Winter sunrise view from the Takaragaike Park in Kyoto❄️ There’s a specific kind of stillness that only exists on a cold winter morning. Watching the sky turn to shades of peach and violet over the mountains was worth the early wake-up call.

Setsubun Festival at Manzoku Inari Shrine👹 Setsubun, meaning "seasonal division," is celebrated on February 3rd—the eve of Risshun (the start of spring) according to the old lunar calendar. This historic Kyoto shrine holds an annual festival featuring vibrant mamemaki (bean-throwing) ceremonies.

The House of Representatives election is on Feb 8! Kyoto City is divided into six electoral districts. Since early voting is available, I already cast my ballot at the ward office! Photography isn't allowed inside, so I got a voting certificate instead. The 1st photo shows the candidate posters!

Setsubun: Welcoming Spring in Kyoto 👹🇯🇵 Setsubun, meaning "seasonal division," is a Japanese tradition marking the day before the start of spring (Risshun) on the old lunar calendar. It’s a time to cast away bad luck and welcome good fortune for the new season. #japan #kyoto #dance #street

A light layer of snow adorns the Ichijoji district in Kyoto❄️ Even when the snow falls here, the city center often remains untouched. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

A man & his friend🪶 #photography #kyoto #winter #heron

Setsubun at Shogoin Monzeki👹 A historic Kyoto tradition marking the arrival of spring. On February 3rd at 13:00, the temple performs mamemaki (bean-throwing) to banish evil spirits and invite good fortune for the lunar new year. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Kyoto winter moods at Nanzenji Temple 🍃 The heavy snow hasn’t fallen yet in Kyoto, but there’s a crisp magic in the air that makes these temple gardens feel even more peaceful. Ending the stroll with a cold-weather walk toward the Philosopher’s Path is the perfect way to embrace the season ( ﾟДﾟ)

A Winter Visit to Kiyomizu-dera ❄️ A must-see destination for international travelers. Every year, this iconic temple welcomes over 5 million visitors. Interestingly, Fushimi Inari Shrine sees even more, with over 10 million people visiting annually! #photography #kyoto #japan #winter

A Kyoto Winter Diary from Kamo River🐕🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto—one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Countless visitors gather here to capture its timeless beauty. The pagoda was first established in 589. After being burned down three times, the current structure was reconstructed in 1440.

A Kyoto Winter Diary: From Gion to Downtown❄️ Locations: Hanamikoji Street, Pontocho alley, Shijo Bridge & Kiyamachi Street.

A winter walk along the Philosopher's Path. It’s a bit early for cherry blossoms, but the Sasanqua camellias are in full bloom right now. 📍 Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

On and off snow in Kyoto this afternoon❄️☃️ 📸 01/25/2026 #snow #japan #rural #kyoto #snowfall

Kyoto This Morning: From a White Wonderland to the Magic of Blue Sky Snow☃️❄️☀️ 📸01/25/2026 #kyoto #japan #snow #bluesky

Glimpses of Winter Kyoto in early morning❄️🦌 Locations: Takano & Kamo Rivers #japan #winter #landscape #scenery #animals

A quiet morning in Kyoto❄️ The fields are lightly frosted and the distant mountains are draped in snow. The deep pink of the Sasanqua flowers looks even brighter against this fresh dusting of white. #photography #japan #kyoto #landscape #snow #flowers

A morning walk at Takaragaike Pond ❄️ The morning sun shines on the water’s surface, and the ground is covered with a thin layer of snow. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City 📸 01/21/2026 #photography #winter #snow #landscape #sunrise

A serene, snowy morning in Kyoto❄️ The International Conference Center was beautifully draped in a thin layer of white. 📸 01/21/2026

A snowy morning walk at Takaragaike Park, Kyoto ❄️ It snowed last night and stayed on the ground through this morning. I loved seeing the dusting of white on the paths and railings. 📸 01/21/2026 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City🇯🇵 #photography #japan #snow #landscspe

Scenes from a tranquil weekday in Old Kyoto. Visiting during the January off-season means experiencing the sights without the crowds. 1. Imperial Hotel- Kyoto 2. Gion Shirakawa District 3. Yasaka Pagoda 4. Ninenzaka Street

Snow flurries in Kyoto today❄️❄️

Scenes from my morning walk along the river☀️❄️ There is something so peaceful about watching the sunrise reflect off the water while the city slowly wakes up. The clouds and the mountains create the perfect backdrop for a quiet start to the day. 📍Kyoto City

Afternoon walk through Kyoto from Kawai Shrine to the Kamogawa Delta ☀️ Found this bench shaped like Mitarashi-dango (traditional rice dumplings with a sweet soy glaze) at Kamogawa Park 🍡 This famous wagashi actually originated right here at Shimogamo Shrine back in the 13th or 14th century!

A winter morning away from the crowds ❄️ Shugakuin isn't the most popular spot on the typical tourist map. Beyond the famous Shugakuin Imperial Villa (a 17th-century retreat built for Emperor Go-Mizunoo), the whole area is a beautiful blend of history and rural Kyoto charm.

Frosted leaves and Sasanqua (a winter-blooming camellia) #photography #nature #flower #winter

Today in Kyoto ☀️ Warm and pleasant, it felt just like spring. 📍Shimogamo Shrine & Kamogawa Delta

🇮🇹🇯🇵 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office at 11:30 a.m. on January 16. She was welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The official meeting is scheduled for this afternoon.

A morning walk around Takaragaike Pond 🦆🦆 Today, the maximum temperature in Kyoto is 15°C (59°F), with yellow sand expected during the day.

I received a flyer for the 2026 Kyoto Marathon in my mailbox today. Nintendo is a sponsor for this edition. The flyer comes with two free bus tickets and a map of the route. Mario and Luigi will be there to liven up the event on February 15, 2026. 🏃‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃‍➡️🍄

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport around 1 PM on January 15. She is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Takaichi at the Prime Minister’s Office tomorrow. Benvenuta in Giappone e buon compleanno!🇮🇹🇯🇵 #italy #japan

Miyako Shichifukujin Pilgrimage in Kyoto⛩️ One of 🇯🇵’s traditional New Year pilgrimages, it involves visiting seven deities of good fortune, each representing wishes such as longevity & prosperity. Daikokuten, the deity of wealth, business success, & good harvests, is enshrined at Myōen-ji Temple.

A winter visit to Sekizan Zen-in Temple in Kyoto ②❄️ The deity Fukurokuju is enshrined here; visitors come to pray for business success, longevity, and protection from disaster. A perfect way to start the year! ⛩️✨

A winter visit to Sekizan Zen-in Temple in Kyoto❄️ This is one of the seven sites of the Miyako Shichifukujin—Japan’s oldest pilgrimage, established over 600 years ago. Following the Seven Lucky Deities is said to "remove seven misfortunes and grant seven happinesses." #temple #kyoto #winter

Drum session by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 🇯🇵 and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung 🇰🇷 after the summit held in Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, on January 13. 📸Prime Minister’s Office🇯🇵 #japan #korea #diplomacy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi & South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a summit in Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, on Jan.13. After their meeting, the two leaders shared a 25-minute drum session, performing songs such as BTS’s “Dynamite.” Takaichi is a heavy metal fan & played the drums in her youth.

Kadomatsu is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration placed at entrances to welcome Toshigami-sama, the New Year deity (1st photo). In Kyoto, a simpler and older form called Nebiki-no-Matsu is used. It is a young pine with its roots attached, considered the origin of kadomatsu (2nd photo).

Coming of Age Day in Japan! Japan celebrated young people reaching adulthood this year on January 12th. While the legal adult age was changed to 18 in 2022, the ceremony is still held for 20-year-olds, as the legal age for drinking and smoking remains 20. 📸 01/12/2026 📍 Heianjingu Shrine (Kyoto)

Coming of Age Day today in Japan! It’s a special day to celebrate young people who have reached adulthood and to welcome them into society as responsible members. Each city holds ceremonies to congratulate these "new adults." Congratulations to all the young people! 
📸 01/12/2026 📍Kyoto City

The view from the train window on the Kintetsu Line 🚃 Arriving at Nabari Station, Mie Prefecture. #train #rail #railway #winter #trip

The Lucky Man Run (Fuku-otoko) 🏃 Every Jan 10th at 6 AM, the gates of Nishinomiya Shrine open, and 5,000 people sprint 230m to the main hall. The winner receives the greatest blessings for the year and becomes the "Fuku-otoko" (Lucky Man).

This morning at the Takano River in Kyoto. I came across a small herd of deer 🦌🦌🦌 📸01/11/2026

A chilly winter walk this morning. I came across this massive Kagamimochi, a traditional Japanese New Year decoration.

🇯🇵 Kintetsu Railway has just unveiled new ‘Magic Rotating Seats!’ 🚂🚃 #train #japan #technology

A winter visit to Ota shrine, a sub-shrine of Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. While famous for its vibrant Iris laevigata (Japanese water iris) that blankets the marsh in spring, the shrine offers a serene, quiet beauty during the colder months. Traditional New Year decorations adorn the shrine grounds.

A Winter Day in Kyoto, from Dawn to Dusk.

I went for a stroll along the Kamo River this morning. Even though it was early, the western sky looked just like a sunset. 📸 01.09.2026 📍Kyoto City #photography #winter #landscape #kyoto #japan

A Cold Morning at the Great Sanmon Gate of Chion-in Temple 📍Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto #photography #temple #winter #kyoto #japan

Morning scenes at the Kamogawa Delta, Kyoto❄️ Egrets and cormorants gather here during the winter months. #kyoto #winter #birds #landscape

Aouma no Sechie (White Horse Ritual) at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto ② On the grounds, Omikuji are tied to a horse-shaped display. Omikuji are sacred Japanese fortune slips found at Shinto shrines. They predict your luck—from 'Great Blessing' to 'Bad Luck'— & offer guidance on life, health, and travel.