Hanatoro is a popular event in winter and spring in Kyoto which only started in the 21st century. Intended to remind everyone of the seasons in Kyoto, the event features streets lit by lanterns, famous temples you can visit at night to pray and also breathtaking riverside night views.
Arashiyama Hanatoro, Kyoto
Arashiyama is a district located west of central Kyoto which is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Crowds of tourists visit in autumn or cherry blossom season. It has been a popular spot for tourists ever since the Heian period, a time when nobles visited to gaze upon the beautiful Kyoto gardens and drink tea.
Inspiring Scenery You Shouldn’t Miss
A few unforgettable experiences that should not be missed in Arashiyama are walking through a bamboo forest lit by lanterns, crossing the Togetsu-kyo (Moon Crossing Bridge) at night and the Ikebana promenade where you can look at exquisite flower arrangements.
The next Hanatoro takes place in Arashiyama from Friday, 13 December to Sunday, 22 December 2019, from 5:00 pm to 8:30pm.
Information
- Event name: Arashiyama Hanatoro - Bamboo Path (Nonomiya-Jinja Shrine)
- Street address: 1 Saga Nonomiyacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8393, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: From Arashiyama Station, walk for 10 minutes to reach Nonomiya-Jinja Shrine. Walk the path from Nonomiya-jinja Shrine to Okouchi Sanso Villa.
Spot information
- Spot name: Togetsu-kyo Bridge
- Street address: Togetsukyo, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu.
- Access: It is a 3-minute walk from the Arashiyama Station on Keifuku line.
Higashiyama Hanatoro, Kyoto
Situated in eastern Kyoto, Higashiyama is a district of great historical and cultural importance. The eighth shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, retired to Higashiyama in the 15th century after his reign from 1449 to 1473 (Muromachi period) and led the growth of Higashiyama culture.
The Hanatoro event in Higashiyama started in 2003. Besides the the lanterns lighting the streets, there are also Fire Watch Ohayashi Music Group performances, which is a parade in which children play instruments while walking down the lanes lit by lantern during Hanatoro. The world-famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Pagoda are open at night and they seem even more magical in the moonlight!
Japanese Folklore Is Brought To Life In Higashiyama
The "kitsune no yomeiri" (fox's wedding) where people hold lanterns and the fox’s bride is brought from Chion-in Temple to Koudai-ji Temple is a sight that will tickle your curiosity to learn more about Japanese folklore. It is also said that seeing the woman wearing a white fox mask who is carried on a rickshaw will bring you good fortune.
The next event will be held from Friday, 6th March to Sunday, March 15th 2020, from 6:00pm to 9:30 pm, so book your plane tickets now and fly to Kyoto!
*Due to the spread of COVID-19, the event for 2020 is canceled.
Information
- Event name: Higashiyama Hanatoro
- Location: Higashiyama, Kyoto
- Access: Take the bus (100 or 206) from Kyoto Station towards Kiyomizu-dera.
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