Experience the Essence of Kyoto’s Summer: 3 Events to Feel the Spirit of Kyoto and Enjoy Exclusive Cultural Festivals Only This Season

Kyoto is a famous historic city in Japan that has developed independently and served as the capital for 1,000 years. Many interesting cultures unique to the ancient city have still remained including traditional festivals and foods, which have been handed down since ancient times. This time, we’re going to introduce Kyoto cultures and festivals which enjoy only in the summer. There are plans that anyone can easily experience, so please join us and enjoy the summer in Kyoto.

Chill Out with a Refreshing Dining Experience at Kyoto’s Summer Tradition – ‘Kawadoko’

‘Kawadoko’ (川床) is terrace seating set up by riverside restaurants during the summer. It is said that Kawadoko was developed during the Sengoku period (1467-1614) as a way to seek cooler areas to survive the hot summer. The Kamo River (鴨川), which flows through Shijo and Sanjo, is called ‘Nuryo-uka'(納涼床) or ‘Kawayuka'(川床), while areas such as Kibune and Takao are called ’Kawadoko’(川床). It’s different pronunciations and names in different areas. If you want to enjoy real ‘coolness’, we recommend you to the Kifune area, which is surrounded by greenery and the average temperature is 10 degrees lower than in the city. You can enjoy a meal on a Kawadoko that is set at a low height where your hand can reach the water’s surface, allowing you to savor your food while feeling the coolness of the refreshing stream. On the other hand, the Kawayuka along the Kamo River features a raised-floor style, providing the opportunity to experience the pleasant breeze blowing along the river. With a wide range of cuisine genres and prices, you can enjoy it in a variety of situations, from casual tea time to banquets. If you visit Kyoto during the summer, why not indulge in a meal while staying cool on the Kawayuka?

Opening Hours	1st May – 30th Sep (the period can be extended)
Access	From Hotel Gracery Kyoto to the Kifune area: About 3 minutes by Keihan train from Sanjo station, transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway at Demachiyanagi Station, and get off at Kibuneguchi Station for about 25 minutes. Kamogawa area: There are many restaurants located within a short walk from Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
URL	https://kyoto.travel/en/

Cool and Refreshing Worship at Shimogamo Shrine’s “Mitaraoshi Festival”

“Mitarashi Festival” (御手洗祭) is held at Shimogamo Shrine. It’s the little rare summer festival, you can steep in the pond and pray for good health. It’s called Ashitsuke-shinji (足つけ神事) and is also said to guard against bad luck. the ritual is held around ”Doyo-no-Ushi” known as the Midsummer Day of the Ox in July every year, and in 2023, it will be held from the 21st of July (Friday) to July 30th (Sunday). It’s believed that by dipping your feet into the ‘Mitarashi Pond’ in the grounds, you will get rid of sins and impurities, and receive blessings to ward off ailments and foot-related troubles. Why don’t you take this opportunity to pray for good health? You can feel the coolness when entering the pond, so it seems to be just the right amount of coolness on a hot summer day. Take a candle and pray for good health while immersed in water up to your knees, and finally drink the sacred water. Since it is not difficult, anyone from children to adults can easily participate.

Opening Hours	21st July – 30th July 2023 9:00AM – 8:00PM
Address	59 Shimogamo Izumigawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: 7 min. walk from Demachiyanagi Station which is 3-minute away from Sanjo Station on the Keihen Line
URL	http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english/

Embrace the Season of Gion Festival – Let’s survive the hot summer with Delicious Eel Dishes

“Gion Matsuri”(祇園祭) is held in Kyoto for a month during July. Although there are various fun events such as Yoiyama and Yamaboko Junko (processions of floats) and unique gourmets during the festival are also must-sees! One of the most popular cuisines is ‘conger eel-based dishes’ (鱧料理). The Gion Matsuri festival is also known as the ‘Hamo Festival,'(鱧祭り) indicating the popularity of hamo (conger eels) during this season. Conger eels are known to have the ability to survive for extended periods outside of water. so it has become popular as a remedy for summer fatigue due to the belief that consuming conger eel shares its vitality. Why don’t you try to find your favorite one because there are many hamo restaurants? You can enjoy various dishes made with conger eels, such as boiled, tempura, and sushi. It also recommends experiencing hamo dishes in Kawayuka introduced above sentence. If you visit Kyoto in the summer, try recharging your energy with conger eel dishes.

Opening Hours	June – end of September (Business hours are different depending on the store)
Access	There are many restaurants located within a short walk from Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo