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January Kyoto events calendar and an interview with a religious scholar

Japanese traditional lanterns like this a common at many shrines and temples across Japan.

This post is long and full of unique events in Kyoto in January including temple & shrine events and markets. Just reading the overviews gives you a taste of how ancient and intricate Kyoto culture is. And by extension how ancient and intricate Japanese culture is! Learn more!

The rest of this post covers:

Content by Ian Martin Ropke, owner of Your Japan Private Tours (est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with Japan private tour clients and have worked for all kinds of families, companies, and individuals since 1990. Clients find me mostly via organic search, and I advertise my custom Japan private tours & travel services on www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps in Japan! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip. And thank you for reading my content. I, Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search), am also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!

Kyoto January event calendar: temples, shrines and markets

This calendar steps you through all the major temple, shrine and cultural events on Kyoto's annual calendar. And no city in Japan boasts as much prestige as Kyoto. There is a Japanese saying that began in the 10th century and lasted until the end of the 19th century. Namely, if your local provincial specialties don't make to Kyoto then you are selling inferior goods! That is still true today in more ways than you think.

Note: Dates and times are subject to change, and events are occasionally cancelled.

Hatsumode refers to the first shrine visit of the year to pray for luck, health, happiness, and a surprising number of other things. Whether the Japanese are praying for luck or easy child birth, hatsumode is one of the best chances of the year to see people in elaborate, colorful kimono. The children too! Here are the places to go and pray for what you need. And remember you can go to these temples and shrines year round and get special power talismans as detailed below. The omamori woven cloth bags are very detailed and collectible.

FOR GOOD LUCK: Kamigamo Shrine: The Main Hall, a National Treasure, will be open to the public during this period. Located east of the Kamogawa River, north of Kitayama. Tel: 781-0011. Heian Shrine: This magnificent shrine will be lit up from midnight on Dec. 31st, to dawn on the 1st. Tel: 761-0221. Shimogamo Shrine: This shrine, one of the oldest in Kyoto, is surrounded by a forest called the Tadasuno Mori. Located where the Takanogawa and Kamogawa rivers merge. Tel: 781-0010. Matsuo Taisha: The Main Hall at this ancient shrine is an Important Cultural Asset, and its 3 gardens are famous. Access the shrine with Kyoto Bus #28. Tel: 871-5016.

FOR AVOIDING BAD LUCK: Yasaka Shrine: Set at the edge of the Gion district, this shrine is one both ancient and highly popular. At the corner of Higashioji and Shijo. Tel: 561-6155. Yoshida Shrine: Located in a serene mountain setting in the heart of the city, this shrine is a popular place to welcome the new year. South west of Imadegawa Shirakawa. Tel: 771-3788. Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu: Located on the top of the Otokoyama mountain in Yawata. At 12:00 am of the 1st, the gate will be open to the public. Tel: 981-3001. Seimei Shrine: Seimei Shrine, which is strongly linked with Abeno Seimei, a famous fortune teller of Heian period, has many mysterious legends connected with it. New Year celebrations will be start at 6 a.m. and many young people gather here! Located north of Horikawa Nakadachiuri. Tel: 441-6460.

FOR MARRIAGE: Nonomiya Shrine This shrine is set in a green, preserved area of Western Kyoto. North of Arashiyama. Tel: 871-1972. Jishu Shrine: Located inside of Kiyomizu Temple. Tel: 541-2097.

FOR PREGNANT WOMEN: Umenomiya Taisha: This shrine is famous for ensuring easy birth and female fertility. Accessible via City Bus #3 or #71. Tel: 861-2730. Kiyomizu Temple: The Koyasu no To (statue of easy birth), just south of the Main Hall, is well-known throughout Japan. Tel: 551-1234. Gokonomiya Shrine: This shrine is also famous for its water well, ranked as one of the top 100 water sources in Japan. East of Chushojima Stn. (Kintestsu or Keihan). Tel: 611-0559. Ebisu Shrine: This shrine is home of the God of Fortune, Ebisu. East of Kawabata, between Shijo and Gojo. Tel: 525-0005. Fushimi Inari Shrine: This huge shrine complex is closely connected with ensuring good harvests and success in business. Tel: 641-7331.

FOR SKILL IMPROVEMENT: Kurumazaki Shrine: This shrine is popular with actors, performing artists, and others hoping to improve their skills. In Arashiyama, near Keifuku Kurumazaki Stn. Tel: 861-0039. Shiramine Shrine: One of the dieties enshrined here is the god of kemari (ancient Japanese-style football). Tel: 441-3810.

FOR EXAMINATIONS: Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine: Sugawara Michizane, probably Japan’s best known scholar is deified here. Every year thousands of students come here to pray for good results on their entrance examination. On Imadegawa, west of Senbon. Tel: 461-0005. To-ji Temple: Many people come here to welcome the New Year. The temple’s monthly flea market (on 21st) is extremely popular, especially the one in January. Tel: 691-3325.

AMULET FOR BEST DIRECTION: Jonan-gu Shrine: Enshrined in this shrine is the deity of good direction. Near Takeda subway station. Tel: 623-0846. Sekizan Zen-in Temple: Situated in the northeast of Kyoto, this temple is famous for its best-direction amulets. Tel: 701-5181.

FOR SAFE DRIVING: Tanukidani Fudo-in Temple: This temple is popular for its amulets, which are hung inside one’s car, and protect the vehicle from accidents, etc. Located above Shisendo, on the east side of Kyoto. Tel: 722-0025.

January temple & shrine and event highlights

Jan 1-2: Shinkyo Kito Shusho-e: Monks gather at this temple on these two days to pray for “tenka taihei” (peace reigns over the world) and happiness. At Daikaku-ji Temple, located northeast of Arashiyama. Tel: 871-0071.

Jan 1-3: Hatsu Daikokusai: Ritual services are held in connection with two divine stones, which are called “love-fortune-telling” stones. On these three days, sweet sake is served to visitors. Special goodluck amulets are also available. At Jishu Shrine inside of Kiyomizu Temple, east of Higashioji Gojo. Tel: 541-2097.

Jan 1-3: Oubukucha Tea Service: Oubukucha is a special tea (unique to Kyoto) that has been served at the first of the New Year since the 10th century. It is supposed to prevent illness. Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple, northwest of Higashioji-Gojo. Tel: 561-6980.

Jan 1-3: Tanukidani Fudo-in New Year Ceremony: During this ceremony, the monks of the temple chant prayers and burn thousands of pieces of wood with prayers written on them (goma). After the pray, paper talisman will be bestowed to the prayer. Tanukidani Fudo-in is located directly east of Shisendo Temple. Tel: 722-0025.

Jan 2-4:Fude Hajime and Tenmagaki: A Japanese calligraphy event to celebrate the New Year will be held from about 9:00 on the 2nd. On the 3rd, a Kyogen play will be performed from 13:00. At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, west of Senbon Imadegawa. Tel: 461-0005.

Jan 3: Karuta Hajime (First Karuta Game of the Year): Fourteen women dressed in Heian period (794-1185) court costumes play karuta (traditional Japanese card game) at this shrine from 13:00. At Yasaka Shrine in the Gion, east of Higashioji. Tel: 561-6155.

Jan 4: Kemari Hajime (First Imperial Football Game of the Year): Kemari, an ancient Japanese kind of football is played by men in court costume at this shrine, starting at 14:00. At Shimogamo Shrine, northwest of Demachiyanagi Stn. Tel: 781-0010.

Jan 5: Shinnen Kyoen-sai: This ritual service originated in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) as the final event in the traditional New Year’s celebrations. Traditional dance and music are featured. At Kamigamo-jinja Shrine: north of Kitayama Stn. Tel: 781-0011.

Jan 5: Eight Thousand Ogoma Kuyo: In this ritual, about 8,000 wooden prayer sticks (goma) are burned. They are accumulated over the year by people who prayed at this temple. Burning these sticks is believed to help people break free from sinful desire and bring happiness. At Sekizan Zen-in Temple, north of Shugakuin Rikyu Imperial Villa. Tel: 701-5181.

Japan biggest Annual Bonsai Exhibit (Jan 8-12, 2025): This major Bonsai exhibition (at the Miyako Messe, 150 meters southwest of Heian Shrine) will be open to the public, free of charge; from 9:30-16:30 (until 15:00 on the last day). Chinese potted dwarf trees (pine, maple, plum, apple) are known as bonsai in Japan. These miniature are trained and trimmed into beautiful shapes until they resemble small, exquisite landscapes. In addition to an eye for beauty, the bonsai artist requires immense patience. As the plants grow, they have to be tended with great care and skill. Water, sunlight, fertilizer, and other factors affecting growth must all be precisely controlled. If properly cared for, bonsai can last for centuries, and the finest plants are passed down as family heirlooms. Bonsai entered Japan in the Kamakura period (794-1185) along with Zen Buddhism. Today, bonsai have become especially popular with young people as way to bring traditional, spiritual aspects into their contemporary lives.

Jan 8-12: Hatsu Ebisu: Held at Ebisu-jinja Shrine, this colorful festival, celebrates the smiling Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and the patron deity of merchants. Ebisu is also the household god of food, and also the deity of honest business dealings. During the festival, people pray to Ebisu, burn last year's talismans (which they got from this shrine), and buy new talismans. Just remember to say “Shobai hanjo de sasa motte koi!” or "Good business!! Bring us prosperity !". Ebisu Shrine is located east of Kawabata, between Shijo and Gojo. Tel: 525-0005.

Jan 9-10: Gion Ebessan: On these two days, good luck bamboo grass will be distibuted at this shrine, which is known for its long history. At Kitamuki Ebisu-sha in the Gion district. To get there take city bus #206 to Gion. Tel: 561-6155.

Jan 9-11: Hatsu Tora Taisai: A new year’s ritual service is held in this temple, which is famous for bestowing good luck, happiness and victory upon those who pray here. During these three days, sweet sake is served free of charge in the shrine grounds. At Bishamonten Temple, a 10-min. walk north of JR Yamashina Stn. Tel: 581-0328.

Jan 10: Hatsu Kompira: At this shrine on this day there will be a purifying ceremony and a small market. Miniature treasure ship talismans are presented to visitors (special lucky ship-shaped amulets will also be available). At Yasui Konpira Shrine, directly south of the Gion district. To get there take city bus #206 to Higashiyama Yasui and then walk west. Tel: 561-5127.

Jan 20: Yutate Kagura: On this day (at 14:00), kagura, an ancient form of sacred Shinto dance and music, is performed in front of a caldron of boiling water. The boiling water is believed to bring good health. At Jonan-gu Shrine, about 1 km southwest of Takeda subway station on the Karasuma subway line. Tel: 623-0846.

Jan 28: Hatsu Fudo: On this day, at 11:00 and 15:00, goma (pieces of wood on which prayers have been written) are piled high and then burned. Sasazake (sake served in green bamboo) is served free from 9:00 to 16:00. Drinking it is said to prevent diseases, especially cancer. At Tanukidani Fudo-in Temple, east of Kita Shirakawa, on Ichijoji, about 500 meters east of Shisen-do Temple. Tel: 722-0025.

Kyoto January archery events

Unlike Western archery, in kyudo (Japanese archery) hitting the target is but a means to an end, and not an end in itself. This might seem abstract or meaningless to one who has never practiced this art. However, this philosophy is common to most other Japanese traditional arts (such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, or calligraphy). In kyudo, the process, from start to finish, is of the greatest importance. While practicing, one must concentrate on every movement so that the arrow leaves the bow smoothly. This is not as easy as it seems.

Jan 5: Hosha-sai: In kyudo (Japanese archery), arrow shooting is a form of dedication to the deity. Traditionally, the harvest and business outcome of the new year were predicted by the results of arrows shot. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, near Keihan Railway's Fushimi Inari Stn. Tel: 641-7331.

Jan 13: Yumi-no Hikizome (New Year’s first arrow shooting or Toshiya): This is known as one of the new year’s events among Japanese traditional archery lovers and athletes. Shooting the arrows in Japanese traditional manner, they celebrate their first trial of the year while they congratulate those who have become legal adults, 20 years old. Originally, this event dates back to the 16th century, when feudal warriors desparately competed their archery skills on behalf of their master lords. Starting from the evening, competitors continuously short the arrows for 24 hours until the following evening. They fiercely tried to renew the previous highest record of the number of arrows shot successfully from the one end of the hall to the other (120 m) within the height between the floor and ceiling. Neverbeaten record was established by Daihachirou Wase, a warrior of Kii province in 1696. That was 8,153 successful arrows out of 13,053 shots. You can even now recognize old yaks stuck on the ceilings. On this day the temple is opened to the public from 9:00-16:00. At Sanjusangen-do, on Shichijo, west of Higashioji. Tel: 561-0467.

Jan 16: Musha Shinji: In this ceremony a shrine priest dressed in traditional costume shoots arrows at a target in the hope of wiping out illness and securing good health for all people for the year. The event takes place at Kamigamo Shrine, located east of the Kamogawa River, north of Kitayama. Tel: 781-0011.

Kyoto flea and craft markets, year round

To-ji Temple Antique Market: This market on the first Sunday of every month offers the visitor an insight into the world of Japanese antiques. To-ji Temple: 1 km southwest of JR Kyoto Stn., Minami-ku. Tel: 691-3325.

Chion-ji Temple Craft Market (15th of every month): Chion-ji’s monthly market is full of surprises. Unlike the other temple markets, the Chion-ji market is devoted to a wonderful range of handmade goods and crafts. Chion-ji: 50 meters north east of Hyakumanben (intersection of Imadegawa and Higashioji) across the street from Kyoto University. Tel: 691-3325.

Kobo-san Flea Market at To-ji Temple (21st of every month): Antiques, old kimono & obi (great buys), ethnic goods at this exciting event. The January market, the first of the year, is one of the liveliest. Many people also come to see the temple’s treasures, including a famous ancient statue of a Yakushi Nyorai, said to have great healing powers. To-ji Temple: 1 km southwest of JR Kyoto Stn., Minami-ku. Tel: 691-3325.

Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Shrine (25th of every month): Kyoto’s third monthly market after Chion-in (15th) & Toji (21st). This market is somewhat smaller than the one at Toji but just as much fun and the location is beautiful. Kitano Shrine is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, a great educator and poet during the Heian period, who is deified here. The market is held every month on the 25th, the day he died. Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine: on Imadegawa between Nishi-oji and Senbon. Tel: 461-0005.

Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market: This market began with like minds and an appreciation of handmade items. There are roughly 150 vendors hoping to sell everything from pottery, interior design goods, clothing, jewelry, cakes & cookies. The Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market takes place in Okazaki Park, right in front of Heian Shrine once a month from 10:00 to 16:00. To get the right date just Google: "when is the next Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market in Okazaki Kyoto?"

A Conversation with Martin Repp, religious scholar

This interview took place in 2003 in Kyoto. Martin was German and had been living and working in Kyoto for quite a while. I admired his work and his character.

YJPT: How did you get involved with the NCC Study Center all the way from Germany?

MR: My connection with Japan, especially Kyoto, began when I was studying at Marburg University. During my studies I became acquainted with two Japanese university professors. After they returned to Japan, they invited me to visit them. On my first trip here, I became fascinated by Japanese aesthetics. I was particularly impressed with Japanese gardens, ink paintings, and so on. It seemed to me that the fewer objects were contained in these pieces of art, the stronger the power they exerted. Later, I combined my long-standing interest in other religions with my interest in Japan and applied for this job through a mission board in Germany which had good connections with Japan. I was very lucky to get this job.

YJPT: What does NCC stand for?

MR: The NCC Study Center stands for the National Christian Council Study Center, an umbrella organization of the Protestant churches in Japan. There are about 1.2 million Christians in Japan. In the beginning the Study Center was created to facilitate more effective missionary work. But as inter-religious dialogue began to dominate the Study Center’s activities, it became clear that proselytizing or trying to gain converts could not be pursued.

From the 1960s onward, inter-religious dialogue steadily gained influence. Through dialogue such as this, you come to understand and eventually correct your own prejudices much more than if you were just to read books about other religions.

The NCC Study Center has been working to establish dialogue between different Japanese religions since it was established 40 years. Because we have maintained an objective, non-partial stance in our relations with other Japanese religions, from the beginning, people trust us. This is probably our biggest asset. This kind of trust can lead to concrete action. For example, after the big earthquake in Kobe in 1994 we facilitated cooperation between a Christian organization and a Buddhist organization to improve emergency aid in the affected area.

YJPT: What are the key activities of the NCC Study Center?

MR: Our activities include introducing foreign church workers and scholars to Japanese religions. We also introduce Japanese Christian pastors to these religions. Every year we hold a major seminar, one in English and one in Japanese. These seminars, usually lasting several days, are held at the headquarters of a Japanese religion. In the past, we have held such seminars in many locations including Eihei-ji, Mampuku-ji, Koyasan, and so on. This year we had the English seminar on Mt. Hiei. The participants, foreign teachers and pastors, stayed at Enryaku-ji for three days and listened to talks by specialists of the Tendai sect. Participants also took part in Tendai religious rituals and ceremonies and received a guided tour of Enryaku-ji Temple.

We also have a monthly seminar lecture series based on a yearly theme. At present we are studying Tibetan Buddhism. We often have guest lecturers come in and talk on relevant topics. For example, the Russian consul in Kobe recently gave a lecture on the recent changes in Russian laws for religious corporations. This spring, we plan to hold a symposium on bioethics focusing on the different perceptions of body and spirit in the East and the West.

YJPT: How does the NCC Study Center act to promote an understanding of Japanese religions and inter-religious dialogue on an international level?

MR: Our English journal, Japanese Religions, is a one example of how we act on an international level. The aim of the journal is to give scholarly objective information about Japanese religions to the world. The NCC Study Center is also able to introduce foreign students and scholar to the Japanese religious community. Last year, for example we introduced a Danish scholar to a Zen-Buddhist organization to assist him in his research.

Our international activities also include the facilitation of inter-religious dialogue. Recently, we assisted two Swedish theologians interested in having an inter-religious dialogue with representatives of Pure Land Buddhism. A few months ago, we organized a meeting, between a new Taiwanese Buddhist school and Japanese representatives of established religions and new religions.

We also have a small, highly specialized library, which is open to the public for study or research activities. Many foreign students and scholars use our library for shorter and longer periods of time.

YJPT: In your opinion, are the Japanese religious in the same way we are in the West? In what ways is their religious practice or faith different?

MR: It is interesting to note that many Japanese, when asked what religion they are, answer that they have no religion [mushukyo]. However, I am sure that they are religious. If you go to any temple or shrine you inevitably will see people praying, lightening candles and incense sticks. To explain this general response one would have to assume that many Japanese seem to have a certain amount of distrust or distance from established religious organizations. This is probably a fairly recent phenomena of this century. Shinto has strong image of being deeply connected with State Shinto, and therefore Japanese Imperialism. I spoke recently with a young Shinto priest and he complained about the lack of closeness with the people in his neighborhood.

Buddhism is primarily active in connection with funeral services and observances. It has developed into an extremely expensive process. There is a breed of Buddhist priest that has become famous throughout Japan for greed. The father of a friend of mine died a few years ago and when my friend gave the priest the money for the service, in an envelope, the priest had the nerve to count the money right in front my grieving friend. The fact that most priests are leading a luxurious life and not doing much for it in return is, unfortunately, widespread today in Japan.

YJPT: What are your favorite places in Kyoto or what is about the city that is especially dear to you?

MR: I like to take a special walk from my house through the northern part of the Kyodai [Kyoto University] and then over Yoshidayama to Shinnyodo and on through the upper Kurodani cemetery to the place where you look out over the city. I especially love this walk in the evening, when you can hear the monks chanting in Kurodani. The warm glow of the candle light through the white paper shoji doors is one of my favourite Kyoto images.

Another place I like very much is Eikando Temple, where you slowly walk up the mountain from temple to temple looking out over the tile rooves. The famous Buddha statue at Eikando, known as the Mikaeri Amida, is one of my favorites. You can get very close to this statue and see it very clearly. Instead of looking straight forward, the head is turned and he looks back over his shoulder. To me this statue very much expresses an important idea of Pure Land Buddhism, namely equality. The Buddha doesn’t look at you and thus doesn’t see what rank or sex you are: you just are, and you are accepted for that. This is very special.

Content by Japan travel specialist & designer Ian Martin Ropke, founder & owner of Your Japan Private Tours (YJPT, est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with all of YJPT's Japan private tour clients and have a great team behind me. I promote YJPT through this content and only advertise at www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip to save time & have a better time. Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search) is also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!