Hanatouro (花灯路)

Established in March 2003, Hanatouro is an event held at two points of the year during which the beautiful landscape, architecture, and art of Kyoto are grandly illuminated beneath the moonlight, such as the two trees shown above. Although both are known as Hanatouro, the “Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro” held in March and “Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro” held in December. Having become quite a popular event, the website run by the Kyoto Tourism Council claims that “it attracts over 2 million people every year from both Japan and abroad.” As shown by the official Hanatouro website the winter hours are from 5pm to 8:30pm while in the spring they are from 6pm to 9:30pm. This spring I attended the “Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro” which occurred over the span of nine days (from March 13 until March 22).

The path for the “Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro” stretches 4.6km long from Shoren-in Temple near Sanjo Station down to Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu Temple near Gojo Station. The streets and admirable surroundings are lit up and decorated to make for a very pleasant walk. For example, along the path elaborate flower arrangements called ikebana are on display. The photo above is one of them that I was able to see. Not only are the flowers carefully arranged, but the vase too is beautifully crafted and painted with detailed plum blossoms.

Along this strip there are numerous temples and shrines, each having something to offer. Unfortunately only had the opportunity to go to one, but I found that taking my time slowly in one of the temples was well worth the time. The view to be seen in Shoren-in Temple was romantic and breathtaking. The architecture alone was stunning, giving the feel that you were in a true historic Japanese structure. Then as you walk along the outside, the open space is illuminated like the stars in the vast night sky with blue lights (pictured above). Next, you can walk along a path that takes you through the temple’s gardens and up next to the mystical bamboo forest (shown below).

Although I did not get a chance to see them myself, there are other events such as the “Fire Watch and Ohayashi Music Group” in which school children sing songs and play music, and the “Bamboo Lanterns/Profound Stream” where a thousand bamboo lanterns are put on the stream and flow through Maruyama Park.

I definitely enjoyed the sights illuminated during the nighttime, so if you ever get the chance I recommend going.