April
Spring makes itself known in Kyoto as the cherry trees bloom, turning the landscape pink and white. Cherry blossom viewing parties are all the rage as the flowers reach their peak and visitors flock to shrines, temples, and parks to enjoy the fleeting natural beauty. Festivals and artistic events celebrating the sakura abound, and even leisurely strolls become gorgeous adventures.
Spring Dances by Geiko & Maiko
The geiko and maiko districts of Kyoto perform large-scale dances for the public once a year, with four of them held in the spring season.
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Ōka-sai
A sakura festival has occurred at Hirano Shrine every single year since 985, over a thousand years ago. This makes it the oldest festival in Kyoto that can claim to have continued unbroken for that long.
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Kadō-sai
Kadō-sai can be enjoyed at Daikaku-ji Temple in Saga-Arashiyama for a few days in mid-April, with the ceremony primarily based around a flower offering performed by the Saga Goryū School of Flower Arrangement.
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Yasurai Matsuri
The Yasurai Festival at Imamiya Shrine is held each year in the middle of April in order to pray for good health and the prevention of illness.
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Hōtaikō Hanami Gyōretsu
If you're in Kyoto in April, be sure to take yourself to Daigo-ji in order to view the cherry blossoms and watch this glimpse into the past walk on by!
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Kamo Kyokusui no En
Observe the Kamo Kyokusui no En and evoke the image of lavish poetry parties held by nobility and cultured composers during the Heian period.
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Kyokusui no Utage
Kyokusui no Utage, an elegant form of leisure entertainment enjoyed by nobles in ancient Japan, is reenacted at Jōnangū Shrine in southern Kyoto twice a year in spring and autumn.
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Mibu Kyōgen
Unlike most kyōgen where the characters speak, Mibu Kyōgen is as a silent play with Buddhist chanting accompanying the performance.
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Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto is known for the beauty of its cherry blossoms, and come April the sakura flowers all over the ancient capital offer a myriad of beautiful sights... But where should you go?
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