Romantic Strolls in Kyoto’s Ancient City During Tanabata – A Night of Lights and Joy

Photos & Text byKavanagh

Kyoto’s Tanabata.

Even the asphalt seems to have melted and become sticky under the scorching millennia-long summer heat,
But in the evening, the banks of the Kamo River are breezy, and the wind chimes in the bamboo lanterns tinkle in the wind...

Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding... Ding...

The sound of the bells and the evening breeze sweep away the daytime heat,
The cool summer night breeze accompanies people strolling about in yukata,
A sight that is simply enchanting.

It’s impossible not to be overcome with a sense of romance from deep within,
And in such a romantic atmosphere, you might just feel like grabbing any passerby, kissing them, and telling them “I love you.”
In this dreamy, intoxicating ambiance, even strangers could instantly become lovers.

While lost in these whimsical thoughts,
A couple dressed in yukata suddenly caught my eye—the girl standing on her tiptoes to kiss the boy, who was busy taking photos, on the cheek.
In an instant, it seemed as if a heart-shaped halo of light radiated from them,
Leaving everyone who saw it momentarily stunned.

The air was filled with happiness, and even those visiting alone could feel the warmth.

Event Dates: August 2–11, 2014. (Official website information has not been fully updated yet, so please refer to the official site for detailed schedules and timings.)

Official Website: Kyoto Tanabata

Horikawa Venue: August 2–11, 2014, 19:00–21:30.

(Image source: http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/horikawa.html)

There is only one entrance, near Nijo Castle. Once inside the venue, head north to explore.

Inori Star.

Bamboo and Light Art Exhibition.

Flowing Light of Yuzen Dyeing.

Starry River of Light.

Message Lanterns.

Wishing Tanabata.

The Stream of Light.

Special Night Viewing at Seimei Shrine (August 2–11, 2014, 18:00–21:00)

Kamogawa Venue (August 2–11, 2014, 18:00–21:00)

(Image source: http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/horikawa.html)

Wind chime lanterns.

Nijo Castle. Projection mapping “The Tale of the Heike” at Ninomaru Palace (19:30–21:00, free)