By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Zhang Yingying, translated
The Lantern Road event held in Arashiyama every winter around mid-December attracts large numbers of visitors who stop to admire the displays at night. In 2015, it even set a record for the highest number of visitors ever, with 1.393 million people coming. The lights are turned on every day after 5:00 p.m. during the event period and stay on until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m., making it a nighttime attraction not to be missed when visiting Kyoto.
Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge is a popular spot in Kyoto, and the night illumination gives it a special charm. (Image source / Kyoto 0?ǖ坡珐
The event also features music and dance performances, rickshaw rides, and commemorative photo services. In 2015, there was also a very special limited giveaway of cosmos flower seeds as souvenirs for visitors.
The bamboo grove path between Nyoigatake Shrine and the Okochi-Sanso Villa Garden is especially romantic when lit up. (Image source / Kyoto 0?ǖ坡珐
Kyoto 0?ǖ坡吠平??榛嵋脖硎静015年活动期间除了两天的雨天以外，气温并没有往年那样的寒冷，也是今年游客数大增的原因。点灯后后的岚山地区最人气的景点“渡月桥”经过灯光点缀后，搭上山光水影格外动人，是游客必访的重点。
Floral art displays are also exhibited during the Lantern Road event period, adding more visual appeal to the attractions. (Image source / Kyoto 0?ǖ坡珐
The Kyoto Lantern Road began in 2003 as a lighting event primarily in the Eastern Hills area. Starting in 2005, lighting displays were also extended to the Sagano and Arashiyama areas. The illuminated zone includes areas around Hankyu Arashiyama Station, extending outward to Horinji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, as well as further to Tenryuji Temple, JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, Nyoigatake Shrine, and Jojakkoji Temple. The Lantern Road event in the Eastern Hills is scheduled from March 12 to March 21, 2016. Those planning to visit the Kyoto area during this time are encouraged to come and experience the beauty of the lantern displays.