November 1-15th Event Highlights (2012)

*Autumn Geiko and Maiko Dance Performances
: Nov. 1-10
Tickets:  3,500 yen,4,000 yen (including maccha green tea),
From 13:30 & 16:00
Access: Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Gion; Gion Kaikan: Tel: 075-561-0224; www.gionhigashi.com/gion.html

*The Kyoto Imperial Palace Autumn Open Days
: 5 days from *October 31 - November 4
Hours: 9:00-15:30 (Last admission at 15:30. Visitors are requested to leave by 16:15)

*Kyoto Citizen Tea Party at Nijo Castle

:Nov. 1, 3, 6

Masters of Japan's three tea ceremony schools will serve maccha green tea in a stunning garden

Tickets: 2,500 yen (two bowls of green tea, meal & entry to the castle);
Open: 9:30-15:00;
Access: Kyoto City Bus #9, 50, 101, get off at Nijojo-mae; Tel: 075-841-0096;

*Kanikakuni Festival at Gion Shirakawa
:Nov. 8

Maiko and geiko come to offer flowers in front of the memorial statue of Isamu Yoshii (1886-1960),

 a famous poet and playwright who loved the Gion district.
A special memorial service will be held at the Shirakawa Bridge during 

which maiko and their teachers will offer their respects;
  from 11:00

Access: Kyoto City Bus #201, 203, 207, get off at Shijo Keihan-mae;
Tel: 075-561-1115 (Gion Kobu Association)


*Ohitaki Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine
:Nov. 8
This important festival is held to thank the gods for this year's harvest. Over 100,000 wooden prayer sticks offered by the faithful will be burnt and prayers will be held for family prosperity. The festival starts at 13:00 in front of the main shrine hall. Kagura dance will be performed for the shrine deity 

from 18:00;
Access: JR Nara Line Inari Sta. or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stn.; Tel: 075-641-7331;