may change slightly. Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard *The postcard's design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.*Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.*Postcards will only be available while supplies last. Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm! ©芥見下々／集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会 Information
Jujutsu Kaisen Product Exhibition: Kyoto
Running: November 17 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Special event space in front of West Ticket Gate at JR Kyoto Station
Official Site: https://bussan-ryoikitenkai.com/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bussanryoiki
*More information will be shared on the official website, so check back often. -
From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum. A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive. NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.
At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event! Information
Light and Food Ensemble
Running: December 10 – December 25, 2022
Hours: 18:00-21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
Light and Food Ensemble ~Evening Flower Banquet Directed by NAKED~
Venue: Kyoto National Museum
Tickets / Official Site: https://ensemblekyoto.com/