16
Busha Shinji (archery performance)

In this ceremony a shrine priest dressed in traditional costume shoots arrows at a target in the hope of wiping out illness and securing a healthy year for everyone (from 10:00). Kamigamo Shrine: Tel: 075-781-0011.

1-3
Japanese New Year

Hatsumode refers to the first shrine visit of the year in Japan.


Obukucha Tea Service
Obukucha is a special tea that has been served since the Heian period to prevent illness. The tradition started at Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple, and is a unique Kyoto New Year's custom. The first 3,000 visitors will get an auspicious new year's charm of the New Year using rice ear. 300 yen for the tea; 9:00-17:00; Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple: Tel: 075-561-6980.


2-4
New Year's Calligraphy

The deity of the shrine is Sugawara no Michinaga who was an intelligent court officer as well as poet and calligrapher in the Heian period. He is worshipped as a God of academic achievement and many students visit the shrine. From 13:00 on the 3rd, kyogen comic theatre play will be performed. People can try first calligraphy of the year (50 yen/paper; 10:00-16:00); Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine: Tel: 075-461-0005.

3
Karuta Hajime (First card game of the year)

In the afternoon at 13:00, fourteen women dressed in Heian Period court costumes play karuta (a card game first introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century). Yasaka Shrine: Tel: 075-561-6155.

3 - 6
Annual Bonsai Exhibit
At this major Bonsai exhibition, visitors have an excellent opportunity to see bonsai, potted dwarf trees. These miniature trees are trained and trimmed into beautiful shapes until they resemble small, exquisite landscapes. In addition to an eye for beauty, the bonsai artist requires immense patience. If properly cared for, bonsai can last for centuries, and the finest plants are passed down as family heirlooms. Bonsai entered Japan in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) along with Zen Buddhism. Today, bonsai have become especially popular with young people as a way to bring traditional, spiritual aspects into their apartment-style lives. Entry free; Miyako Messe: 9:30-16:30, until 15:00 on the last day; Tel: 075-691-5488.


4
Kemari Hajime (First football game of the year)

Kemari, an unusual sort of football game from the Heian era, is played by men in court costume at Shimogamo Shrine, starting at 13:30. Shimogamo Shrine: Tel: 075-781-0010.


8 - 12
Hatsu Ebisu Festival

This colorful festival, which peaks on the 10th, held at Ebisu Shrine, celebrates and worships the smiling Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and the patron deity of merchants. During these five days, citizens come to toss money into a large coffer, ceremonially burn last year's talismans, and purchase new charms attached to branches of newly cut bamboo branch. Ebisu Shrine: Tel: 075-525-0005.


11
Seijin-no-hi Coming-of-age Day
On this day, young men and women who are 20-years old celebrate their coming of age. For the women this means a chance to dress up in a spectacular furisode formal kimono. You can see young women in kimono all over town, but Heian Shrine, and Yasaka Shrine in the Gion are the best places to view this colorful event in dramatic Japanese surroundings.


15
Okayu (Rice porridge) Festival

Rice porridge with red beans is offered to the gods of this important shrine in order to secure a good harvest for the year from 10:00). Shimogamo Shrine: Tel: 075-781-0010.


17
Kyudo Archery Competition
This interesting and difficult archery contest originated in the 16th century. Today, the contest is mostly ceremonial but many archers compete (9:00-15:30). On this day the temple is opened to the public from 9:00-16:00. Sanjusangen-do Temple: Tel: 075-561-0467.

20
Yatate Kagura (Shinto dance & music)

Kagura, an ancient form of sacred Shinto dance and music, is performed in front of a caldron of boiling water while prayers are said for good health (from 14:00). Jonan-gu Shrine: 1 km southwest of Takeda subway Stn.; Tel: 075-623-0846.