Uploaded April 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
An event that combines Shinto spirituality, seasonal plum blossoms, delicious green tea, and lovely maiko and geiko, Kitano Tenmangū's Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) on February 25th is a must-see for anyone lucky enough to be in Kyoto!
Geisha from the Kamishichiken District turn out in colorful kimono and sporting plum-themed hair accesories, serving tea in an outdoor ceremony. This nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) is particularly popular with Kyoto citizens and tourists alike, as it is an opportunity not just to see a geisha up close, but to be served tea and even exchange a few words. These traditional Kyoto idols are popular worldwide for their grace and beauty, but most people do not have the connections in order to actually spend time in their company at a teahouse or a banquet. But at the Baikasai, a ticket worth 1,500 yen secures your entry to the outdoor tea ceremony, which comes with a traditional sweet, a cup of tea, and a chance to see these culture-preserving women at work. However, be warned that the serving cap is set at 3,000, and the ceremony is only conducted from 10:00 to 15:00.
Each year the Baikasai is held in order to remember Sugawara no Michizane on the anniversary of his passing, when the shrine performs important rites in order to remember pacify his deific spirit Tenjin within the main hall. Thousands of people turn out to pray at the shrine on this day, as well as enjoy the tea ceremony, the Tenjin-san flea market, and the lovely plum blossom orchard.
For details and more on this event, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/february/baikasai-kitano-tenmangu
An event that combines Shinto spirituality, seasonal plum blossoms, delicious green tea, and lovely maiko and geiko, Kitano Tenmangū's Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) on February 25th is a must-see for anyone lucky enough to be in Kyoto!
Geisha from the Kamishichiken District turn out in colorful kimono and sporting plum-themed hair accesories, serving tea in an outdoor ceremony. This nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) is particularly popular with Kyoto citizens and tourists alike, as it is an opportunity not just to see a geisha up close, but to be served tea and even exchange a few words. These traditional Kyoto idols are popular worldwide for their grace and beauty, but most people do not have the connections in order to actually spend time in their company at a teahouse or a banquet. But at the Baikasai, a ticket worth 1,500 yen secures your entry to the outdoor tea ceremony, which comes with a traditional sweet, a cup of tea, and a chance to see these culture-preserving women at work. However, be warned that the serving cap is set at 3,000, and the ceremony is only conducted from 10:00 to 15:00.
Each year the Baikasai is held in order to remember Sugawara no Michizane on the anniversary of his passing, when the shrine performs important rites in order to remember pacify his deific spirit Tenjin within the main hall. Thousands of people turn out to pray at the shrine on this day, as well as enjoy the tea ceremony, the Tenjin-san flea market, and the lovely plum blossom orchard.
For details and more on this event, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/february/baikasai-kitano-tenmangu
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMFqMyTvPWE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-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 Tōfuku-ji temple. One of the citys Five Great Zen Temples, Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236 and is home to a famous series of gardens and one of the oldest Sanmon Gates in Japan. When it comes to seasonal delights, however, go to Tōfuku-ji for their gorgeous mini-valley filled with maple trees. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge crosses over this rich sea of colors, allowing visitors to feel as if they are floating on a sea of red autumn leaves.
To see more of Tōfuku-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/tofuku-ji/
Music: Autumn Piano by SuricateBand")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pXa0g1zRX98/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]
See more beautiful plum blossoms at our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/march/plum-blossoms/
Though Japan may be famous for its cherry blossoms, those knowledgeable about their greenery are aware that there are actually many more flowering trees and plants that are popular for seasonal viewing nationwide.
The precursor to the blooming of sakura, ume (plum trees) were introduced from China hundreds of years ago and come in shades from pure white to dark pink. Plums are a popular food in Japanese cuisine, and you will find them in many forms from your tea to pickles in the center of your rice balls. In addition, plum trees were thought to ward off danger, and it was once common to plant them in the northeast corner of gardens, that direction being considered most susceptible to misfortune.
Plum blossoms may be difficult to distinguish from cherry and peach to the untrained eye, and similar to those other flowering trees they have a somewhat short lifespan. Still, plum trees bloom slightly longer and are usually visible from the colder month of February down through March. Events such as plum viewings and tea ceremonies are also held around this time. If you’re in Kyoto during this season, be sure to keep your eye out for these cheerful flowers blooming despite the chill in the air.")
![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")
