Live Jazz by the Sea at the Red Brick WarehouseTen-thousand people in traditional dress dancing
Maizuru City
Set on the Japan Sea, Maizuru is Kyoto Prefecture's largest port. But the city also has parts that are more like an old castle town. For the very adventurous, an early morning visit to the large local fish market is also recommended. Or visit the Goro Sky Tower that which is set 325m above sea level, and offers excellent views of Maizuru Bay and the city of Maizuru. It is considered to be one of the finest views in the Kansai region. If you don't make it to the early fish market, no worries. The Maizuru Port Toretore Center opens at the reasonable hour of 9:00 and sells fish and other fresh products all day long. Near the waterfront, the Takanogawa Sokogun area has a number of 100-150-year-old, well-preserved ship wholesaler houses. Or head to the quaint little fisherman's village of Yoshihara and stroll around. Local Tane-ji Temple dates back to the Asuka period (593-710) and has the largest pair of Kongo Rikishi statues in Japan, said to be carved by Unkei, one of Japan's most famous sculptors. Also visit Kongo-in Temple, which is well known for its three-story pagoda and main hall surrounded in a natural forest. Reservations are required for both of these temples.To get to Maizuru City, take the Tango Discovery express train from Kyoto Sta., to Nishi or Higashi Maizuru Stn.; it takes about 85 to 90 minutes. Maizuru City Tourist Information Center: (0773) 65-2100.
Fukuchiyama City
Surrounded by mountains and dramatically set over the Yura River, the city of Fukuchiyama is impressive and so is its castle. Fukuchiyama Castle was rebuilt by Akechi Mitsuhide and was one of the leading castles in Japan. Though today's castle is a 1986-reconstruction, the original walls, well, and checkpoint gates remain. The Yura River is a popular place for citizens and big-city tourists to barbeque, fish and camp. The city also has Sandan Pond Park, a 3-kilometer-wide pond ringed with all kinds of unusual flowers. The Children's Science Center, featuring a small planetarium, zoo and sports center is also in the park. Local Cho-an Temple is also impressive. It is home to an important 11th century wooden statue of the Yakushi Nyorai (Physician of the Souls Buddha), and a superb stone-filled garden. Or visit Tennei Temple which is exceptionally quiet, and soothing. Most of the current buildings date from the latter part of the Edo period (1600-1868). The main hall was rebuilt in the traditional style in 1963. To get to Fukuchiyama, take express train from Kyoto Sta., to Fukuchiyama Sta. (it takes 74 minutes). For more information call the Fukuchiyama City Tourist Informataion (0773) 22-2228 (10:00-17:00; closed Tue).
Recommended August Events
Aka Renga Summer Jazz Festival in Maizuru: at this atmosphere-rich event, by the sea in a classic, turn-of-the-century red-brick setting, the jazz is sure to sound good (musicians from abroad will also be appearing). Tel: (0773) 63-7710. Yoshihara Mantoro in Maizuru: A dynamic festival featuring large fish-shaped lanterns that are floated down the river into the sea. Traditional dance will also be featured. Tel: (0773) 66-1024. Annual Firework Festival in Fukuchiyama: Spectacular views of the castle lit up against a sky of exploding bright colors. Dokkoise Festival in Fukuchiyama: Traditional summer dances by men and women of all ages; 20:00-22:30. Tel: (0773) 24-7026. Lantern-lit Japanese Puppet Plays in Kameoka City: originally a farmer's festival, this event has become a popular event; look for people wearing cotton summer kimono and all kinds of stalls. Tel: (0771) 22-4549.