Higashiyama Hanatoro (Flower Lantern Road)
As the spring tourist season gives way to March, you can experience a special illumination event called, "Higashiyama Hanatoro" at Higashiyama, one of Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots. Here, hundreds of lanterns made of bamboo and ceramic ("Andon") line the evening streets and bamboo forest, illuminating your path and creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby temples and shrines also hold their own special illumination events.
Higashiyama Hanatoro features a variety of other events and exhibitions as well, including an extensive display of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, a small concert with guitars and the ancient Shaku-hachi flute, and classical Geisha dance performances.
Higashiyama Hanatoro
Place: Higashiyama Region
Dates: From March 13th to 22rd, 2010
Illuminated: 18:00 - 21:30
Special night entrance, openings and illuminations
Special Events
Enjoy an enchanted evening at Higashiyama Hanatoro. Over 4.6 kilometers of paths, bamboo forests, temples, and shrines are illuminated with open air lanterns. Flower arrangements, craftwork, outdoor exhibitions, and paper lanterns large and small surround you as you stroll through the warm air of March while the soft sounds of taiko drums and Japanese harp, shamisen and the ancient Shaku-hachi flute music performed in intimate little concerts filter through the background. Artworks and panel displays inscribed with poems and haiku line the walkways, and when you are ready for a short respite, slip into a quiet lounge for a cup of hot tea.
*Flower Arrangement Promenade
In cooperation with the Kyoto Ikebana Association, an array of flower arrangements will be on display at 10 locations along the illuminated and blossomed pathway.
*Flower Stage
In the park at Kodaiji-Temple along Nene-no-michi Street, there will be mini-concerts, performances of Japanese harp, shamisen and the ancient Shaku-hachi flute, classical dances by Geisha, street performances, and other diverse events.
*Bamboo Lanterns and Ethereal River
A fantastical scene will be rendered with approximately 1,000 green bamboo lanterns along the babbling brook in Maruyama Park.
*Entertainment Districts, Hanatoro and Rickshaw Parade
Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from Kyoto's five entertainment districts will be on hand to welcome visitors.
*Traditional Lanterns of Kyoto's Universities
Students from six of Kyoto's art and junior universities will exhibit unique and creative works of art featuring light in Maruyama Park, all variations on the theme of traditional lanterns.
*Contemporary Flower Arrangement Exhibit
Works by young flower arrangers will complement each other across Maruyama Park.
*The Fox's Wedding Procession
Watch the fox illuminated by spectacular fireballs, while you walk safely through the night streets. This is a magical way to experience the ancient celebration of the fox's wedding to the gods, which brings good fortune to all.
Time: From March 13th to 22rd, 2010. The procession is held twice a day at 19:00 and 20:15
Higashiyama Hanatoro Official Website
