Special public viewings of world heritage and national treasures, exclusive to this winter

Only this winter, all areas of Kyoto are holding special public viewings of cultural assets which are the pride of Japan. This event promises a rare and valuable chance to reach out and touch the profound wonder of Kyoto, offering everything from world heritage-status temples to historical landmarks tracing Japan’s journey to modernity, and traditional events and experience programs held only during this period. This event offers the chance to see a host of private cultural assets usually closed to the public, such as the interiors of majestic buildings considered national treasures, gardens overflowing with gentle elegance, Buddhist art showcasing delicate Japanese artistic techniques, and spectacular pictures adorning sliding doors and screens, partitions, etc. This year will also feature for the first time treasured works of art. Brought to you exclusively by the ‘Kyoto Winter Special’, don’t miss this chance to encounter the profound beauty of traditional art which is rarely seen even in Japan now.

Special public viewings of vestiges of the ‘Bakumatsu’ period at historical landmarks

The term ‘Bakumatsu’ refers to the closing years of the Edo Period (1853-1869), in which Japan split into two great powers that struggled for supremacy over whether the closure of the county should be continued or abandoned to avoid becoming a colony of one of the major Western powers. During this time, Kyoto became the stage for a fierce conflict between the Tokugawa Shogunate, which had essentially ruled Japan for over 260 years until that point, and an alliance (which would later become the Meiji Government) centering around a group of samurai from Western Japan that were attempting to establish a new system of government.

This winter, special exhibitions of cultural assets recollecting this period will be held. These are entirely comprised of valuable cultural assets that are usually unavailable for public viewing, such as the temples used as headquarters by both armies as they faced battle, items linked to Daimyo (leaders of samurai clans in every area of Japan that were permitted by the Tokugawa Shogunate to rule over territories) and samurai armor. Come and feel the echoes of the world of the samurai, as you picture the powerful drama of the figures that left so great an imprint on this tumultuous chapter in Japan’s history.

Discover new wonders of Japan through winter events and traditional culture

There is a wealth of winter festivities in Japan that have been passed down across the ages. These include ‘Joya-no-kane’ in December, where temple bells are rung 108 times to chase away fears, ‘Hatsumode’ in January, where people visit shrines and temples to pray for a safe and peaceful new year, ‘Setsubun’ in February, where beans are scattered to drive away demons that symbolize illness and disaster, and ‘Hina-matsuri’ in March, where dolls are decorated in hope of the healthy growth of girls. Why not take part in the rich atmosphere of these events in Kyoto with the history of over 1200 years.

Beyond these, other examples of Japan’s traditional culture also enjoy international attention, and there are a whole range of facilities that allow you to experience at your leisure such activities as Zen meditation practiced at serene temples, which seeks to achieve total concentration of the mind. Then there is tea ceremony, expressing the Japanese aesthetic of ‘wabi-sabi’ – finding the highest beauty in quiet simplicity and subdued refinement, or flower arrangement, refining one’s sense of humanity through floral beauty. By learning more about unique customs and culture, you are sure to discover new wonders of Japan.

Special public viewing of private cultural assets

Viewing period: January 9 (Saturday) – March 22 (Monday/national holiday) 2010
*some temples may have a different viewing period
Viewing hours: 10:00 –16:00 (final admission)
*some temples may have different viewing hours
*some temples will be closed for Buddhist service
Fee: Adults (13 years of age and older) ¥600
     Children(7 years of age and oldr - 12 years of age and under) ¥300
*discount of 10% on groups of 15 or over
*some temples may have different fees
*Local guidance is available in Japanese only

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