Latest Events in Kyoto Prefecture(July Updated)

Legend has it that the Kannon (Avalokitesvara) of Kiyomizu-dera Temple transforms into a blue dragon, and drinks water from the waterfall within the temple grounds at night. Therefore, the Yaksha (demon) is also worshipped there. This event is held specifically because of this legend, and also to pray for the well-being of those who come to worship. This dancing blue dragon parades from Okuno to the cobblestone streets surrounding Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The blue dragon is considered one of the four sacred guardians of Kyoto. Besides the giant blue dragon, there are men dressed in traditional samurai attire, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dances. It's truly amazing! Lunar New Year is on March 15th and April 3rd. Autumn is on October 15th, starting at 2:00 PM (2 PM).

What does that title signify— Is it "Substitute" or "The Chosen One"? The answer remains unclear. Yet, in this long-run tour starting in Japan, I can distinctly feel something different from before—an unwavering presence that belongs to ayu.

To celebrate the museum's 30th anniversary, a circular gallery designed by Tadao Ando, ​​located at the end of the underground passage of the century-old main building—the Oyamazaki Villa—is dedicated to exhibiting Claude Monet's "Water Lilies." This "underground jewel box" (underground gallery) will display all of Monet's works during the museum's 30th anniversary celebrations; these works are among the museum's core collections. This is also the first time in ten years that all eight of the museum's Monet works have been exhibited, including five "Water Lilies" paintings and three Japanese arched bridge paintings. Immerse yourself in Monet's masterpieces, experience the tranquility of this space that blends perfectly with the garden and the surrounding natural environment, and feel the charm of art.

Every year during Japan's rainy season, Kyoto's Mimuroto-ji Temple opens its hydrangea garden, which has about 50 varieties and 20,000 hydrangeas. The temple is not only a gorgeous floral landscape, but also interesting for history lovers - it was built about 1,200 years ago.

This exhibition explores the dynamic evolution of British art from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. After going through the Thatcher era (1979–1990), a charged and uncertain social climate gave rise to a new generation of artists who challenged traditional norms and embraced bold, experimental practices. Many of the newer generation of artists who came to prominence in the 1990s were referred to in the art and popular media under the title Young British Artists (YBAs). Alongside other artists active at the time, these artists explored themes such as popular culture, personal identity, and shifting social structures. They worked across a diverse range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation. Featuring around 90 works by approximately 50 artists, the exhibition traces the radical creativity and groundbreaking approaches that redefined British art in the 1990s. What is YBA?The label Young British Artists (YBAs) is applied to a loose group of British artists who began to exhibit together in 1988 and who became known for their openness to materials and processes, shock tactics and entrepreneurial attitude. Many artists active in the 1990s rejected the label.

During the Heian period, nobles would hold purification ceremonies at the changing of the seasons to cleanse themselves of sins and impurities. This has now become a traditional custom in Kyoto during the summer, with many believers coming to pray for good health and freedom from disease. Visitors enter the sacred pond within the temple barefoot to pay homage to the god of purification, and then drink the holy water to cleanse their minds and bodies. In front of the main gate, tents for the summer festival are erected along the streets, filled with stalls from famous Kyoto shops, including those selling Mitarashi dango (glutinous rice dumplings drizzled with sweet soy sauce).

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) was a prominent ukiyo-e artist active in the late Edo period. Known as the "Master of the Bizarre," he was also called "Samurai Painter Kuniyoshi," "Master of Cats," and "Full of Satire and Humor." He displayed multifaceted talent, creating numerous works, including portraits of beautiful and vibrant women, portraits of actors depicting distinct features, and unique landscape paintings that blended Western painting techniques. He dedicated himself to bringing entertainment to the people of the Edo period, and his ability to create top-notch works in any subject matter made him a true master of ukiyo-e! This exhibition showcases approximately 200 works by Kuniyoshi, including masterpieces such as "The Old Imperial Palace of Soma," "He Looks Terrifying, But He's Actually Kind," and "Fifty-Three Playful Cats," as well as other works that fully demonstrate his exceptional talent. These works are divided into six categories to facilitate viewers' understanding of Kuniyoshi's diverse artistic activities. Through guided tours, we will guide you through the essence of Kuniyoshi's works, allowing you to experience his unique artistic personality and the diverse world depicted in his art, as well as the various aspects of life in that era. You can also experience Kuniyoshi's rich and colorful artistic world through immersive art videos. Kuniyoshi's top-notch entertainment works are sure to excite you, making you feel as joyful as a resident of Edo!

This festival is held annually on the fourth Saturday of July in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture. It originated as a traditional lantern-releasing event held in the late Meiji period to commemorate ancestors. Today, it has become a spectacular summer festival, featuring the "Peace Prayer Lantern Flowing" event, where approximately 10,000 lanterns float simultaneously along the Yura River, and about 4,000 fireworks are set off. The Ayabe Yokai dance, adapted from the Yokai dance of Kochi Prefecture, is performed at the venue, creating a lively atmosphere. Following this, at 7:30 PM, a lantern-releasing event takes place. A 40-minute fireworks display begins at 8:00 PM, enveloping the entire Yura Riverbed in a dreamlike atmosphere.