Events and Festivals During the Golden Week in Kyoto

Here is some information on events and festivals during the golden week.

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+Kamogawa Noryo Yuka Biraki
Where: On the west bank of Kamogawa river between Nijo-dori and Gojo-dori
When: 5/1-9/30
Details: http://www.kyoto-yuka.com/ (Japanese only)
*Cafes and restaurants along Kamogawa river offer open-air dining areas concept on a traditional terrace deck during the summer months. The banks of Kamogawa river is also popular with people strolling, sitting and fishing, enjoying the scenery, water and birds in the vicinity.

+Kamogawa Odori
Where: Ponto-cho Kaburenjo
When: 5/1-24
Details: http://www1.odn.ne.jp/~adw58490/english7.html
*Kamogawa Odori is a traditional dance and drama, performed by geisha and maiko in Pontocho, a famous section of Kyoto's geisha district. Beginning in 1872, this performance has run for over a hundred years and is set within a stunningly decorated stage. Famous people such as Charles Chaplin and Jean Cocteau have watched the show.


+Kakeuma Shinji
Where: Fujinomori Shrine
When: 5/5
Details: http://www.fujinomorijinjya.or.jp/fujinomorisai.htm (Japanese only)
*This shrine is known as a birthplace of the festival "Shobu no Sekku" (Iris Festival). Kakeuma Shinji is a thrilling religious event. The spectator is surprised by horseback riders with spectacular stunts.

+Ashizoroe-Shiki
Where: Kamigamo Shrine
When: 5/1
Details: http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/index-e.html#04
*This ritual held to judge the order of Norijiri and horses for the coming horce racing ritual on May 5th. First riders on horse back line up in the order of province of origin and proceed in front of high officials concerned sitting at Baba-den (horse ground hall) and show them the teeth and the lie of hair of the horses. Then each rider performs the riding and the order is judged by the posture on horse back, way of pointing the whip and the running speed. After that, according to the judged order, races with two horses takes place to observe the horses and riders.

+Yabusame Shinji
Where: Shimogamo Shrine
When: 5/3 13:00-
Details: http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/pg217.html
*This very old ritual starting features a man riding on a fast running horse who shoots arrows at a target. A type of Japanese archery, one that is performed while riding a horse. The archer shoots a special "turnip-headed" arrow at a wooden target.

+Dainenbutsu Kyogen
Where: Senbon Enmado
When: 5/1-4
Details: http://www.geocities.jp/e_kyogen/
*This is one of the three greatest nenbutsu kyogen performances in Kyoto. The 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, was a great fan of a cherry tree in this temple; May 1st & 2nd: from 19:00; May 3rd & 4th: from 13:00, from 18:00; Admission: free.

+Dainenbutsu Kyogen
Where: Shinsen En
When: 5/1-4
Details: http://www.shinsenen.org/saiten.html (Japanese only)
*The kyogen plays performed at Shinsen-en Temple are based on the Mibu kyogen style. Different plays from around 30 plays in total will be performed on each day; May 1st & 2nd: from 13:30 to 18:00; May 3rd & 4th: from 13:30 to 18:00, from 19:00 to 21:30.

+Yambuki Festival
Where: Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
When: 4/10-5/5
Details: http://www.matsunoo.or.jp/index-1/index.html (Japanese only)
*About 3,000 yamabuki (kerria) trees along a stream that runs through the shrine precincts are resplendent.

+Secondhand Book Fair
Where: Miyakomesse
When: 5/1-5/5
Details: http://www.miyakomesse.jp/transportation/access.php
*More than 40 book shops from Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Okayama participate the fair. You may find antique books.

+Temple Lit Up
Shorenin Temple 4/23-5/8, 18:00-21:30
http://www.shorenin.com/english/index.html
Kodaiji Temple 3/15-5/8, 18:00-21:30
http://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html