May 2016

The Aoi Festival is one of the three largest festivals in Kyoto and is an important annual festival of both Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. The festival’s official name is the Kamo Festival and it was started in the mid 6th century when Emperor Kinmei ordered a ceremonial festival to end a serious famine. Aoi are the hollyhock leaves which decorate everything in the procession from the costumes of participants to the cows pulling the carts. 

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May 1-24

Kamogawa Odori at Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre The maiko and geiko of Pontocho will perform their annual elegant spring dance and show; Show times: 12:30, 14:20, 16:10. Tickets: 4,800 yen (special seats with tea service), 4,200 yen (special seats), 2,300 yen (general seats); Access: Kyoto City Bus #205, get off at Kawaramachi Sanjo; Pontocho Kabu-kai: Tel: 075-221-2025; www.kamogawa-odori.com

May 3

Inari Festival at Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine The shrine’s mikoshi portable shrine is carried from the otabisho near Nishikujo back to the Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine; The procession proceeds along various routes including Omiya, Gojo and Takeda-kaido streets; The Kanko-sai Festival will be held from 16:00, after the mikoshi and procession arrive at the shrine. No entry fee; Access: JR Inari Stn. or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stn.; Tel: 075-641-7331; inari.jp

May 3-5

Citizen Tea Party at Nijo Castle In the beautiful Seiryu-en Garden, traditional tea ceremony will be hosted by two different schools; This is a great opportunity to enjoy green tea as well as see the Ninomaru Palace (National Treasure) and garden. Tickets: 2,000 yen (entry to the castle and tea ceremony); 10:00-15:00; Access: Kyoto City Bus #9, get off at Nijojo-mae or Subway Tozai Line, Nijojo-mae Stn.; Tel: 075-841-0096; www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/nijojo