The traditional center of art and culture Map of the Kinki region Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than 1000 years, from 794 AD, when the capital was relocated from Nara, to 1868 when the capital again relocated (this time to Tokyo) following the Meiji Restoration. For over ten centuries, Japanese culture centered on and evolved around the reigning Kyoto based Emperors with magnificent results. Spared the ravages of WWII, (Kyoto fortunately avoided the fires that swept other cities) so many ancient temples and shrines remain standing and have been thus able to retain their true character. This slice of fortune has lead directly to Kyoto retaining some of Japan's best sightseeing spots with many of them only enhanced by the changes in the seasons that seem to envelop them throughout the year. Various traditions and works of art were initiated and developed in Kyoto over the centuries and over 70 kinds of high-quality craft products are still made in the city today. These include the renowned Nishijinori, Kyoyuzen, Kyoningyo and Kyosensu works among others with all associated production techniques being passed down to the artists of today by the experts of yesterday. Another side effect of the magnificent history, culture and climate of Kyoto is the unique local cuisine. Elaborate and seasonal, Kyoto's finest cuisine always offers that perfect culinary journey along the avenues of Japanese food of days gone by.

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Okera Mairi (Visiting Yasaka Shrine on New Year's Eve) - Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - December 31st (Wed), 2008-January 1st (Thur), 2009 Okera Mairi is a traditional custom in Kyoto in which people pay a visit to Yasaka Shrine at midnight on New Year's Eve to pray for good health for the coming year. At the shrine, the roots of the medical plant Okera are set ablaze. Visitors kindle bamboo rope with the Okera fire and bring it home by swinging it so that the fire does not go out. The fire is used to light a candle for the altar at home or to cook ozoni, which is rice-cake soup. http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/yasaka/english/

Kuya Yuyaku Nenbutsu - Arashiyama area, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture - December 13th (Sat)-31st (Wed), 2008 Monks playing various musical instruments and chanting sutras to the Buddha (Nenbutsu) delight onlookers as their movements appear not too dissimilar to a form of dancing. The Nenbutsu performance is aimed at wishing for prosperity in the coming year and can be viewed for 30 minutes around 4pm every day. (not open to public on the 31th) http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php

Kasuga Wakamiya Onmaturi Festival - Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara City, Nara Prefecture - December 15th (Mon)-18th (Thur), 2008 Kasuga Wakamiya Onmaturi Festival was originally inaugurated in 1136 by Fujiwara-no-Tadamichi, who was Kampaku (chief adviser to the Emperor), to pray for bountiful harvests in the country and people's good health. During the festival, various classical art performances are dedicated to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine including Kagura and Bugaku (a court dance and performance with musical instruments), which is designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property of Folk Culture. http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/ (Japanese version only)

Arashiyama Hanatouro - Arashiyama Nakanoshima Park, Togetsukyo / In front of Tenryuji Temple / the streets of Sagano / Temples and Shrines in and around the Arashiyama and Saganao areas (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) - December 12th (Fri)-21st (Sun), 2008 The Arashiyama Hanatouro is being held in the Sagano and Arashiyama areas - areas with an atmosphere that reminds visitors of the romantic period of ancient aristocracy. The silhouetted Mount Ogurayama at dusk is a beautiful site to behold and the Togetsukyo Bridge against a background of lights seems to hang just like a bright pendant. Predicted to attract a large number of visitors, the Hanatouro event is destined to become a major event during wintertime in Kyoto. http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/

Sagano Sightseeing Tram start of operations - In the valley of Hozukyo; from Sagano in Kyoto City to Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture - March 1st (Sat)-December 29th (Mon), 2008 The Sagano Sightseeing Tram operation, not in service during the mid-winter (December 30th-February 28th), restarts operations as the days become longer and spring is just around the corner. This 7.3km, former Sanin-Honsen line between Saga and Kameoka enables passengers to enjoy the beautiful Hozukyo Valley with its 8 tunnels and ever changing views. http://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/eng/index.htm

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