Toyokuni Jinja annual festival | Noh Plays at Shiramine Shrine | To–ji Temple special opening & markets | Japan post day

Toyokuni Jinja Annual Festival
From September 18, 2008 until September 19, 2008

Toyokuni Jinja (Toyokuni Shrine) is a Shinto shrine situated in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. It was built in honour of the powerful samurai lord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who helped to end the Warring States period (mid 15th to early 17th century) and to unify Japan. September 18th is the memorial day to commemorate Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s spirit—following his death on this day in 1598.

September 18th | Traditional dancing and music will be performed from around 11:30am
September 19th | A tea ceremony will be offered by a Yabuuchi School master from 11:00am

You can get to Toyokuni Jinja by taking bus #100, #206 or #208 and walking for approximately 5mins from the Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop.

1. Toyokuni Jinja, Kyoto, Japan, 2. Toyokuni shrine, 3. Toyokuni Shinto shrine


Noh Plays at Shiramine Jingu
Friday September 19, 2008

Annually in mid–September two Noh performances are held at Shiramine Jingu (Shiramine Shrine), Kamigyo–ku, Kyoto in celebration of the Emperor Sutoku. This year the performances will be held on Friday September 19: first act at 4:00pm, second act at 5:40pm. Admission cost is approximately 2,000 yen (1,500 yen in advance).

Shiramine Jingu is a short walk (approx. 5mins) after taking bus #9, #12, #59, #101, #102, #201 or #203 to Horikawa Imadegawa or by taking the Karasuma subway line to K06 Imadegawa.

1. stage of takigi-no, 2. takigino, 3. kamigyo takigino


To–ji Temple Special Opening
From September 20, 2008 until November 25, 2008-09-16

To–ji (Eastern Temple) is a Buddhist temple close to the city centre in Kyoto. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is famous for its five–storey pagoda—the highest wooden tower in Japan. There is a special opening from September 20—November 25, 2008 which unveils To–ji’s collection of national treasures and important cultural properties. This collection is comprised of over 8,000 pieces in total and can be viewed from 9:00am–4:30pm for an admission fee of 500 yen.

You can get to To–ji by taking bus # 207 to Toji Higashimonmae or bus #202 or #208 to Toji Minamimonmae.

1. Toji Temple, 2. Toji pagoda, 3. Toji Temple, Kyoto


To–ji Markets
Sunday September 21, 2008-09-16
7:00am–5:00pm

To–ji Temple, also known as Kobo–san, hosts a popular monthly flea market to rival all others. This month it will be held on Sunday September 21 and has everything from pottery and food, to tools and recycled kimono—well worth a visit!

To get to To–ji please see the instructions above.

1. toji antique market, 2. toji market, 3. vegetables in ko-bo-san, 4. gloves in ko-bo-san, 5. old kimono in ko-bo-san

(*Please Note: These images by Artistique, JeffKole, Sawa, Hyougushi, MShades, Tizianoj and Quoi have been used under the Creative Commons license)