Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture, is acclaimed for its traditional dwellings, Buddhist temples and majestic palaces. If immersing yourself in Kyoto’s heritage is on your bucket list, here are four of the top traditions you are most likely to enjoy!
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Kyoto Tea Ceremony
While you might like having a cup of tea at one of the apartments in Kyoto, a traditional tea ceremony is an experience that is not to be missed! With slow, premeditated movements and deep thought invested into the twitch of every finger, these sophisticated tea ceremonies used to be a ritual amongst the upper class of Japan and are a magnificent demonstration of Japanese culture to date.
Japanese New Year
If you are fortunate enough to be in Kyoto by Japanese New Year, take a trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is nearly a 15-minute drive from Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto. You will find the shrine crowded and adorned with women trotting around in glamorous kimonos. The purpose of being present at the shrine is to pray for safety and prosperity for the year.
Yuzen Dyeing
Yuzen dyeing is a tradition that involves dyeing the surface of fabrics and creating intricate patterns over them. After being dyed, the fabric is steamed so that its colour will be preserved before being rinsed to remove any excess dyes.
Shodo Calligraphy
With strokes of ink leaking out kanji characters and hiragana, Shodo calligraphy is still used today in ceremonial occasions or for the writing of greeting cards.
