Kyoto University Clock Tower

京都大学時計台記念館

The Kyoto University Clock Tower is the most recognizable building on the sprawling campus.

It was built in 1925 and has in the ensuing decades become a symbol of the world class university.

Today it is a very collegiate entrance just east of Yoshida Shrine.

With manicured lawns surrounding it,  the Clock Tower building has a stately air.

However, it witnessed many of the most violent demonstrations of the 1960s. Students today are tamer, but there is the occasionally placard-carrying overheated young person.

And the Clock Tower is no doubt the area to which he and his cohorts will gravitate.

Information

Closed December 28 - January 3
Open daily 9 am - 9:30 pm

Contact

Tel: 075 753 2285

E-mail : kinenkan@mail.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

© JapanVisitor.com


Like this blog? Sign up for the JapanVisitor newsletter

TK16 Master Kendama  

Tags
Japan
Tokyo
Kyoto University
Clock Tower
Japanese

Setsubun Festival Yoshida Shrine Kyoto

節分際吉田神社

Of the events celebrating the arrival of the lunar new year - "setsubun" in Japanese - the bonfire at Kyoto's Yoshida Shrine is the largest.

It is held from the evening of February 3rd until early the following morning.

Both sides of the street leading up to the torii gate at the entrance are lined with festival stalls, one of which is pictured here. The street bisects Kyoto University.

The stalls are popular with families that make up most of the visitors early on. They sell food and drinks, and offer old-time games.

From around 10 pm, though, the crowd thins and those left congregate around the massive bonfire within the grounds of the shrine.

Revelers bring old clothes and items they wish to dispose of, and throw them into the fire. The act is symbolic and cleansing.

The fire is finally put out and pulled down around 3 am. Most head home after that, but some of the stall sellers - a bit too drunk for their own good - always seem to end up fighting.

© JapanVisitor.com

Like this blog? Sign up for the JapanVisitor newsletter

Yahoo Japan Auction Service
Japanese Friends
Tokyo Apartments Search
Japan Job Search
Rough Guide To Japan
Tags
Japan
Tokyo
Kyoto
Yoshida Shrine
Setsubun