Uploaded June 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ninna-ji, a sprawling temple complex in northwestern Kyoto a walkable distance from nearby Ryōan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, is the head temple of the Omuro school, part of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Founded in 888 and designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994, the temple grounds are home to a special breed of cherry blossoms called omuro sakura, fascinating architecture, beautiful gardens and an interesting hiking course. Because of its long history as a temple receiving imperial patronage, Ninna-ji possesses many National Treasures and several Important Cultural Properties, and in addition to more traditional Buddhist worship halls also has the Goten, constructed in a lavish residential style worthy of the name “Omuro Imperial Palace” that shows how emperors of old would have lived.
To see more of Ninna-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ninna-ji
Ninna-ji, a sprawling temple complex in northwestern Kyoto a walkable distance from nearby Ryōan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, is the head temple of the Omuro school, part of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Founded in 888 and designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994, the temple grounds are home to a special breed of cherry blossoms called omuro sakura, fascinating architecture, beautiful gardens and an interesting hiking course. Because of its long history as a temple receiving imperial patronage, Ninna-ji possesses many National Treasures and several Important Cultural Properties, and in addition to more traditional Buddhist worship halls also has the Goten, constructed in a lavish residential style worthy of the name “Omuro Imperial Palace” that shows how emperors of old would have lived.
To see more of Ninna-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ninna-ji
![Kyoto Festival: Japanese Mounted Archery at Shimogamo Shrine (Yabusume Shinji) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9MmU1QwRyqc/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Festival: Japanese Mounted Archery at Shimogamo Shrine (Yabusume Shinji) [4K]
Every year in May Kyoto begins to buzz with excitement as the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival), one of the three biggest festivals in the city, draws near. Though the festival procession itself falls on the 15th of the month, various rituals and ceremonial preparations begin to take place from the first week of May, drawing thousands of visitors and worshippers from around the country and from abroad. Centered on the Kamo Shrines, Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, the fesitivites range from sedate purification rituals to high-paced horse races.
On May 3rd at Shimogamo Shrine, one of these prepatory events occurs within the green canapy of the Tadasu no Mori forest leading up to the shrine proper from 1pm. The Yabusame Shinji, or Mounted Archery Ritual, is conducted to pray for the safety of the procession and purify the parade route. Performed by archers of the Ogasawara school, a style that traces its history back about 850 years, riders thunder down a 500m lane firing arrows at three targets along the way. Each time an archer hit the target a cheer springs up from the assembled crowd, and the sound of thundering hoofbeats growing closer and closer let people know something exciting is about to happen. If youre in town for Golden Week or the Aoi Matsuri, be sure not to miss this dynamic ritual and display of martial prowess!")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Shaping the Sacred (Preserving Japans Decorative Metalwork Tradition) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9iAQmY24v4c/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Shaping the Sacred (Preserving Japans Decorative Metalwork Tradition) [4K]
Step into the fascinating world of Japanese metalwork with the craftsmen of Kyoto’s Morimoto Decorative Metal Workshop, some of the foremost kazari kanagu artisans in the old capital. Kazari kanagu are the pieces of decorative metal you will most often see on Kyoto’s shrine and temple architecture in the form of ornate locks, gilded lanterns, engraved panels, and glittering statuary. Preserving traditional methods that enable them to both create new pieces and repair aged metalwork, the influence of the Morimoto Decorative Metal Workshop can be seen everywhere in Kyoto, from the humblest of local shrines to the most famous of sight-seeing temples. In this video you can hear directly from the craftsmen themselves about their profession and what it means to them, and explore both the process of creating new lanterns and the work that goes into repairing weatherworn metalwork.
Go to Discover Kyoto to learn even more and watch videos of the metalworking process in action here: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/kyoto-voice/morimoto-decorative-metal-workshop/")
![Things to Do: Kyoto Railway Museum [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AMvzdzwzmkA/mqdefault.jpg "Things to Do: Kyoto Railway Museum [4K]
If there’s one thing Japan is praised for the world over, it’s the punctuality, wide coverage, and convenience of its railway system. Here in Kyoto you’ll surely make use of the shinkansen bullet train when you arrive or leave, and the local lines that crisscross the city for sightseeing… But if you want to do more than just ride, you can always visit the Kyoto Railway Museum! Opened in 2016, this shiny new museum is a sprawling space that covers everything about trains from their construction and operation to their history and services. Interactive in many ways, this museum has lots of areas where guests can touch and operate exhibits in a way that makes things both educational and fun, making it great for visitors traveling with families. The real trains are hard to overlook, but be sure not to miss the train conductor simulators and the country’s largest train diorama!")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Sakura at the Sewaritei River Park [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AT2yU-KS56Q/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Sakura at the Sewaritei River Park [4K]
Popular among locals but as of yet unknown to many tourists, journey southwest of Kyoto to find the Sewaritei riverbank, where a 1.4 kilometer long path is lined on both sides with tall, bountiful cherry trees. The sakura tunnel effect at this riverside park in Yawata city is absolutely gorgeous, and you can even picnic underneath the branches heavy with flowers. In a nearby area vendors set up selling tasty snacks and souvenirs, and depending on the day you might see some entertainment during Aprils cherry blossom season. Those interested can even take a short boat ride along the path. As beautiful as this place is, make sure you get there early if you want a prime spot to lay your picnic blanket down!
Music: Ambient Space Soundscape by Seatools")
![Kyoto Event: 2018 Kitano Odori Dance Performance [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AtnPo3IiQuY/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Event: 2018 Kitano Odori Dance Performance [4K]
The geiko and maiko of Kyoto, keepers of time-honored traditional dance and music, are concentrated in five kagai (geisha districts) across the city. Each of the districts performs a large-scale dance for the public once a year, and Kamishichiken districts Kitano Odori runs from March 25th to April 7th to usher in the spring. Two performances are held each day, at 13:30 and 16:00, and tickets cost 4,300 yen. For an additional 500 yen guests can enjoy a cup of green tea and a sweet before the play, which also comes with a commemorative plate. Tickets can be purchased online for those with Japanese credit cards, procured through travel agents, or reserved with assistance at the Tourist Information Center in Kyoto Station.
For more information, please visit the Kitano Odori page on our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/march/kitano-odori/")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Eikan-dō [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ER1ykUnqtNg/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Eikan-dō [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 Eikan-dō temple. A Pure Land Buddhist temple originally founded in 853, Eikan-dōs precincts are filled to the brim with maple trees, which turn a variety of fall colors come November and brighten up the landscape in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Since Eikan-dō is host to a light-up event, you can enjoy their gorgeous autumn scenery by day or by night, and neither will disappoint!
To see more of Eikan-dō and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/eikan-do-zenrin-ji")
![Kyoto Festival: Hiwatari Matsuri at Tanukidanisan Fudō-in [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ET4kVb8rgxo/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Festival: Hiwatari Matsuri at Tanukidanisan Fudō-in [4K]
For more information, visit our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/july/fire-walking-tanukidanisan-fudoin-temple
Tanukidanisan Fudō-in is a temple that eschews the more traditional Buddhist sect system in favor of the ascetic nature worship of Shugendō. A practice that combines various Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist beliefs, Shungendō can be translated as the way to spiritual power through discipline.
One of the rituals associated both with Shungendō and Fudō Myōō worship is the Hiwatari Matsuri, or Fire Walking Festival. In this ceremony, goma (wooden prayer sticks) are assembled into a pyre to be ritualistically burned and the still flaming ashes and remnants raked flat.
Shungenja (Shugendō followers) lead the way by walking barefoot across the hot ground before helping the public do the same. This fascinating ritual is not only interesting for its religious components but also for anyone who would like to participate themselves. Can you handle the heat?")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms by the Kamogawa River [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EbgFHMR5p9E/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms by the Kamogawa River [4K]
The cherry blossom season truly delivered this year! Except for a couple of rainy days, sunshine illuminated the beautiful trees in full bloom and there were many happy cherry blossom admirers in Kyoto.
Temples and shrines are popular and beautiful places to view the pink spring beauties, but the Kamogawa river in Kyoto City is also a great place. Not only is it very accessible, but it’s also the perfect place to have a picnic underneath the trees.
Our team took a camera out to the river this cherry blossom season so we could share this Kamogawa sakura magic with you all!
To see more of what Kyoto has to offer, check out our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com
Music: Warm Evening by FredIMusicProduction")
