Motomiya Festival – Fushimi Inari Shrine

Motomiya Festival – Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari shrine is visited by virtually every visitor to Kyoto. I also came here many times and last time in April I climbed Mount Inari to the top. Coinciding with Gion Matsuri in July, the Motomiya festival took place at the shrine. Countless lanterns provided a different atmosphere than usual.

Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yamaboko Parade

Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yamaboko Parade

The last post in this series about the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is about the Ato Matsuri Yamaboko parade. The second parade is a bit shorter than the first, but not less interesting my any means.

Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yoiyama

Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri Yoiyama

After the Saki Matsuri concluded with the big parade, you would think that was the finale. In contrast, this marks the beginning of the Ato Matsuri cycle. In the following week the remaining 11 floats are constructed, exhibited and then parade through the city.

Gion Matsuri: Shinkōsai

Gion Matsuri: Shinkōsai

Today’s post is about the Shinkosai. At Yasaka Shrine four mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded through the neighborhood and then were carried down Shijo dori.

Two perspectives on a research exchange in Asia

Two perspectives on a research exchange in Asia

I eluded to this in April, but I am currently working at Kyoto University as a visiting researcher. Funded by the Young Researchers’ Exchange Programme, I could spend six months abroad to collaborate with another chemistry group and learn new skills. At the same time, a colleague of mine in the Morandi group, Elliott, went to Seoul, South Korea for a research exchange.

Gion Matsuri: Saki Yamaboko Parade

Gion Matsuri: Saki Yamaboko Parade

If one had to choose the highlight of Gion Matsuri, it would be the parade of floats on Sunday. After the floats had been constructed and exhibited, they are pulled through the heart of Kyoto.

Gion Matsuri: Saki Matsuri Yoiyama

Gion Matsuri: Saki Matsuri Yoiyama

Kyoto’s biggest festival is back after two years of hiatus. Today’s post will be about the festivities leading up to the saki matsuri yamaboko parade, the yoi(yoiyoi)yama.

Mimuroto Temple hydrangea garden

Mimuroto Temple hydrangea garden

With June comes the rainy season (at least normally) and with it the hydrangea blossoms. One of the best places to see them is Mimuroto Temple in Uji.

Yabusame Horseback Archery

Yabusame Horseback Archery

Have you ever heard about Yabusame? It is a traditional archery performed at shinto shrines. I went to see the yabusame at Omi Shrine near Kyoto.

Visiting the deer fawn

Visiting the deer fawn

Nara is always worth a visit. In June the deer fawn were just born and can be viewed in a protected area before they are released with their parents.