Featured Events in Kyoto in March, 2025 (May Updated)

Legend has it that the Kannon of Kiyomizu-dera Temple transforms into a blue dragon and drinks from the waterfalls at night, so this event is held to honor the Yasha Goddess, and to pray for the people who come to worship. The dancing blue dragon parades from Okuno to the cobblestone streets around Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The blue dragon is believed to be one of the four great gods that protect the city of Kyoto. In addition to the blue dragon, there are men dressed in traditional samurai clothes, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dancing. It's really magical! The Spring Festival is on March 14-15 and April 3. The Fall Festival is September 14-15, starting at 14:00 (2pm).

The November Uprising in Warsaw in 1830 and its failure the following year were the indirect reasons why Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin ended up spending the rest of his life in Paris after leaving his homeland. In 1795, Poland was divided and occupied by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, and disappeared from the world map. After this, there were repeated uprisings and rebellions calling for the independence of the homeland, but they had to wait until the end of World War I in 1918 for this to be realized. For these 123 years, the people who had lost their country based their identity on the arts, including literature, music, and painting, as well as culture in a broad sense, including language and religion. And the ancient city of Krakow played an important role as the center of all this.

Ying Ying takes as her subject matters events and systems in society that are invisible or ungraspable, such as slaughterhouses, oil extraction, the steam cycle, and the wool industry, and attempts to "approach" them through performances using life-size installations. The performances consist of installations made of everyday objects such as wood, cloth, and plastic, and the inadvertent actions of moving these installations, which are interpreted and reconstructed by the artist and presented in the form of a series of abstract mechanisms. The "Approach" series can be said to be a practice in which the artist herself turns her gaze and approaches the "unknowable". This is not only a repetitive act for understanding, but also a reflection of the way we look at the work. The exhibition will show works presented in various ways, including immediate or conceptual understanding, misreading, and misunderstanding.

Sony Creative Products Inc. (President and CEO: Ken Otake, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) is holding the master license for "Thomas the Tank Engine: The World of Working Engines" to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the publication of the original "Thomas the Tank Engine". The exhibition will introduce the world of the work through the evolution of the original picture book and TV animation series, and in addition to the precious works on display, there will also be an introduction to the British heritage railway and play tools that incorporate digital content. Please enjoy the world of "Thomas the Tank Engine". In addition, as a special project this time, Rihito Itagaki, who is widely active as an actor and artist, has been appointed as a supporter of this exhibition. Rihito Itagaki has many memories related to Thomas, such as his love for Thomas the Tank Engine as a child and his familiarity with animation and toys, which is why he has been appointed as a supporter of this exhibition. At the venue, illustrations of "Lady" and "Thomas", which are his favorites and which Itagaki drew specially for this exhibition, will be exhibited. In addition, you can listen to audio guides by Itagaki at some exhibits.

Kuroda Tatsuaki, who was active in Kyoto, is one of Japan's leading wood lacquer craftsmen, and in 1970 he was the first person in the field of woodworking to be designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). Questioning the division of labor that was common at the time, Kuroda created his works in a consistent manner, from designing and creating the base to decorating them, and opened up a unique creative world by integrating practicality, decorativeness, and the characteristics of the materials. This exhibition is being held to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Kuroda's birth, and will introduce the life of this artist who left a clear mark on the history of Japanese crafts through his representative works from his early period to his later years.

Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) is known as one of the leading painters of the Edo period. His precise depictions, vivid colors, and free and vigorous ink paintings capture his subjects from a unique perspective, creating a vibrant world of painting that has captivated many people.

A city of cherry blossoms and light and shadows - 50 varieties, 300 cherry blossoms and night cherry blossom art resonate. Kyoto's famous cherry blossom viewing spot is transformed into a dreamy night cherry blossom world created by NAKED digital art. DANDELION PROJECT Lights up the Uchibori with cherry blossom art created by children, connecting the world with a wish for peace. There is a cherry blossom market at the South Gate and the atrium, offering a rich selection of food. There will also be a cherry blossom picnic area (extra charge) for visitors to enjoy the flowers at leisure. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the spring night where night cherry blossoms and art intertwine in the historic castle.

Japanese Instrument Koto class @ the heart of Kyoto Come join us for a unique experience in the beautiful city of Kyoto! Our koto class will take place at the charming Gojo Paradiso 五条パラディソ, where you'll learn how to play Japanese instrument koto from a skilled instructor. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kyoto while playing this traditional art form. Don’t worry if you’ve never played a musical instrument before, this workshop is beginner-friendly, and our instructor will provide guidance to help you master the song. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories and connect with Japan’s musical heritage in a fun, interactive setting! Please make a reservation by the day before. Information Source: Gojo Paradiso - Kyoto | eventbrite

Hirano Shrine has a history of over 1,200 years and has been known as the Cherry Tree Shrine since ancient times, and there are currently 400 trees of 60 species within the shrine grounds. Starting with Sakigakezakura, other varieties include Kocho, Ichō, Nezame, Gyoikō, and Kinugasa, which are cultivated at Hirano Shrine, and with so many varieties, one of the special things about the shrine is that you can enjoy the flowers for a long time. Starting on April 10th every year, the Cherry Blossom Festival features a religious procession featuring elaborate period costumes. Event Dates and Times Cherry Blossom Festival: April 10, 2025 Night Cherry Blossoms: March 22, 2025 to April 13, 2025, usually from sunset to around 9pm

Studying at the Royal College of Art places you in London: a city internationally renowned for its creativity, culture and diversity - the perfect place to develop your creative career in. What do prospective students need to know about living and studying in the UK? You’re invited to meet Benjamin Reynolds (Associate Lecturer / ADS12 Studio Tutor - Architecture MA Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)) and Stephanie Limuaco (Head of Student Recruitment & Marketing) in Kyoto on 25 March 2025 for an in-person conversation about studying at the RCA. What to expectTuesday 25 March 2025, 4-7pm 4pm - Guest arrivals and refreshments 4:15pm - About the RCA presentation 5pm - Q&A with RCA faculty 6-7pm - Group portfolo advice session We'd love you to join for all parts of the event but if you can only join for part of it, that's fine too. RCA offer holders are welcome to attend to meet fellow-offer holders and to chat with RCA staff about next steps in their application Who is this event forThose interested in postgraduate study at the Royal College of ArtCurrent RCA applicants and offer-holdersFriends and family are also welcome to join, though please ensure they have a ticketYou don't have to specialise in any discipline to attend this event: we welcome guests planning to apply to all subject areas. Due to the postgraduate nature of RCA study, all attendees must be over 18. How to joinThe event is free to attend, but please note that places are limited. Pre-booking is essential to guarantee your spot. About the hostsBenjamin Reynolds (Associate Lecturer / ADS12 Studio Tutor - Architecture MA Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)) Benjamin Reynolds is the founder of Pa.LaC.E, a practice based between London and Basel. He convenes High Holdings (ADS12) at the Royal College of Art, a framework to examine the gradual estrangement of the world via colossal pools of information. Benjamin Reynolds founded Pa.LaC.E, a practice that explores spatial and temporal breadths of history and geography to conceive of environments and phenomena that are often cartographic, virtual and built. Often their work addresses collaborative estrangement, and deprival as a productive strategy. Reynolds received a diploma with honours from the Architectural Association, London and was an art fellow at the Van Eyck Academie in Maastricht. Pa.LaC.E’s first major monograph—Paris Hermitage—was released in early 2017 with Cooperative Editions (New York), and their second major publication—Zenith Boil—is slated for release in 2022. Reynolds currently convenes High Holdings (ADS12) at the Royal College of Art, London and led a diploma class for four years at the Architectural Association, London. Stephanie Limuaco (Head of Student Recruitment & Marketing) She has helped countless students navigate their academic journeys, offering not only strategic guidance but also unwavering support to ensure they achieve their professional goals and ambitions. Having been an international student herself with student recruitment leadership experience from Russell Group universities, Stephanie understands firsthand the challenges and aspirations of those pursuing higher education abroad. Whether providing practical advice, mentoring students through the application process, or empowering them to take the next step in their careers, she goes above and beyond to make their dreams a reality. As a seasoned expert in growth marketing and brand development, Stephanie has orchestrated a series of award-winning campaigns that captivate audiences and resonate worldwide. Leading a team of marketing and events management experts, she plays a key role in attracting the most exceptional talents from the UK and beyond to the RCA. Other events at the RCAWe are continually adding to our diverse programme of events: conversations on key topics such as funding advice and portfolio development, symposia, exhibitions, open days and more. Many are free and open to the public. Information Source: Royal College of Art | eventbrite

Born in 1997, Morikai Sakamoto is a contemporary artist who works primarily in ceramics. Wherever he goes, Sakamoto digs the soil, learns about the local history and geological formations, and fires his works in an earthen kiln he built himself. By doing all the processes himself, Sakamoto can play with the contingency of the fired objects. Sakamoto is interested in dialogue with clay, the uncontrollable performance of the firing process, and exploring the essential relationship between objects and the world by holding the fired objects in his hands or putting them to his mouth to communicate. During the exhibition, in addition to an exhibition consisting of videos, photos, and pottery, participatory workshops and performances using clay and pottery will be held, aiming to create opportunities for viewers to think deeply about the environment and themselves.

British aristocrats who visited Venice competed to purchase the vedutas (landscape paintings) of the 18th century painter Canaletto (1697-1768) as mementos of their trip. The ideal image of Venice, with its sparkling waters, orderly architecture, and festive atmosphere, was established through Canaletto's vedutas, which combine grandeur and precision. This exhibition is the first in Japan to introduce the entire work of Canaletto, the master of vedutas. Through Canaletto's magnificent Venetian landscapes, we will trace the process by which the veduta genre was established, and also introduce the works of 19th century painters who captured Venice with a different perspective than Canaletto.

The NŌWHERE Tours are themed tours exploring Kyoto through the unique perspective of noh, a traditional performing art bringing together poetry, chant, dance, and music, as well as gorgeous costumes and masks. It has been passed down in Kyoto for almost 700 years and has inspired many of the existing Japanese arts. On the tours, we will visit places or people related to noh plays and attend professional performances or workshops by specialists. Kyoto is full of places that became stages to the stories in noh, and many of the traditions depicted in the plays are still found here, making it the ideal place to discover noh in both historical and contemporary contexts. --- The Kokaji/Sanjo tour is a walking tour from the downtown area of Kyoto in which there is a temple with a sword collection, to the east hills of Kyoto, where the legendary swordsmith Munechika lived and is enshrined today. After the tour, we will visit the theater to see the noh play depicting how a deity helped Munechika with forging the emperor’s sword. March 2 Schedule (updated Feb 5) 10:00-11:30 Sword exhibition at Honnoji Temple Walk or take bus from Sanjo Bridge 11:30-13:00 Vist the shrines of the swordsmith and deity: Awatajinja https://awatajinja.jp/and Aizuchi Inari Go to Performance of noh play Kokaji at the Kyoto Kanze Noh Theater on foot (10-min walk) 13:00- 15:50 Lunch break in the museum/ park area (or choose to see extra noh and kyogen plays for +3,000yen) 16:00 -17:00 Performance of the noh play Kokaji (https://hayashi-soichiro.jp/topics/info/3007.html) Price: 15,000 What is included:Guided walking tour, admission to the temple and noh performance ticket *meals, transportation fees are NOT included (guide can recommend nearby options for meals) Capacity:8 Today's guide: Julia Yamane: Noh practitioner since 1998 and certified guide of the City of Kyoto Discover Noh in Kyotois an organization devoted to introducing and promoting noh from multicultural perspectives. A portion of the proceedings will be used for educational programs and to provide accessible opportunities for students and young audiences. Contact: info@discovernohinkyoto.jp Children: This program is generally designed to be suitable for above age 12. Discounts:We offer discounted prices for the following applicants Kyoto/Kansai residents and second-time pariticipants 20% OFF (enter code: Kyoto) Under age of 25: 35%OFF (enter code: U25-KVH) Students with valid ID: 50%OFF (enter code:Student) NOTE: *Rain or shine, the tour will not be canceled. However, it may be canceled or the tour itinerary may change due to the weather or when serious safety issues occur. *We will walk a total of around 3km, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. *Meals and transportation fees are NOT included (guide can recommend nearby options for lunch) Information Source: Discover Noh in Kyoto | eventbrite