Popular events and historical spots in Kyoto filled with surprises and excitements

In Kyoto, the weather feels like winter is around the corner. Sagano and Arashiyama area will hold a large-scale illumination event where historical buildings will float in the dark sky. The breathtaking scenery lets us signal the coming of winter. It’s also tasteful to enjoy authentic traditional cuisines which making you become warm from inside while strolling Kyoto. Why don’t you take a leisurely trip to Kyoto in winter to discover hidden gems different from other seasons?

This time, we’re going to introduce a winter event and a restaurant and store which are recommended by Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo.

“Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2019” where a magnificent view of illuminations unique to Japan spread out

Speaking of one of Kyoto’s winter features, it’s “Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2019.” The whole Sagano and Arashiyama area, popular tourist spots, will be draped in gentle light of Japanese traditional lanterns and colorful light, and it will feel like this area turn into a fantastic world. Historical heritage sites, including Nisonin Temple and Horinji Temple, will be not only lit up but also decorated with various magnificent Ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement), and a traditional atmosphere unique to Japan will be created. In addition, Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Grove Road which are popular as photo spots also will be illuminated, and the scenery is beyond a doubt the best part. How about enjoying leisurely nighttime walks with a camera in one hand?

Period	13th December, 2019 – 22nd December, 2019 ※Please check the lighting time on the official website.
Venue	Around Sagano and Arashiyama areas
Access	JR Saga Arashiyama station: It takes 9 mins by the Sagano line from Nijo station which is 3 stations away from Kyotoshiyakushomae station. Hankyu Arashiyama station: It takes 44 mins by bus from Kyotoshiyakushomae.
URL	http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/arashiyama/

“Kinnabe” offering Mizutaki made with Japanese paper pot

Let’s warm up your chilled body at “Kinnabe.” This restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere, was founded in the Meiji era. Walking through the stone pavement leading to the entrance and enter the restaurant, a quaint view that makes you feel like you’re traveling to the past lays out before your eyes. The specialty of Kinnabe is Mizutaki (Chicken Hot Pot), and to our surprise, it’s made with Japanese paper pot! A waitress pours chicken broth simmered for a few days into the pot, put chicken, various vegetables and handmade tofu and boil everything. Please savor ingredients to which a delicate and subtle flavor of ‘umami’ is added after dipping them into Kinnabe’s special ‘Kyo no Ponzu.’ Its rich yet light taste must satisfy your heart and stomach.

Opening Hours	4:30PM – 8:00PM
Address	68 Hakatacho, Shijo Kudaru, Yamatooji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	A 5-min walk from Shijokeihanmae bus stop where it takes 7 mins by bus from Kyotoshiyakushomae
URL	https://www.kinnabe-kyoto.jp/

“Shoyeido Kyoto Main Store” creating the traditional scent of Kyoto

As you temples and shrines-hopping in Kyoto, you will perceive a good scent of incense that feels nostalgic. If you want to bring that scent back as a memory of your trip to Kyoto, you should head to the long-established incense store “Shoyeido Kyoto Main Store” with about 300 years of history. Many famous temples and shrines in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizu Temple and Nanzenji Temple, use incenses produced by this store. Why not get your favorite incense to fill your house with Kyoto’s traditional scent calming down your mind? Also, don’t forget to stop by at the adjacent building ‘KUNJYUKAN’! It’s a scent theme park which renovated a building built in 1959, where you can learn and experience attractions of various scents.

Opening Hours	Kyoto Main Store: 9:00AM – 6:00PM　Open all year around (except New Year’s Day) Kunjukan: 10:00AM – 5:00PM　Irregular holiday ※For more details, please refer to the official website.
Address	Higashigawa, Karasuma Nijojo Noboru, Chukyo-ku, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	A 5-min walk from Karasuma Marutamachi station where it takes 6 mins by bus from Kyotoshiyakushomae
URL	https://www.shoyeido.co.jp/english/