Uploaded October 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lotus, gorgeous pink and white flowers that bloom on thin stalks growing up out of the water, have long been associated with purity, beauty, and Buddhism. Despite the fact that the lotus sprouts from the mud, it emerges above the water beautiful and unstained. It's said that where the Buddha Siddhārtha walked lotus flowers sprung up from his footsteps, and because of this you can often find lotus art, designs, or even the plants themselves at Buddhist temples. Kyoto is no exception to this, and in the month of July the lotus bring locals and tourists alike to come enjoy the sight of the large blooms, whether they lay spread out over a lake or grow from carefully placed pots. Join the Kyoto Fan team on a summer journey to four temples who offer lovely lotus in their gardens, from Daikaku-ji in Saga-Arashiyama to Kajū-ji in Yamashina, then down to Uji for Manpuku-ji and Mimuroto-ji.
To see more of what Kyoto has to offer, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com
Music: "Far From Road" and "Someday" by Smorfe
Lotus, gorgeous pink and white flowers that bloom on thin stalks growing up out of the water, have long been associated with purity, beauty, and Buddhism. Despite the fact that the lotus sprouts from the mud, it emerges above the water beautiful and unstained. It's said that where the Buddha Siddhārtha walked lotus flowers sprung up from his footsteps, and because of this you can often find lotus art, designs, or even the plants themselves at Buddhist temples. Kyoto is no exception to this, and in the month of July the lotus bring locals and tourists alike to come enjoy the sight of the large blooms, whether they lay spread out over a lake or grow from carefully placed pots. Join the Kyoto Fan team on a summer journey to four temples who offer lovely lotus in their gardens, from Daikaku-ji in Saga-Arashiyama to Kajū-ji in Yamashina, then down to Uji for Manpuku-ji and Mimuroto-ji.
To see more of what Kyoto has to offer, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com
Music: "Far From Road" and "Someday" by Smorfe
![Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ryjyXFo34fQ/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]
People often conceptualize calligraphy as a means to an end, viewing it simply as a type of penmanship used to achieve fancy lettering. But to Kawao Tomoko, a prominent calligrapher based in Kyoto, practicing the art of calligraphy is a gateway to so much more. Discover how she preserves techniques and traditions that have been passed down for centuries while also applying her talents to express herself creatively and meaningfully as an artist in today’s world.")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 at Giō-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/st8FNQLpJ8M/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 at Giō-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Giō-ji temple. Located in the Arashiyama area, Giō-ji is famous for its connection to the Japanese classic The Tale of the Heike, and for its charming moss garden. Though small in size, the lush garden is made up of many varieties of moss with a flower-lined stream meandering through beneath a bower of maple trees. These maple leaves turn fiery shades come autumn, and the sight of colorful leaves fallen on the green carpet of moss is without compare!
To see more of Giō-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/gio-ji")
![Kyoto Festival: About the Zuiki Mikoshi [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tj3MDJujAgk/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Festival: About the Zuiki Mikoshi [4K]
For more information please visit our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/october/zuiki-matsuri-kitano-tenmangu
The Zuiki Matsuri held by Kitano Tenmangū expresses gratitude for bountiful harvests, and nothing embodies this better than the festivals portable shrine, which is decorated with vegetables and other dried flora. How did this interesting tradition begin? How exactly is this amazing omikoshi made? Listen to the chairman of the Nishinokyo Zuiki Mikoshi Preservation Committee explain how each year the local people gather and work together to maintain this fascinating tradition!")
