In our hometown of Joyo, there is a December tradition of lighting up the local sports park with 550,000 light bulbs of all colours and in all shapes. Starting from the first of December till Christmas Day – 5:30 in the evening to 9:30 at night – numerous groups have made their mark with lights, building Christmas trees and draping Continue reading «Twinkle Joyo-Christmas Illumination!»

This shrine is located on the foot of Kounosu Mountain and was house to the local guardian god of the former Terada village which was located in this area. The gods worshiped here are Amaterasumeoome-kami, Takamimusubi-no-kami, and Wadatumitoyotamahime-no-mikoto. From accounts in the “Yamashiro-no-kuni Fudoki”, Mito Shrine was already built by the Nara Period. This shrine is also mentioned in the Continue reading «Mito shrine in Joyo, Kyoto.»

One often hears the people of Japan saying that among flowers, their favorite is the plum. In the hilly southern region of Joyo City one can find the Aodani Bairin; it is a name which has been known since old times and a place which is often visited by plum-watchers. Other than the natural attractions and beautiful landscape, there is Continue reading «Aodani Bairin: Plum Blossom Matsuri in Joyo!»