Spring Lantern Festival

Good morning/afternoon/evening my great Kyo Sensational followers!

I hope you are having a good week and your trip plans to visit here are organised well.

Today you will be inspired sensationally with the Spring Lantern Festival. Unfortunately it has ended for 2017, but you can set a goal making a way to Kyoto in March 2018.

During the festival, traditional temples, shrines and buildings in the east suburb of Higashiyama have been lit up with lanterns placed on the pavements. These lights created romantic, historical and traditional atmosphere.

One night I have started seeing at the south end of the venue, called Gojo Zaka that is the steep leading up to Kiyomizu Temple, one of famous and popular tourist attractions.

Lighting up on the Gojo Zaka

Walking up the steppy street, I got to the temple. It was lit up brightly and traditional Japanese music was played at the base. A performer wore traditional Japanese clothes that were similar to kimono.

Kiyomizu Temple

Small streets towards other temples in the south east suburb were decorated well with traditional Japanese lanterns and you will see Kyoto cuisine restaurants established in traditional Kyoto machiya houses.

Traditional Kyoto Machiya Houses

Going through another popular temple called Kodai-ji, the Lantern streets led to Maruyama Park adjoining Yasaka Shrine located the east of Gion where you might see Geishas.

At the park, crafts made by citizens and university students were exhibited with lighten up under the competition. These crafts were so beautiful.

Traditional Japanese cafe near Maruyama Park

Exhibited Flower Craft

Bamboo Lights

At the Park, patrons had opportunities to write their wishes and messages in star shaped pieces of papers. It is our custom when we visit a shrine to pray for their wishes. And then these wishes could be put on lanterns around the tent where they wrote their wishes.

Patrons Wishes on Lanterns

Also winter lantern festival is held annually in December at Arashiyama, so don't miss out!

I hope you enjoy the traditional night seeing beautiful foot lanterns on your visit to Kyoto.