A reminder of a Kyoto winter
This is an event which began in the Higashiyama neighborhood from 2003 as a new seasonal reminder for Kyoto, and the Hanatoro has also been held in Arashiyama since 2005. Bringing alive the streets of the historical cultural properties of Kyoto, this is scenery filled with Kyoto-esque spirit featuring the light of warm street lanterns and the flowers within works of ikebana. At either event, you can create and take home your own palm-sized paper lanterns. During the Hanatoro, special night visits to many of the shrines are held, so you might want to check the shrines that you are interested in beforehand.
Higashiyama Hanatoro
Held for 10 days at around mid-March annually. In tandem with illuminated special night visits to Shoren-in, Chion-in, Yasaka, Entoku-in, Kodai-ji, Hokan-ji and Kiyomizu Temples, 2500 street lanterns are warmly lit up, and large ikebana works are exhibited at 10 places under the aegis of the Kyoto Ikebana Society. In addition at Maruyama Park, there is an ikebana exhibition with a large flower competition and by the small river in the park, 500 bamboo lanterns provide a magical scenery. On weekends 3 times a day, you can view spectacular dancing by apprentice geisha, maiko, on the Noh stage at Yasaka Shrine.
Arashiyama Hanatoro
Held for 10 days at around late December annually. In tandem with illuminated special night visits to Nison-in Temple, Rakushisha, Jojakko-ji Temple, Nonomiya-jinja Shrine, Okochi Sanso Villa Garden, Tenryu-ji Temple, Hogon-in Temple, Shigure-den and Horin-ji Temple, 2500 street lanterns are lit up, and large ikebana works are exhibited. On the path from Nonomiya-jinja Shrine to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden, the bamboo forest is illuminated and with the lighting up of Togetsukyo Bridge, you can enjoy a wondrous spectacle. Special night cruises of yakatabune are also in operation where you can also enjoy special scenery from the boats.