Kyoto

Kyoto Higashiyama Lantern Street

Illuminated Kiyomizu Temple at night

Takako Sakamoto Oct 29, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>The famous 'Stage of Kiyomizu'; I feel weak in my knees every time I stand here</p>

<p>It is still chilly at night in Kyoto around the time when plum blossoms start to bloom</p>

<p>One of the landmarks of Kyoto, 'Yasaka Pagoda', looming in the dark in a golden hue</p>

<p>Brilliant vermilion pagoda at night</p>

<p>Pretty lanterns on the side of 'Chawan-zaka (Tea Bowl Slope)', which is the pathway leading to Kiyomizu Temple</p>

<p>A blue streak of light beaming at the temple gate and the pagoda</p>

<p>Although there are many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple is especially popular and crowded</p>

I don't clearly remember when it started, but this 'Kyoto Flower Lantern Street Festival (Kyoto-no Hanatoro)' has been annually held as long as I can recollect.

In December each year, the 'Arashiyama Flower Lantern Street Festival' is held. When the new year comes and plum blossoms start to bloom in March, the 'Higashiyama Flower Lantern Street Festival' is also held. Countless numbers of lanterns are placed alongside popular streets in Kyoto, and the sight of it reminds you of the mysterious view of 'Shoro Nagashi (Spirit Boat Procession)' in summer. In each area, there are also exhibitions of 'Kado (Japanese Flower Arrangement)' by a number of renowned schools.

The main purpose of my visit to this festival is to see the gorgeous views of famous temples illuminated at night. This photo story features the mysterious views of the illuminated Kiyomizu Temple looming in the dark.

Kyoto Flower Lantern Street Festival 1. Kyoto Arashiyama Lantern Street 2. Kyoto Higashiyama Lantern Street

The bulk of the lights are around Entoku-in Temple and cover many streets between Gion-Shijo Station.

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Find out more about Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...