Held for approximately ten days in early March each year, the Higashiyama Hanatouro illuminates a five-kilometre walking route from Kiyomizudera temple northward through Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Maruyama Park, and Chion-in to Shoren-in. Around 2,500 hand-crafted touro lanterns cast a warm glow over stone-paved lanes, moss walls, and ancient temple gates. The event coincides with early plum blossoms and is significantly less crowded than the autumn or cherry blossom equivalents. Ikebana flower arrangements are displayed at temple precincts along the route.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Culture
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- Early March
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Kyoto
- City
- Kyoto
Highlights
- ◆2,500 bamboo lanterns illuminating 5 km of stone-paved lanes
- ◆Route passes Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka, Maruyama Park, and Chion-in
- ◆Early plum blossoms complement the lantern glow
- ◆Ikebana floral art displays at temple precincts
- ◆Far quieter than peak cherry blossom season crowds