Dedication of Bugaku at Yasaka Shrine Kyoto

Kyoto is full of historical shrines and temples, many of which have less well-known celebrations spread throughout the year. On the 3rd November, I stumbled across this event at the Yasaka Shrine. The Dedication of Bugaku at the Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto takes place every year and consists of traditional dance, music and ceremony to honour the deities of the shrine. It was performed exclusively for the Japanese court for 1200 years, until after WWII when it was opened to the public. I loved this insight into ancient Japanese dance and culture. First, the musicians entered, all wearing traditional costume and carrying their instruments. Once they started playing, they were followed by a series of performers, each of whom collected a traditional staff and completed a formal dance. They were then replaced by local schoolchildren who completed a group dance dressed in bird costumes. #celebratewithtrip #kyoto #japan #festival #spooktaculartrip