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July in Kyoto
7/1-9/15 Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama
This unique and traditional way of fishing, which is known as ukai in Japanese, originated in the 8th century. Today, it remains little more than an exotic tourist attraction. The fishermen go out on the river in lantern lit boats. The cormorants are tied to the boat with thin cords attached to a thick ring around their necks. When they come up from a dive the fisherman opens their mouths and takes the fish out. You can also take a ride on one of the ukai sightseeing boats; boat fares are 1,700 yen for adults and 850 yen for children. Departures at 19:00 & 20:00. Near the Togetsukyo Bridge; Tel: 075-861-0302.
Other Highlights
7/7
Kibune Water Festival
This ceremony honors the life-giving waters that pass through this riverside village (famous for its outdoor, on-the-river restaurants: a cool, unforgettable lunch experience). At about 10:00, Urasenke Tea School masters will perform a tea ceremony for the shrine god. Sacred Shinto dance and kagura music, follow the food offering ceremony. In the evening (7/1-8/9) from sunset to 20:00, the grounds of the shrine are specially lit up. Kibune Shrine: a 30-min walk from Eizan Railway's Kibune Stn.; Tel: 075-741-2016.
Tanabata Matsuri Festival
This children's festival originated from an ancient Chinese legend about two lovers who were turned into stars by the gods. They are reunited but once a year across the Milky Way. Children decorate bamboo tree with paper decorations and tanzaku (oblong pieces of paper) on which they write their wish.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine; at 13:30 children will dance; Tel: 075-461-0005; Kyoto City Bus #50, Kitano Tenmangu-mae.
Jishu Shrine; inside Kiyomizu Temple; prayers for the dolls start at 14:00; Tel: 075-541-2097; Kyoto City Bus, #206, Kiyomizu-michi.
Shiramine Shrine: kemari, a 1,000-year-old kind of soccer, will be played at 14:30; Kyoto City Bus #9, Horikawa Imadegawa; Tel: 441-3810.
7/9-12
Senbon Shaka-do Temple Pottery Fair
This fair is dedicated to pottery used in daily life; prayers are said at 14:00 on the 10th for used porcelain. A wide selection of pottery from all over Japan will be sold from 10:00 to 20:00 on each of the four days. At Senbon Shaka-do Temple; Tel: 075-461-5973; Kyoto City Bus #50, Kamishichiken;
7/18-21
Mitarashi Matsuri
Every year in July, Shimogamo Shrine celebrates the purifying powers of this deity in a ceremony called the Mitarashi Matsuri. The ceremony is informal and anyone can join. Holding a candle in one hand and your shoes in the other, you step into the icy-cold, clear stream that flows through the shrine. After wading upstream for a few meters, you place your candle on a special holder, and then climb up several stone steps to receive a cup of delicious spring water. Drinking the water is believed to ensure a summer of health and vitality. Shimogamo Shrine: Kyoto City Bus #205, Shimogamo-jinja-mae; Tel: 075-781-0010.
7/20
Osuzumi (Cooling Down Festival)
On this day, at about 16:00, two one-meter high blocks of ice containing sacred branches are set up at this shrine. Touching them is said to ensure good health during the summer. Many stalls will be selling their wares in the shrine grounds. Between 18:00 and 20:30, the dance will be held every 15 min. Jonan-gu Shrine: a 10-min. walk from Kintetsu Takeda Stn.; Tel: 075-623-0846.
7/24-26
Kiyomizu Danchi Pottery Fair
A popular summer pottery fair, this event is based in the area where the famous Kiyomizu pottery kilns are currently located. More than 100 shops sell all kinds of pottery at reasonable prices (30-50% less than normal). Visitors can also enjoy 1-day pottery classes, tea ceremony, and many other events. The fair is held at the Kiyomizu Danchi (which can be reached via a special bus from platform #3 of Kyoto Stn.) or Keihan Bus #29 from JR Yamashina Stn.; Tel: 075-581-6188.
Temple & Shrine Flea Markets
7/5, Sun.
To-ji Temple: this market is focused on antiques of all kinds; usually not too crowded; great value all around; 7:00-16:00
Kyoto City Hall: a huge public flea market; 10:00-17:00
Taishogun Hachi Shrine: a small antique market; 9:00-15:00
7/8, Wed.
Toyokuni Shrine: small antique market; 10:00-15:00
Inba Yakushi Temple: handicrafts; 9:00-15:00
7/12, Sun.
Myoren-ji Temple: a lovely relaxing setting for inexpensive kimono and all kinds of antiques, local produce, etc.; 9:00-17:00
7/15, Wed.
Chion-ji Temple: Kyoto's biggest handicraft market; an absolutely amazing range of handmade things; incredible prices too!; 8:00-16:00
7/21, Tues.
To-ji Temple: also known as Kobo-san, this mega temple market offers everything and is extremely popular; go early, especially if on a weekend or a national holiday; 7:00-17:00
7/25, Sat.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: also known as Tenjin-san, this super shrine market sprawls in and around this major shrine complex; go early; 7:00-16:30
NOTE: markets shut down much earlier in autumn and winter; when the days get longer and warmer sellers tend to stay a little longer. AND DON'T FORGET TO BARGAIN: generally try to knock about 25-30% off the price you first hear.
2009 July
Published on the 1st
of every month.
The 233th issue, since 1987.