Kyoto Higashiyama Lantern Street

Illuminated Kiyomizu Temple at night

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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The famous 'Stage of Kiyomizu'; I feel weak in my knees every time I stand here (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

It is still chilly at night in Kyoto around the time when plum blossoms start to bloom (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

One of the landmarks of Kyoto, 'Yasaka Pagoda', looming in the dark in a golden hue (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Brilliant vermilion pagoda at night (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Pretty lanterns on the side of 'Chawan-zaka (Tea Bowl Slope)', which is the pathway leading to Kiyomizu Temple (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

A blue streak of light beaming at the temple gate and the pagoda (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Although there are many World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple is especially popular and crowded (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

I don't clearly remember when it started, but this 'Kyoto Flower Lantern Street Festival (Kyoto-no Hanatoro)' has been annually held as long as I can recollect.

In December each year, the 'Arashiyama Flower Lantern Street Festival' is held. When the new year comes and plum blossoms start to bloom in March, the 'Higashiyama Flower Lantern Street Festival' is also held. Countless numbers of lanterns are placed alongside popular streets in Kyoto, and the sight of it reminds you of the mysterious view of 'Shoro Nagashi (Spirit Boat Procession)' in summer. In each area, there are also exhibitions of 'Kado (Japanese Flower Arrangement)' by a number of renowned schools.

The main purpose of my visit to this festival is to see the gorgeous views of famous temples illuminated at night. This photo story features the mysterious views of the illuminated Kiyomizu Temple looming in the dark.

Kyoto Flower Lantern Street Festival 1. Kyoto Arashiyama Lantern Street 2. Kyoto Higashiyama Lantern Street

The bulk of the lights are around Entoku-in Temple and cover many streets between Gion-Shijo Station.