The ties of the yakuza with Shinto are not widely-known, but they certainly exist. They are not perhaps surprising when one considers that the mores of the yakuza are deeply rooted in Japanese traditions. It’s why gang leaders are often … Read the rest
Category: Festivals (Page 10 of 26)
It’s at times like this that one understands why Kyoto has been voted the most popular destination on earth by readers of Time Inc’s Travel and Leisure Magazine. We’re in the midst of the Gion Festival, between the first … Read the rest
The evenings before the grand parade on July 17 mark the busiest, bustling peak of the month-long Gion Festival, but this year a typhoon currently hitting Shikoku threatens to wreak devastation. At the time of writing it’s the evening of … Read the rest
7/7 (July 7) might be considered lucky indeed. And in Japan it’s closely associated with stars and lovers. How come?
Stars and constellations had a close connection with the spirituality of early Man. ‘It’s written in the stars,’ goes the … Read the rest
Yes indeed, it’s July 1 and for Kyoto it’s the beginning of the month-long Gion Festival, dubbed one of Kyoto’s Big Three (along with Aoi and Jidai Matsuri). It’s one of Japan’s oldest and biggest affairs, and there are many … Read the rest
Uji City lies to the south-east of Kyoto and is well-known for its green tea. In Heian times the area acted as a resort for the aristocracy, and it features as the setting for the last part of Genji Monogatari… Read the rest
This weekend sees the annual festival of Shimogoryo Shrine, just to the south of the Former Imperial Palace in Kyoto. It’s notable for having eight deified kami, known as the Hassho-goryo (eight angry spirits). Pacifying the spirits of those who … Read the rest