These Pictures Will Show You Kyoto in a Beautifully Different Light

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Held in the historic Higashiyama temple area of Kyoto in March, the ancient streets are lined with more than 2,400 lanterns that run from Shoren-in Temple all the way to Kyoto’s most celebrated temple, Kiyomizu-dera. Most of the famous temples and shrines in the area are illuminated and have extended opening hours. In 2017, the event runs from Friday, March 3 to Sunday March 12 with the illumination hours from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

The UNESCO World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple illuminated at night is a spectacular sight.

294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862, Japan

Shoren-in Temple is magically illuminated at night with the bamboo forest and Japanese garden particularly stunning.

Japan, 〒605-0035 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Awataguchi Sanjobocho

Large flower arrangements are displayed at 10 locations along the path of lights and flowers in collaboration with the Kyoto Ikebana Association.

Maruyama Park is the setting for an exhibition of 16 magnificent flower arrangement displays.

Around a thousand touro lights made of young bamboo are placed on the Yoshimizu Stream running through Maruyama Park, creating a magical atmosphere.

Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0071, Japan

Apprentice Geisha, called Maiko perform a traditional dedication dance at the Kagura Stage at Yasaka Shrine in Gion.

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0073, Japan

Daily live music, dance and traditional performances can be enjoyed at Kodaiji Temple Park.

Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺下河原町526番地

Street performances take place in front of the large weeping cherry tree (shidare-zakura) in Maruyama Park.

Various light sculptures and installations on display at Maruyama Park.

Held in the scenic sightseeing district of Arashiyama on the western outskirts of Kyoto City in December. Many temples and shrines in the area, as well as the historic streets around the town center and along the river, are illuminated by lanterns for 10 days.

Gorgeous flower arrangement pieces are placed on display along the path of lights and flowers in collaboration with the Kyoto Ikebana Association.

One of the most spectacular illuminations is at the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge) near the town center.

Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-0000, Japan

The famous bamboo forest located behind Tenryu-ji Temple is illuminated with lanterns adding to the already magical experience of the location.

Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, 嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68