The Biggest Annual Events Not To Be Missed on your Kyoto Tour

If you are planning a Japan tour in the month of October, you will get an opportunity to witness two of the biggest events of Kyoto - Jidai Matsuri and Kurama Fire Festival

Jidai Matsuri
Jidai Matsuri also known as "Festival of the Ages" is a splendid procession of famous characters associated with the city. More than 2000 people participate in this journey through history. The event is one of the city's "Three Grand Festivals". This historical parade that commemorates Kyoto's period as Japan's capital, before Tokyo took over in 1868, pulls a huge crowd every year. It is an annual event, free of charge and the procession graces the streets of the city every year on October 22 2010. Jidai Matsuri is considered as one of the most outstanding spectacles of the city. The best places to view the procession are at the Imperial Palace, along Oike-dori and at the Heian Shrine.

Kurama Fire Festival
Many people rush to the magnificent Kurama Fire Festival held on October 22 2010 after attending Jidai Matsuri. The Kurama Fire Festival is held on the tiny hill of Kurama, north of Tokyo, where loincloth-clad men bear flaming torches, and bonfires are lit everywhere, transforming Kurama in a flickering sea of fire. This procession of men carrying torches is joined by another group who participates in this divine parade of deities by carrying mikoshi, portable Shinto shrines which are shaken and jostled in the manner to please the deities inside. The procession ascends Mount Kurama and reaches its climax when it arrives at the historic Yuki-jinja Shrine.

Be a part of Japan’s magnificent history on your Kyoto Tour by enjoying two of these most celebrated annual events in Kyoto. It’s best to start planning for your trip to Japan to enjoy cost effective travel options.