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September Event Highlights (2011)
*Time, dates and information of the events are subject to change.


Jugoya
The Autumn Harvest Moon



No place could better suited for full moon viewing than timeless Kyoto. Of all the year's 12 full moons, the September full moon, or harvest moon, is considered to be the most sublime.

It is said that the custom of moon viewing was introduced to Japan from China during the Nara (710-794) and Heian periods (794-1185). Moon viewing takes place on August 15th in the lunar calendar, and it is called jugoya, which means the night of the 15th. Jugoya in the present calendar changes every year and usually falls in September or October. The moon on jugoya is not always full, but it's said that the moon on that night is the brightest and the most beautiful in the year.

In times past, and even today, it was not uncommon for people to set up small tables by the window to enjoy the full moon light while eating tsukimi dango (rice and sweet bean dumplings made specially for the occasion), and sato-imo (taro, a tropical root). Sprays of susuki (pampas grass), which resembles the rice plant, and other autumn grasses are displayed on the verandah, along with neat clusters of tiny rice dumplings. On a more public level, celebrations are held in temples and shrines.


Jugoya Moon Viewing Events in Kyoto


Sept. 10 & 11
Taizo-in Temple (in Myoshin-ji Temple)
On both these days a moon viewing and tea ceremony party will be held. The tea ceremony starts from 17:00. From 18:30, participants can enjoy a fine Japanese meal, tea ceremony, garden viewing and traditional music while watching the moon: 9,000 yen (reservation required); Tel: 075-467-1666; http://www.taizoin.com/main.html


Sept. 10-12
Daikaku-ji Temple Osawa Pond
Since ancient times, people have enjoyed full moon viewing from boats on Osawa Pond. Tea ceremony is held on the boats and participants can enjoy an elegant evening in a spectacular setting. A koto harp concert will also performed twice a day; 1,500 yen for boat ride and tea ceremony, 500 yen for tea by the pond (additional entrance fee required to enter the temple: 500 yen); Tel: 075-871-0071; http://www.daikakuji.or.jp/


Sept. 12
Shimogamo Shrine
During this moon viewing music festival, traditional dance and music, and a koto harp music will be performed from 17:30. The performers and players wear gorgeous Heian period costumes. Tea ceremony: 1,000 yen; Tel: 075-781-0010; http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/


Sept. 12
Kamigamo Shrine


After a special dance performance, special sweet dumplings and sake will be offered to the first 300 people from 17:30; Tel: 075-781-0011; http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/


Sept. 12
Hirano Shrine
Following a sacred ritual at 18:30, traditional song, dance and gagaku imperial music will be performed at around 19:00. Many night stalls selling souvenirs and food are set up in the shrine precinct. Maccha green tea will also be offered (500 yen with sweet); Tel: 075-461-4450.




Sept. 4
Hassaku Festival at Matsuo Shrine
Every year around this time, the local people hold a big ceremony to pray for a good autumn harvest and family safety. At 10:00, women carry a big mikoshi portable shrine; Sagano Rokusai Nenbutsu dance will be performed from 16:00; Access: Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Matsuo-taisha; Tel: 075-871-5016.



Sept. 9
Karasu Sumo Wrestling and Choyo Ceremony at Kamogamo Shrine

From 10:00, people offer chrysanthemum flowers at the main hall and pray. After the ritual, local children will compete in the shrine's annual Karasu sumo wrestling event. A free cup of chrysanthemum sake will be offered to visitors; Access: Kyoto City Bus #4, 46, get off at Kamigamo-jinja-mae; Tel: 075-781-0011; http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/


Sept. 9
Choyo no Sechi-e Festival at Kokuzo Horin-ji Temple
This festival celebrates the chrysanthemum flower. According to Japanese folklore, medicine made from chrysanthemum flowers promotes longevity. Traditional song and dance will also be performed during the festival; Access: Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Arashiyama Koen; Tel: 075-862-0013.



Sept. 14
Manto Festival at Hirano Shrine
From 18:00, about 800 lanterns will be lit in the shrine precinct and a wide range of traditional entertainment (noh, poetry reading, dance, etc.) will be performed; Access: Kyoto City Bus #50, get off at Kinugasako-mae; Tel: 075-461-4450.



Sept. 15
Yoshitsune Festival at Kurama Temple
From 11:00, a memorial ceremony will be held to commemorate the spirit of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the legendary Heian period samurai who once lived at this temple. After the ceremony, Japanese martial arts will be performed in front of the main hall; Access: Kyoto City Bus #4 get off at Demachiyanagi-eki-mae and take Eizan Railway to Kurama Stn.; Tel: 075-741-2003.


Sept. 15-17
Seiryu-e Festival at Kiyomizu Temple

From 14:00, a long blue dragon carried by many men will dance through the temple precinct; Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Kiyomizu-michi; Tel: 075-551-1234.


Sept. 17-19
Hagi Festival at Nashinoki Shrine

During this festival, people write poems on a piece of paper and tie them to the branches of the shrine's many flowering bush clover. In the shrine hall, kyogen, dance and koto harp will be performed. 800 yen or 1,500 yen (with ceramic plate); Access: Kyoto City Bus #4, 17, 205, get off at Furitsu Idai Byoin-mae; Tel: 075-211-0885.


Sept. 18 & 19
Toyokuni Shrine Annual Festival
The deity of this shrine is the powerful warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537-1598). He died on August 18th (lunar calendar). To commemorate his spirit, traditional music and dance will be performed on the 18th and tea ceremony will be hosted by the Yabunouchi School on the 19th; Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae; Tel: 075-561-3802.


Sept. 19
Special Garden Opening at Heian Shrine
This shrine's large scale garden will be open free of charge on this day (normally 600 yen); 8:30-16:30; Access: Kyoto City Bus #5, 100, get off at Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae; Tel: 075-761-0221; http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/


Sept. 21
Kamigyo Takigi Noh Performance at Shiramine Shrine
From 16:00, a range of traditional entertainment (dance, noh, koto harp, etc.) will be performed. NOTE: in the event of rain, the event will be held at the Kongo Noh Theatre; 2,000 yen (1,500 yen in advance); Access: Kyoto City Bus #9, get off at Horikawa Imadegawa; Tel: 075-441-5040.


Sept. 22 & 23
Seimei Festival at Seimei Shrine
On the 22nd, people holding lanterns form a procession to welcome the spirit of Abe no Seimei after which a Kagura dance and music performance will be held. On the 23rd, about 500 people will march around the shrine precinct playing traditional music; Access: Kyoto City Bus #9, get off at Ichijo Modoribashi; Tel: 075-441-6460.


Sept. 23
Takase-gawa Boat Festival

A ceremony will be held at the start point of the Takase-gawa canal. Maiko from Ponto-cho will serve green tea; 10:30-16:00; 500 yen; Access: Kyoto City Bus #205, get off at Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae; Tel: 075-231-3722 (Kinsaryo).


Sept. 23
Gokonomiya Noh Performance at Gokonomiya Shrine
Between 17:00-20:00, noh, dance and kyogen will be performed on an open-air stage; 3,000 yen; Access: Kintetsu Kyoto Line, Momoyama Goryomae Stn.; Tel: 075-611-0559.


Sept. 25
Sencha and Kencha Festival at Heian Shrine
From 9:00, the Iemoto masters of the 6 schools of Sencha tea ceremony will perform tea ceremony for the deities of the shrine (the public can’t enter the ceremony area). After the ceremony, green tea will be served to the public; 2,000 yen (2 bowls of green tea); Access: Kyoto City Bus #5, 100, get off at Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae; Tel: 075-761-0221; http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/


Sept. 26
Comb Festival at Yasui Konpira Shrine

This unique festival is dedicated to offering thanks to women's combs and hair ornaments. From 13:00, a ceremony is held and then a beautiful procession of women with their hair done in a wide range of styles spanning more than 1,300 years and wearing clothing from those periods will walk through the surrounding area; Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Higashiyama Yasui; Tel: 075-561-5127.





Until Sept. 15
Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama
Ukai is a traditional fishing method in which cormorants are used to catch sweet river fish or ayu. Carried out on the Oi River, this event is one of the most popular summer tourist attractions in Arashiyama. Boat ride: 18:30 & 19:30; Adults: 1,700 yen, children (4-12 years old): 850 yen; 18:30-20:30; Access: Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Arashiyama Koen; Arashiyama Tsusen: Tel: 075-861-0302.


Until Sept. 30
Kibune River Platform Dining
From May to September, visitors can enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine on platforms set up on the Kibune River. The water rushing below and the fresh cool mountain air make Kibune an especially popular destination in summer. A shuttle bus service is available between Kibune and Eizan railway Kibune Stn. (15 runs a day); Kibune Kanko-kai: Tel: 075-741-4444.


Until Nov. 30
Hozugawa Kudari River Run


The Hozugawa Kudari is a river ride that goes from Kameoka to Arashiyama, Kyoto (about 16 km in 2 hours) along a stunning river gorge of rapids and wonderful mountain views. A number of fun/interesting events are scheduled for this year's first river run; The boat departs every hour between 9:00-14:00 (the last boat departs at 15:30); Tickets: 3,900 yen; Access: an 8-min. walk from north exit of JR Sagano Line Kameoka Stn.; Hozugawa Yusen Association: Tel: 0771-22-5846.


Until Dec. 29
Sagano Sightseeing Tram Ride
The Sagano Sightseeing Tram starts running in spring. The tram route (7.3 km) runs from Saga to Kameoka along a gorgeous river gorge and passes through 8 old tunnels; no service on Wed. (except for holidays and high season); Tickets: 600 yen; Access: JR Saga Arashiyama Stn.; Sagano Kanko Tetsudo: Tel: 075-861-7444.


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