December
The last of the colorful autumn foliage falls and winter tightens its grip on Kyoto come December, but the days are still lively. The New Year's is an important tradition in Japanese culture, and shrines and temples alike prepare numerous rituals and celebrations to cleanse the events of the present year and prepare for the next. Famous flea markets set up around the city, light-ups showcase the scenery, and festivals are held, no matter the cold!
Hari Kuyō
Hari Kuyō, or Needle Memorial Services, are held at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to give thanks to needles for their hard work throughout the year.
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Kyō-ryōri Exhibition
With Kyoto having been the seat of imperial power for more than a thousand years, its cooks were traditionally catering to the most discerning tastes of the capital’s nobility and numerous connoisseurs. This has developed into a unique style of cuisine called Kyō-ryōri, which makes use of the rich flavors, shapes, and colors of the local seasonal foods. For those who want to learn more about this fascinating cooking style, Kyoto International Exhibition Hall Miyakomesse houses an annual Kyō-ryōri exhibition on December 13th and 14th, showcasing sumptuous and elaborate dishes by city’s most acclaimed restaurants.
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Gishi-e Hōyō
The story of the 47 Rōnin is a classic said to embody the spirit of the samurai code of honor, in which forty seven retainers left without a master when their lord was forced to commit suicide planned for years and took revenge against the man who slighted him. Hōjū-ji holds its 47 Rōnin Memorial Service each year on December 14th, the anniversary of the night when the samurai sacrificed their lives to clear their lord's honor.
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Yamashina Gishi Matsuri
Celebrating the history of the 47 Rōnin, a tale said to embody the samurai code of honor, the Gishi Matsuri is held on December 14th each year at the Bishamon-dō temple in Yamashina.
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Osusuharai
Nishi Hongwan-ji, a large Pure Land temple near Kyoto Station, hosts their Osusuharai in late December, and volunteers from the local area as well as constituents from all over the country come to help clean the temple before the New Year.
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Shimai Kōbō
On the 21st of every month a large flea market is held on the grounds of Tō-ji in honor of the famous Buddhist priest Kōbō Daishi, who headed the temple in the 9th century.
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Shimai Tenjin
When the 25th of the month comes along it's time for the monthly flea market held around Kitano Tenmangū, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto.
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