Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro 2024

Higashiyama Hanatouro, one of Kyoto's most radiant festivals, was held every March (with dates varying annually) to celebrate the arrival of spring. First organized in 2003, the festival became a cherished tradition, attracting countless tourists and visitors eager to experience the magical nighttime scenes it offered.

Festival Highlights

During its run, the entire Higashiyama area, stretching from the Shoren-in Temple to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, was adorned with illuminated lanterns. Visitors strolling through the area could marvel at exquisite artwork crafted by local students, admire breathtaking living flower arrangements and large ikebana exhibits, sample delicious snacks in Maruyama Park, and delight in performances of maiko dances accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.

Schedule & Entrance

The festival lasted ten days, and visitors were encouraged to dedicate more than one day to immerse themselves in its beauty fully. The illuminations lit up the evenings, beginning at 6 pm and continuing until 9:30 pm. Additionally, many shrines and temples offered free night admission during the event, making the experience even more enchanting.

Popularity

The atmospheric lighting unique to Kyoto made Higashiyama Hanatouro a beloved event, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the globe. At its peak, the festival recorded an impressive 1.374 million attendees, while its counterpart, Arashiyama Hanatouro, which took place every December, attracted a record 1.578 million visitors.

Event Status

Despite its immense popularity, Higashiyama Hanatouro, along with Arashiyama Hanatouro, concluded in 2022, marking the 20th anniversary of these iconic events.

After that, the city of Kyoto launched the "Hanatouro Light-up Support Project." This initiative involves lending lanterns and lighting equipment previously used for the festival and supporting nighttime light-up events organized by local groups and private businesses, preserving the spirit of Hanatouro in a new form.