Save time & have a better time anywhere in Japan (since 1990) with my expert private custom Japan tours & travel services. Learn more! WhatsApp: +1-415-230-0579. Email me today!

May flowers, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture spots & events

Peonies of many colors in Nara Prefecture in May.

This post begins with an interesting overview of May flower highlights & locations in Kyoto Prefecture. May is the month when the most flowers appear on trees across the nation of Japan. And many smart private travelers are using my expert Japan private tours & travel services to get out to the edges of the big cities to really inhale the wonders of the natural worlds of Japan.

Irises: May is iris month in Kyoto. Besides inspiring countless paintings and poems, the iris is also important to medicine. After the flower has bloomed, the leaves can be cut and bundled and added to the family bath to purge the body of impurities. The flower blooms twice, so you are sure to see several hundred in bloom anytime during the month of May. Here are some of the city's most celebrated iris-viewing gardens. Ohta Shrine: Famous for its thousands of rabbit-eared irises (kakitsubata) that bloom in its ancient pond, this shrine is in the precincts of one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, Kamigamo Shrine (a National Natural Monument). Entry is free, but a small donation is requested. The garden is always open. The shrine is just east of Kamigamo Shrine. Heian Shrine: The spacious stroll garden here is famous for its hana-shobu irises that bloom along the banks of Soryu-chi Pond. Open 8:30-17:30. Located north of Nijo/Jingu-michi. Tel: 075-781-0011. Kanshu-ji Temple: during May the pond at his temple is bordered beautifully with irises and water lilies. Open 9:00-16:00. Located in Yamashina (east of Kyoto city).

Azalea & Rosebay: Shisen-do Temple: Shisen-do Temple on the northeast side of Kyoto is wonderful at any time of year. There is always something in bloom: flowers and bushes. The garden is large and unusual and you will always find a bright surprise in one of its many hidden corners and curves. Indeed, this is the very place to go hunting for flowers. The temple was the old residence of Ishikawa Jozan (1583-1672) a samurai general who retired here to pursue his interests in Chinese poetry and culture. The garden was partially designed according to Chinese design principles. Every year in May the garden explodes in a riot of pink and white azalea flowers. Open 9:00-16:30. Located about 3 km north of the Silver Pavilion high up in the Higashiyama Ridge. Tel: 075-781-2954. Yoshimine-dera Temple: The garden at this temple, also famous for its azaleas, was designed to make use of the mountain slopes behind it. Tel: 075-331-0020. Located 2.5 km west of Hankyu Nagaokatenjin Station. Matsuo Taisha Shrine: The combination of the rosebay flowers and stones at this shrine is stunning. Open 5:00-18:00 (entry until 16:00). Located in Arashiyama (west of Kyoto city). Zuishin-in Temple: This temple, closely connected to the famous Japanese female Heian-period (794-1185) poet, Ono-no-komachi, one of the most beautiful ladies in Japanese history, is also well-known for its flowers. The temple is surrounded by white walls and something is always in bloom. In April and May, visitors can enjoy azaleas and rosebays here. There are many spot in and around the temple connected with Komachi’s life including the Fumizuka (a place where she buried many love letters). A 5-min. walk from Ono Stn. on the Tozai subway line. Tel: 571-0025. Myoman-ji Temple: this quiet temple comes alive with a profusion of azaleas between early May and early June. A 5-min. walk from Kino Stn. on the Eizan railway line. Tel: 791-7171. Chishaku-in Temple: in early May this temple’s famous garden is full of blooming azaleas. Located just east of the Kyoto Hyatt Hotel east of Kyoto Station. Tel: 541-5361.

Rhododendrons: Rhododendrons thrive best along mountain streams. They are considered one of the earliest signs of the beginning of summer in Japan. Jakko-in Temple: In the Heike-monogatari (an ancient Japanese military story written around 1220-1240), the heroine Kenreimon-in Tokuko retires, after her clan loses an epic final battle, at Jakko-ji Temple in Ohara, spending the rest of her days is quiet seclusion living the simple life of a Buddhist nun. Rhododendrons grow in the precinct of the temple. Located in the NW corner of Ohara Village NE of central Kyoto. Tel: 744-2545. Zuishin-in Temple: this temple (see Azaleas) is also well-known for its rhododendrons. Open 9:00-16:30. Located in Yamashina ward on the east side of Kyoto near Ono Station on the Tozai subway line. Tel: 571-0025.

Peonies: Another May motif, often seen in scrolls and paintings together with frolicking Chinese dogs, is the full and wonderfully bold botan or peony, favored for their rich reds and subtle pinks. Otokuni-dera Temple: It is said that Shotoku-taishi made a command to build this temple and Kobo-taishi became a chief monk in Heian period. The temple is a short walk southwest of Hankyu Nishi Muko Stn. Tel: 951-5759. Oharano Shrine: This shrine, located deep in the mountains, is exquisite when its large peony flowers bloom. Entry is free. Open during the daytime. Located on the west side of Kyoto in mountains south of Arashiyama; closest train station: Higashimuko Station on the Hankyu Railways Kyoto main line. Tel: 331-0014.

The rest of this post covers:

Content by Ian Martin Ropke, owner of Your Japan Private Tours (est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with Japan private tour clients and have worked for all kinds of families, companies, and individuals since 1990. Clients find me mostly via organic search, and I advertise my custom Japan private tours & travel services on www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps in Japan! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip. And thank you for reading my content. I, Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search), am also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!

Super-green Uji City, tea, azaleas, and culture

The ancient, green city of Uji is famous place for its temples, shrines, river-side scenery and quaint countryside homes and estates. The city has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also the tea capital of Japan; the first leaves of the year are picked in May. Late spring is one of the best times to visit Uji—to stroll along the river and take in the magnificence of the azaleas in full bloom, to see the wonders of its temples, and to simply relax in a town that has been a tourist mecca for centuries. English volunteer area guides are available between 9:00-17:00 for ¥1,000/person (reserve 7 days in advance; Tel: (0774) 22-5083). For the locations of the places mentioned below see the detailed map on page 7, or call Uji tourist information @ (0774) 23-3334.

Byodo-in Temple: The Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in (completed in 1052), gracing one side of the Japanese 10-yen coin, is regarded by many as the most beautiful structure in Japan. With its two wooden wings built to perfect proportions, the central hall attempts to re-create the Pure Land Paradise of the Amida Buddha on earth. Inside this highly esoteric structure, perfectly reflected in a large pond, stands a giant Amida Buddha that acted as a bright ray of hope during the decadence and wide spread pessimism of the later Fujiwara Period (894-1185). The temple’s exquisite treasure musuem, the Hosho-kan, has a wide range of exhibits, including an exceptional collection of Fujiwara-period Buddhist Art. In May, the temple has two additional attractions: its hanging wisteria vine arbors (early May) and its colorful azaleas (late May onwards). Entry to Byodo-in is ¥500 (add ¥600 for entry to the museum). Open: 8:30-17:00.

Tea & pottery: The Taiho-an tea arbor next door to Byodo-in serves green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets (served by tea ceremony teachers; ¥500; 10:00-16:00). Nearby Kanbayashi Memorial Museum contains tea artifacts that once belonged to the official tea purveyor of the Imperial family and Tokugawa shoguns during Edo period (¥200; 10:00-16:00; closed Fridays). Asahi Pottery Museum: The Asahi pottery tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333); visitors can create their own things here (¥300; 10:00-16:00; closed Mondays). Sankyu-an Uji Tea Museum: this museum, located on Uji’s main shopping street, on the top two floors of a famous tea wholesaler, has an excellent collection of tea tools, etc. (free; 9:00-17:00).

Other Places of Interest: Local Mampuku-ji Temple was built in 1661 by Chinese Zen monks fleeing persecution in China; the entire temple has a distinctly exotic, very Chinese feeling (¥500; 9:00-16:30; the temple also serves Chinese vegetarian fucha cuisine from ¥3,000; reservations required; 0774-32-3900). The Uji Jyujo Koseki (ten ruins connected with the Tale of Genji) are spread out on both sides of the river (visit or call tourist information for exact locations). In May Mimuroto-ji Temple is said to have nearly 20,000 brightly blooming azalea bushes (¥300; 8:30-16:30). Located about 2 km southeast of Byodo-in, Amagase Dam is 73 m high, and 254 m long (built in 1964); Amagase Forest Park, next to the dam, is recommended for hiking and bird watching. Genji Monogatari Museum: this museum is devoted to the dashing story (still popular today!) about Prince Genji (set largely in Uji) penned by Murasaki Shikibu almost 1000 years ago (¥500; 9:00-17:00; closed Mondays).

To get there: take the JR Nara line to Uji (kyuko semi-express train; 17 minutes) or Keihan Uji line (local; 40 minutes). The park is about 13 minutes walk from either station.

Kameoka City, an old castle town full of surprises

Kameoka City, with a population of about 100,000, is located about 20 kilometers west of Kyoto. The city has served as a key transport hub for lumber shipments, and as vital link between Kyoto/Osaka and the Sanin region (Yamaguchi, Shimane and Tottori Prefectures) since the 8th century. And like many smaller, rural Japanese cities, Kameoka has largely managed to preserve its special sense of heritage.

Kameoka Highlights—Galleria Kameoka: Kameoka City declared itself as a “lifelong learning city” in 1988. Showcasing this ideal, Galleria Kameoka opened last year. It has a convention hall, library, handicraft and cooking studios, a restaurant and a comprehensive information corner open to the public. Tel: 0771-25-5034. Nonbiri Castletown Historical Walk: This relaxing historical walk will take you past wonderfully preserved temples and shrines and the heart of old Kameoka. Kameoka Athletic Park: This spacious park has a huge leisure pool, a track field area, tennis courts, a gymnasium and a baseball field. You can get to the park (in 10 min.) on a free shuttle bus from Kameoka JR Stn. Kameoka International Exchange Memorial Park and Center: This huge area of greenery and open space is made up of several zones connected with Kameoka’s sister cities. The Kameoka International Center has an excellent library and many other fun facilities. Yuno Hana Hot Springs: These springs have a reputation for healing neuroses, rheumatism, skin diseases, and stomach aches.

Getting to and returning from Kameoka is all part of the fun. The scenic way to get to Kameoka is on the romantic, open-air Torokko train, which departs at 27 minutes past the hour from Torokko Saga and Arashiyama Stns. (see map on pg 7) between 9:00 and 16:00 (last train at 16:27). The train follows the Hozugawa River, offering excellent views of the river and the surrounding mountains. When returning from Kameoka, always be sure to take the hozugawa kudari, the Japanese name for the fun boat trip down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. It takes about two hours for the 16 km trip. Thirty thousand tourists travel down the river each year. The trips cost ¥3,900 for adults, and ¥2,500 for children. Each boat seats about 15 people and is equipped with a roof, should it rain. Boats depart about 2 km from Kameoka Stn. at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00.

Oyamazaki Town: A cultural walking paradise

Centered around Mount Tennozan, the Oyamazaki area is located at the point where the historical regions of Kyoto, Osaka and Tamba meet. The area was the scene of an important battle in which warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi revenged the murder of his master Oda Nobunaga in 1582. Today, a well-marked hiking course called “Hideyoshi Street” leads past most of the area’s main attractions, which include Kannon-ji Temple, Oyamazaki Sanso Villa, and the Oyamazaki Historical Museum (which has excellent videos and models, and reconstruction of the famous Irori-an tea house).

Oyamazaki Sanso Villa, a classical Taisho-period (1912-26) English-style mountain villa, is well worth visiting. The main wooden building, surrounded by a large garden area, is preserved in its original elegant state, with black wooden arched beams, high ceilings, and a huge fire place. The museum contains several collections, including impressionist and Chinese works, and a fine collection of Japanese tea ceramics. A modern museum designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando, which has one of Monet's exquisite water lily paintings, is located next door. Open 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays.

Other Attractions—Muko Shrine: This important cultural asset, was first built in the early Nara period (710-794). The shrine will hold a big traditional festival on May 14th. Nagaoka Tenjin Shrine: This shrine is famous for its beautiful garden scenery, ancient pond, and a 150-year-old azalea tree. Suntory Yamazaki Whiskey Distillery: This distillery is where the history of Japanese whiskey began. The tour of the facilities is popular (reservation required). Tel: 075-962-1423.

To reach the area, take a local Hankyu (to Oyamazaki Stn.) or JR (to Nagaoka Tenjin or Yamazaki Stn., about 25 minutes) train. The walk connects the two JR stations. There is a free shuttle bus from from JR Yamazaki or Hankyu Oyamazaki to Oyamazaki Sanso Villa.

Content by Ian Martin Ropke, owner of Your Japan Private Tours (est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with Japan private tour clients and have worked for all kinds of families, companies, and individuals since 1990. Clients find me mostly via organic search, and I advertise my custom Japan private tours & travel services on www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps in Japan! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip. And thank you for reading my content. I, Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search), am also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!

Kamo Town: Rural walking and relaxation

The Kamo area, located in the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture, is a peaceful rural area famous for its many, ancient, open-air stone Buddha statues dating from the Kamakura period (1185-1333), a period generally regarded to represent the height of sculpture mastery. The area is also home to a number of important temples, shrines and ruins, all spread out over an area of gently rolling countryside.

Area Highlights—Gansen Temple: Said to have been built in 729, this fine temple is located in the center of a forest. It is well known for its hydrangea flowers in June. Stone Buddha Walking Path: This path, bordered by rice fields and farms, leads past countless exquisite Buddha statues from the Kamakura period, and open-air, unmanned stalls selling produce. The walk takes about 40 minutes. Jyo-ruri Temple: This impressive temple has a number of artefacts remaining from the Fujiwara period (10th-12th century). The main hall has nine superb Amida Nyorai statues. Kaiju-sen Temple: Located at the top of Kaiju Mountain, this temple, with its rare five-story pagoda, is famous for its health-blessed amulets. Kunikyo Ruins: These ancient stone ruins of a short-lived imperial palace date from the middle of the Nara period.

Kamo Town can be reached via the JR Nara line from Kyoto Stn. (in about 90 min.), transfer at Kizu, and take the Kansai Honsen line to Kamo.

Kyoto & Shiga May event highlights

Aoi Matsuri: May in Kyoto, besides being the month in which the new leaves of spring burst forth, is the month the Aoi Matsuri festival, one of Japan’s largest and its most ancient. The festival consists mainly of a procession on May 15th of 500 people dressed in imperial court costumes of the Heian period (794-1185), but there is a whole lot more to see and experience.

Aoi Matsuri dates back to the sixth century when a series of severe storms destroyed the autumn harvest. A diviner determined that the deities of Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines were angry at the people for their lack of respect. To quiet the gods, Emperor Kinmei (540-571) had special rites performed at both shrines. Magically, the storms came to an end. Since then, imperial officials have paid regular annual visits to bot two shrines. The name of the festival comes from the fact that the dark and shiny spiked leaves of the aoi (hollyhock) bush are used in decorating the costumes. These leaves were believed to have all sorts of powers including protection against lightning and earthquakes and guaranteeing easy childbirth.

Following Kyoto’s founding in 794, the first emperor of Kyoto, Kanmu, personally visited both shrines and recognized their deities as protectors of Kyoto. In 807, he officially established the Aoi Matsuri as an annual, imperial event. Today, as in old times, the festival procession is made up of two parts: the imperial messenger’s retinue and the saio-dai, a young woman (in the Heian period she was an imperial princess who headed both shrines). The saio-dai is the focus of the parade, riding on a palanquin dressed in imperial Heian robes (12 layers in all). The parade is a colorful array of imperially dressed citizens, about 600 in all, who form the public part of the proceedings. Private rituals within each shrine involve the presentation of an official petition from the emperor and many gifts, amongst which there is always a fine horse. Though given in private, the horses later gallop down a special course outside of the main shrine compound. The array starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30. If you would like to watch it in nice place close to them, please book the seat in advance.

Important Aoi Matsuri Events: Saiodai Nyoninretsu Misogino Shinji (early May): In this ceremony the saio-dai is purified at Kamigamo Shrine in the river passing through the shrine 10:00-11:00. Kurabe-uma Ashizoroe Shiki (5/1): After a Shinto purification service, the horses which will take part in the races on May 5th (see below) are checked for condition and speed, and divided into two equal teams, one red, one black, and practice runs around 13:30 at Kamigamo Shrine. Yabusame Shinji (5/3): This exciting archery on horseback event begins at 13:00 with a Shinto service. From 13:00 to 15:30, about twenty horses and their costumed riders gallop down a 500 meter course and shoot arrows at wooden targets. At Shimogamo Shrine. Kurabe-uma Shinji (5/5): These horse races begin at 13:00, with about six pairs competing. If the contest is won by the red team, Kyoto's textile merchants will flourish. If the black team is victorious, the year's harvest will be especially good. General admission is free. And the races will proceed even if it rains. At Kamigamo Shrine. Mikage Festival (5/12): On this day, an important and ancient portable shrine is taken to the foot of Mt. Hiei so that the spirit of the gods can board. All the people in the procession wear holly hock leaves, as they do on the day of Aoi Festival. Bugaku dances will be offered to the deity. Starting from Shimogamo Shrine.

Mifune Matsuri Festival (5/16): around 14:00 on the third Sunday in May, thirty boats, loaded with Heian-period (794-1185) imperially costumed participants, set off upstream from Nakanoshima (Arashiyama) on the Oi River. In this unique and impressive event, known as the Mifune (Three Boats) Festival, the Imperial houseboat leads the way. The first boat carries players chanting Noh dramas and reading Chinese and Japanese poetry. Every one of the other twenty boats feature some other art or entertainment form. Small rowboats and pedal boats can be rented from the Arashiyama bridge area, if you wish to follow the flotilla and see close up the beauty of the boats and the performing entourage. Arashiyama is located on the west side of Kyoto and can be easily reached on the Keifuku, Hankyu, and JR lines. For detail call Kurumazaki Shrine Tel: 861-0039.

Fujinomori Sai (5/1-5): Two processions, one of warriors carrying three portable shrines, and one of flute and drum players, leave this shrine at 9:00 and return at 18:00. At 13:00 and 15:00, people on horseback perform acrobatic stunts, in a ritual called kake-uma shinji. This is a rare ritual that re-creates the feat of horsemanship used by samurai during battle. From the 1st to the 5th, many stalls line the approach to the shrine. Fujinomori Shrine: southeast of Keihan Fujinomori Stn. Tel: 641-1045.

Ohara’s Oharame Festival (5/16-31): Ohara, 10 km northeast of downtown Kyoto, is famous for its rural charm and cultural wealth. The two main attractions in Ohara, since ancient times, have been the twin splendours of lushly landscaped Sanzen-in Temple and the serene solitude of Jakko-in (where the last member of the losing Heike aristocracy, the Queen, spent the final decades of her life as a nun and tragic recluse). Unfortunately the main building at Jakko-in (many hundreds of years old) was destroyed by an arsonist in 2000. The deadly fire was a giant shock for the people of Ohara; and a nightmare of unbelievable proportions. However, the village has now rallied all its forces and resources to rebuild the temple. It reopened on Nov. 22, 2000. The Ohara area is also famous for its mompei trouser-clad Oharame women, who once sold firewood and vegetables from carts throughout the northern reaches of the city; a few still do. During this two-week festival, in May, visitors can try on their distinctive mompei clothing, as well as visit Sanzen-in and Jakko-in Temples. To get to Ohara, take Kyoto bus (#17 or # 18 from Kyoto Stn. or Shijo Kawaramachi), get off at Ohara. Tel: 744-2148.

Yokaichi kite festival (last Sunday in May): The Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival is held annually in Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan. This traditional festival features giant kites called "Oodako" that are designed and decorated by different teams and flown in a competition. The festival has roots in the Edo period (1603-1868) when kites were flown to celebrate the birth of a boy. Yokaichi giant kite-flying started 300 years ago in the mid-Edo period. Kites were flown to celebrate the birth of a boy. For this reason, kite-flying is similar to the display of koinobori on Boy's Day, an important event in Japan. Nowadays, over 100 kites are flown, and they are even flown to celebrate a young person's coming of age. Yokaichi giant kites are designed with 'hanjimon otako', which features pictures of fishes and birds in the upper section with words written in red to illustrate meanings. This kite, in a sense, is rare because it has cut-out sections that help to diminish resistance from wind. Flying these giant kites involves balancing the strength of the strings with the size of the kite.

Content by Japan travel specialist & designer Ian Martin Ropke, founder & owner of Your Japan Private Tours (YJPT, est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with all of YJPT's Japan private tour clients and have a great team behind me. I promote YJPT through this content and only advertise at www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip to save time & have a better time. Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search) is also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!