Back in Shirakawagô

Back in Shirakawagô

After the short intermission in Kyoto to see the Gozan no Okuribi, I set out for the Hokuriku region for the remainder of my vacation. Shirakawagô is one of my favorite places in Japan and that is why it draws me back for the third time.

Gozan no Okuribi

Gozan no Okuribi

Obon is one of the most important celebrations in Japan, during which the ancestors are honored and the family unites. Today I want to talk about „Gozan no Okuribi“ that took place at the end of Obon in Kyoto.

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.