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Kyoto Hanatouro in Arashiyama 2008

December 12 (Sat.)-21 (Mon.)
Light up hours: 17:00-20:30

Admission FREE
 

Kyoto Hanatouro, Kyoto's annual Lighting and Flower Arrangement Lane event, is one of the most popular large-scale modern events in the Old Capital. The first event was held in 2003 in the Higashiyama district in March. Since 2005, Hanatouro has been held in December in the relaxing surroundings of the Arashiyama district on the west side of Kyoto.

The 5-km route will be lined with 2,600 lanterns made using Kyoto craft traditions and materials (ceramics, cedar, stone, bamboo, etc.). Large scale ikebana flower arrangement are illuminated on some key locations. The route will also be lined with huge ikebana flower displays. The combination of the lantern lights and the splendid flower arrangements is a sight that everyone should experience.

The Arashiyama area in the west part of Kyoto has long been favored by the high-born, artistic and wealthy as a place of beauty and culture since the ancient time. This natural beauty is well-known for its rolling mountains in the background and the flowing waters of the Oi River.


Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge is a symbol of Arashiyama. It will be beautifully lit up during the event. This is the perfect place to stop and see the lights on the bridge reflected in the water below.
 


Bamboo forest paths
The paths leading through the bamboo forest that stretches from Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi-sanso Villa will be lit up. Experience the greens and the exotic shadows of the bamboo forest when dimly lit.
 


Arashiyama Music Gallery
At some places along the route, gagaku (traditional court music), classical music will be played by local performers.


Ikebana Promenade
Large scale ikebana flower arrangements will be displayed at many key locations along the main route.
 


Arashiyama Hanatouro Special Walk
Kyoto City Tourist Association offers the great opportunities for English-speakers to enjoy Hanatouro deeper. A professional English-speaking guide will give you interesting explanation in the area.


Every night between Dec. 12-21; starts at 17:00 (reception accepted from 16:30); reservation not required; 1,000 yen/person (cash only; insurance not covered); about 90 min.; meeting point: in front of Randen Arashiyama Sta. and tour ends at Togetsu-kyo Bridge


Participating Temples, Shrines & Places
Tenryu-ji Temple; * not open at night
Daikaku-ji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple
Hogon-in Temple
Horin-ji Temple
Nonomiya Shrine
Okochi-sanso Villa
Rakushisha Hermitage
Nison-in Temple
Shigureden Haykunin Isshu Museum
 


Getting to Hanatouro in Arashiyama
From Kyoto Stn.: Take Kyoto City bus #28 or Kyoto Bus #71, #72, #73, or take the JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama Stn. From downtown: Take Kyoto City Bus #28 or #11 (#11 also can be caught from Shijo Kawaramachi), or take the Keifuku Railway Randen Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Stn. (from Shijo/Omiya).

Enquiries
For further information, call the Kyoto Hanatouro Promotion Association: Tel: 212-8173; http://www.hanatouro.jp


Takemura
Since 1960
In this ex-kabuki actor's residence, enjoy selected fresh yudofu (boiled tofu) in at-home atmosphere with excellent service.

Courses from 2,600 yen
Open: 11:00-20:00, closed Thurs.
*Open daily until 21:00 during Hanatouro, in autumn and spring

On the east side of Nagatsuji, a 3-min. walk north from Randen Arashiyama Stn.

Tel: 861-1483
http://type.web-1.jp/takemura/


Ranzan
Stay at Ranzan and Enjoy the Great Scenic Beauty of Arashiyama's Togetsu-kyo Bridge River Scenes.
The grand nature of Arashiyama will offer you the fresh air and relaxed eternity. Take your time at Ranzan's elegant atmosphere and appreciate Arashiyama and Sagano's beautiful nature.

Tel: 864-0088
www.kyoto-ranzan.jp


Ranrokaku
Enjoy Top Quality Kyoto Cuisine and Hot Spa & Foot Bathing at Ranrokaku
Ranrokaku is a classic Japanese style inn located in the heart of the famous natural surroundings of Arashiyama on the west side of Kyoto. Overnight or day-trip (lunch/dinner and hot spa) plans are available.

Accommodation: 26,000 yen-35,000 yen/person (incl. hot spa, dinner, breakfast); Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00; curfew: 23:00; +1,000 yen on the night before holidays; +4,000 yen between 12/31-1/4

Restaurant: In out luxurious Japanese restaurant, you can try authentic Kyoto kaiseki cusine cooked with fresh local tofu and vegetables; *hot spa is available for restaurant customers for an additional 800 yen (11:00-15:00, 16:30-20:00)

Footbath: A casual footbath space is available at the entrance of the inn.; 100 yen (+50 yen for towel); 10:00-20:00

A 3-min. walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Stn.; or a 10-min. walk from Randen Arashiyama Stn.

Tel: 881-1337
www.kyoto-hanatsubaki.co.jp/ranroukaku/