Winter Festivals& Traditions
Kyoto’s Unique Seasonal Celebrations
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is often associated with the elegance of cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant koyo (autumn foliage) that paints the city’s temples and gardens in fiery hues. However, winter in Kyoto offers an equally enchanting, yet less commonly known, experience.
As temperatures drop and the city becomes a peaceful winter wonderland, several traditional festivals and seasonal celebrations bring warmth and vibrancy to the quiet streets. Let’s explore some of the most unique and fascinating winter festivals held in Kyoto during December and January.
December 8: Shakyamuni’s Enlightenment Ceremony at Kennin-ji Temple
On December 8th, Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples, holds a special ceremony to commemorate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. This day, known as Rohatsu, is significant in the Buddhist tradition as it marks the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
On this day, monks engage in a week of intensive meditation leading up to the ceremony. On the final day, the public is invited to witness the temple’s serene and solemn rituals. Visitors can sit in quiet reflection, appreciating the deep spiritual history of the temple, which was founded in 1202.
For tourists, attending this event offers an immersive glimpse into Zen Buddhism and Kyoto’s deep spiritual roots. The ceremony is quiet and contemplative, offering a perfect balance to the typically busy tourist itinerary. The peaceful atmosphere of Kennin-ji Temple, combined with its stunning Zen gardens and impressive dragon ceiling painting, make it a memorable cultural and spiritual experience during the winter season.
December 31: Joya-no Kane, Ringing in the New Year at Chion-in Temple
The most spiritually significant rituals: Joya-no Kane (除夜の鐘), the ringing of the bells at Buddhist temples. At midnight on December 31st, temples throughout the city strike their bells 108 times, a practice rooted in Buddhist teachings. Each of the 108 strikes represents a worldly desire, which are said to cloud the human heart. By hearing the bell toll, participants can purify themselves and leave these desires behind as they welcome the new year with a clean slate.
One of the most famous places to experience Joya-no Kane is Chion-in Temple, a grand temple in the heart of Kyoto that holds the most elaborate bell-ringing ceremony. The temple’s massive bell, weighing 74 tons, requires a team of 17 monks to ring it. The atmosphere is reverent and solemn, yet filled with anticipation for the coming year.
For those visiting Kyoto, participating in or observing Joya-no Kane at Chion-in Temple is a powerful and unforgettable way to mark the transition from one year to the next. It’s a rare chance to experience a centuries-old Buddhist tradition up close, while reflecting on the year gone by.
January 1: Hatsumode: Welcoming the New Year at Fushimi Inari Shrine
After Joya-no Kane, the first few days of January are dedicated to Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine visit of the new year. It is a time when people come to pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity for the year ahead. One of the most popular spots for Hatsumode in Kyoto is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that lead up Mount Inari.
During Hatsumode, Fushimi Inari is bustling with visitors, both locals and tourists, who come to make their first offering of the year. The shrine is also known for its stunning New Year’s decorations, including colorful banners and traditional offerings. Despite the cold weather, the energy at the shrine is lively and festive, as people buy omamori (protective charms) and draw omikuji (fortune slips) to see what the year will bring.
While Fushimi Inari can be crowded during Hatsumode, the experience is a must for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the cultural and spiritual customs of Japan. The hike through the torii gates offers a sense of renewal and hope for the coming year.
January 8-12: Toka Ebisu, A Celebration of Prosperity at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine
Held annually from January 8th to 12th, Toka Ebisu (十日えびす) is a lively festival celebrated at Kyoto’s Ebisu Shrine. Dedicated to Ebisu, the god of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, the festival attracts both locals and business owners who come to pray for success in their endeavors.
During the festival, the shrine is adorned with bamboo branches and talismans, and visitors purchase lucky charms to ensure prosperity in the coming year. One of the highlights of Toka Ebisu is the fuku-musume, or “lucky women,”who distribute these charms to visitors. The festival’s atmosphere is festive and joyful, with traditional music, dance performances, and food stalls lining the streets.
For tourists, Toka Ebisu offers a unique glimpse into the importance of commerce and good fortune in Japanese culture, as well as a fun and energetic festival to experience during the quieter winter months.