In early summer, confectioners display traditional sweets shaped like ayu, or sweetfish. For Kyotoites, ayu is as important a summer fish as conger pike. For centuries, fresh seafood was limited in landlocked Kyoto, so ayu caught in the Kamo and Katsura Rivers was considered precious. So much so that according to 1,000-year-old records it was often gifted to the imperial court. Discover the rich culture inspired by this fresh summer delicacy that Kyotoites still cherish today.

Japanese believe their ancestors' spirits visit in mid-August. To safely guide the spirits back to the other world, they light bonfires on 5 mountains in the Gozan-no-okuribi ceremony. The residents charged with the Hidari-daimonji bonfire solemnly uphold the traditional spirit of prayer and allow only local participation. Here, a large torch is used to transport the fire from the temple at the foot of the mountain. Discover the customs that continue to bind the living and the dead in Kyoto.

Kyoto's braided cords came into their own as fashion accessories for the nobility, 1,000 years ago. Elegant and practical, they were highly prized, and used in religious and formal settings. They came to be deployed in samurai armor, and their use then spread to the common folk, stimulating production. Today braided cords, with their fine detail, shine as bit players in various occasions in daily life. Discover the allure of Kyoto braided cords and the ancient culture of elegant fastenings.