Events in Utano

Every tour is led by Utano Youth Hostel staff. Feel free to ask at the front desk after check-in. Please note that the contents may change without notice. Thank you.

Firefly Watching Tour ●weekdays June 15-30 　●start 19：30 / come back 21：00 ●maximum 7 guests per day ●charge : free ●first come, first served ●pick up by Utano bus Enjoy the breathtaking views of fireflies in Kiyotakii deep forest. (rainout)

Gionmatsuri Festival Tour ●July 14,15,16 　●start 19：00 / come back 23：00 ●charge : free (city bus \220×2) ●meeting place : at the front desk ●take city bus #26, get off at "shijo-Horikawa" bus stop The Gion Festival is one of the 3 biggest festivals in Kyoto. This festival is a spectacular event held at Yasaka shrine. You can feel the heart of Kyoto.

Cormorant Fishing Tour ●every night july 1 - Sep. 15 　●start 19:00 (about 2 hours) You must see the unique traditional fishing called "Ukai" (cormorant fishing). Experience the fantastic view of the river lit up by the torches. *Free rental bicycle is available after 18:00 at the front desk.

Daimonnji-Okuribi tour Hirosawanoike Pond　 ●Aug. 16　 ●start 19：40 / come back 21：00 ●charge : free ●by foot "Okuribi" is a fire lit to send the souls of deceased ancestors on their way after they have returned to this world for the Bon festival. 5 mountains are all lit up together for this poetic summer event in Kyoto.

Adashino-Nembutsuji "Sento Kuyo" tour ●August 23, 24, 25 ●start 19：15 / come back 21：00 ●charge : \1,000 (entrance fee) ●meeting place : at the front desk ●pick up by Utano bus Adashino means "place of sorrow". In August, the temple holds a ceremony called "Sento Kuyo", a ceremony dedicated to the spirits of the dead. About ten thousands stone statues are lit up with candles, and locals dress in summer kimono.

The Harvest Moon Festival at Daikakuji ●harvest moon （in 2009, falls on Oct.3） ●start 19：00 / come back 21：00 ●charge : \500(entrance fee) 　 (boats and tea ceremonies cost extra) ●meeting place : at the front desk ●pick up by Utano bus Observe the harvest moon at a moon viewing party. You can enjoy a boat launch, tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese music, which recreates the ambience of the Heian period.

Arashiyama-Hanatoro ●Every night Dec. 11-21 / 17：00 - 20：30 Experience a special illumination called "Arashiyama Hanatoro". Hundreds of lanterns made of bamboo and ceramic line the evening streets, They create a magical atmosphere. Nearby temples and shrines also hold their own special light ups. *Free rental bicycle is available after 17:00 at the front desk. (20 min. by bicycle)

Count Down & Joya-no-kane tour ●Dec. 31- Jan. 1 ●start 23：45 / come back 1：30 ●charge : free ●meeting place : at the front desk Wish for good fortune in the new year! Ring the bell at Temples. This is the real Japanese-style New Years Eve.

Saga-Seiryoji "Otaimatsushiki" tour ●March 15 　●start19：00 / come back 21：00 ●charge : free ●meeting place : at the front desk ●pick up by Utano bus "Otaimatsushiki" is one of the oldest events in Kyoto, held at Saga-Seiryoji. Three big torches are burned with wishes of a rich harvest in the evening. Kyogen plays are also performed in the daytime.

Other events The end of Dec. : Christmas party Dec, 28 : Mochi-tsuki party (pounding rice to make rice cake)