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JANUARY 2008
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1/3
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: 561-6155.-
January Highlights
1-3
Hatsumode (Japanese New Year)
Hatsumode refers to the first shrine visit of the year to pray for health and happiness. Women and children come fully decked out in colorful kimono and fur boas.
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. Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple; Tel: 561-6980.
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: 561-6155.
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: 781-0010.
4-7
Annual Bonsai Exhibit
At this major Bonsai exhibition (free; at the Miyako Messe (9:30-16:30, until 15:00 on the last day), 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. Tel: 691-5488. 800 yen.
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: 525-0005.
12
Hosha-sai (Festival of the Bow)
A kyudo (Japanese archery) ceremony that is supposed to predict future harvests and business. Cheers when an arrow hits the target, sighs if it misses. At 14:00. Fushimi Inari Shrine: near Keihan Railway's Fushimi Inari Stn; Tel: 641-7331.
13
Kyudo Archery Competition
This interesting and difficult archery contest originated in the 16th century. Today, the contest is mostly ceremonial but many archers compete. On this day the temple is opened to the public from 9:00-16:00. Sanjusangen-do Temple: on Shichijo; Tel: 561-0467.
14
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. At 10:00. Shimogamo Shrine; Tel: 781-0010.
16
Musha Shinji (archery)
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. At 10:00. Kamigamo Shrine; Tel: 781-0011.
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. At 14:00. Jonan-gu Shrine: 1 km southwest of Takeda subway Stn.; Tel: 623-0846.
28
Hatsu Fudo
Goma (pieces of wood on which prayers have been written) are piled and burned from 11:00. Sasazake (sake served in sections of green bamboo) is given out from 9:00 to 16:00. Drinking it is said to prevent diseases, including cancer. Don't drink too much-the steps down are steep! Tanukidaniyama Fudo-in Temple; Tel: 722-0025.
Temples and Shrine Markets
1/6, 21: Antique Market at To-ji Temple: On the first Sunday and on 21st every month, To-ji Temple offers the visitor an insight into the world of Japanese antiques.
1/13: Handmade Craft Market at Fujinomori Shrine: A lively, fun market organized by young generations. Traditional crafts, accessories, foods and everything is handmade.
1/15: Open-air Handmade Craft Matket at Chion-ji Temple: A very popular monthly market. Everything sold is handmade. Young artists and craftsmen open stalls to sell their works at reasonable prices.
1/25: Shimai Tenjin and Hatsu Tenjin at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, antiques, old kimono & obi (great buys), ethnic goods, food, tools, and just about anything else you can imagine. A great place to see people!
2008 August
Published on the 1st
of every month.
The 223th issue, since 1987.