An event that combines Shinto spirituality, seasonal plum blossoms, delicious green tea, and lovely maiko and geiko, Kitano Tenmangū's Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival) on February 25th is a must-see for anyone lucky enough to be in Kyoto!

Geisha from the Kamishichiken District turn out in colorful kimono and sporting plum-themed hair accesories, serving tea in an outdoor ceremony. This nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) is particularly popular with Kyoto citizens and tourists alike, as it is an opportunity not just to see a geisha up close, but to be served tea and even exchange a few words. These traditional Kyoto idols are popular worldwide for their grace and beauty, but most people do not have the connections in order to actually spend time in their company at a teahouse or a banquet. But at the Baikasai, a ticket worth 1,500 yen secures your entry to the outdoor tea ceremony, which comes with a traditional sweet, a cup of tea, and a chance to see these culture-preserving women at work. However, be warned that the serving cap is set at 3,000, and the ceremony is only conducted from 10:00 to 15:00.

Each year the Baikasai is held in order to remember Sugawara no Michizane on the anniversary of his passing, when the shrine performs important rites in order to remember pacify his deific spirit Tenjin within the main hall. Thousands of people turn out to pray at the shrine on this day, as well as enjoy the tea ceremony, the Tenjin-san flea market, and the lovely plum blossom orchard.

For details and more on this event, check out our website:
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