Interesting Items of the Week: Kyoto Festivals and Fireworks! 2021 07 25

Interesting Items of the Week: Kyoto Festivals and Fireworks! 2021 07 25

Short (sometimes) videos or stories about interesting Japanese culture, language, entertainment, and many other things.

This week we have a couple of videos from a few festivals that take place in Kyoto. There are festivals at all different times throughout the year in Japan, and Kyoto is a place with a lot of festivals. There are many old temples and shrines in Kyoto since it was an old capitol of Japan where the Emperors lived.

The below is a video from the Jidai Matsuri, or Festival of the Ages, that is held on the 22nd of October every year in Kyoto. The festival is a celebration of the different periods of Japan, and features costumes and historical figures from each era. This video is not narrated, but does have English explanations.

Next is a video of Yasaka Shrine events during Gion Matsuri. This is one of many festivals that take place in the month of July in Kyoto. This one is narrated in English.

Next we have the Hiwatari Matsuri, or fire walking festival, at Tanukidanisan in Kyoto. No narratives or subtitles for this video.

We are now entering the time of year for many fireworks festivals all over Japan. Last year, due to COVID, fireworks shows that did happen were not advertised in order to discourage social gatherings. Many small fireworks shows occurred in big cities without notice. I wonder what will happen this year? If you like fireworks, check out satake8080’s YouTube channel. He has many videos of fireworks, and even some train videos.