Awata-jinja Shrine in Kyoto

Facts & Figures

Awata-jinja Shrine in Kyoto is well-known for its annual lantern festival in the beginning of October called Awata Taisai. The beautiful and quiet shrine marked in the old days the start point of the Tokai-do Road. The road connected Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo).  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. Before travelers started their journey they visited the shrine to pray for a safe trip. My insider tip for you: In August (16th) you can see from the shrine grounds the huge Gozan Okuribi bonfires of Funa-gata and Hidari Daimonji.

• Awata-jinja Shrine:
• Opening Hours - open, whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

Explore the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide. The personalized tour can take between 2 - 8 hours. Check out this page > for more details.

History

Awata-jinja Shrine has a very long history. Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794. The shrine was already built before 794 and got its name from a clan that lived in this region. During the Edo Period (1603 - 1868) the shrine, start point of the Tokai-do Road, became more and more popular because of the huge amount of travelers passing through on the way to Tokyo.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

View over Kyoto - After climbing up the stairs to the shrine you are rewarded with great views over Kyoto.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Beer Garden at Awata-jinja (last Saturday of July)
Every year a beer garden will open at the temple grounds in the end of July.

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.

Awata Taisai (8th till 10th, 15th)
The festival is held for 4 days. Enjoy the parades where more than 200 people carry huge portable shrines (mikoshi) on their shoulders and other groups balance spears up to 8 meters high with an weight of 60kg. On the evening you will enjoy the beautiful parades of colorful lanterns.