We'll be in Kyoto for the Kuruma fire festival next month (and Jidai Matsuri, on the same date).

Can anyone who's been give some advice for visiting, that's suitable for non-hikers? I know Kuruma is often approached via the walking trails but that won't be feasible for us as I have mild arthritis. I can walk but not for long distances or on uneven terrain.

It looks like we should aim to arrive for around 5 pm, does that sound right? And then what?

Also, if other Fodorites are in Kyoto on the same date and want to meet for this (or just for lunch or whatever) please drop me an email to kaveyf at hotmail dot com.

x x

Observations from someone who went to both festivals a few years back......

<i>Both are interesting in their own way. The procession is really done well and the historical costumes and the floats give you an interesting glimpse into Kyoto history stretching 1200 years. The actual procession is about 2 hours, and goes quickly.
Once the procession passes, get as quickly as you can to Demachiyanagi station for Eizan train to Kurama. Don't even think about a taxi as it's expensive, roads are crowded and there is a complete traffic ban (even bicycles) into Kurama village. If you get to the station by 3 pm, you don't have to wait long to get a seat on the train.
You will get to Kurama several hours before the start of the fire festival,(around 6 pm) and you just have to pick a spot as close to the shrine entrance as possible (that area is banned to casual tourists - only reserved seats for locals and VIPs). Get something to eat. There are a few soba stalls. Get your water and snacks. Many people start leaving around 9 pm when the procession ends, as only a few lucky ones can get to see anything happening near the shrine entrance (such as bringing down the portable shrine - mikoshi - by men in loincloths) because of general entry ban to casual visitors. Still an interesting experience (once in life is enough) of a festival going back over 1000 years.</i>

Aloha!

Thanks my dear, that's really helpful!

HT, when you said get to Kuruma early to find a spot -- is there any non-reserved seating provided at all for non VIPs, even if not in ideal positions? I'm not sure, with my hip issues, how well I'll cope standing around for hours so trying to work out whether this is going to be doable for me...
x

Get there early because lots of people will be doing the same thing and the early bird........
Lots of standing and no sitting except for VIP seating and venues along the way which will be full anyways. As you already know patience and understanding go a long way in Japan during busy times like these. People there don't cut in line or push and shove or try to take advantage of the helpless or clueless as they do in say China or Korea when they cue....they just grin and bear it. Getting so close....lol

Aloha!

I'll have to think about it. If we get there early, say 4 pm or so, that's a good 2+ hours of standing, and I'm not sure I'm physically able to do that. But at same time, I'd love to see this!

I wrote the original piece about visiting Kuruma Fire Festival.
It only becomes a stampede shortly before sunset and the start of the procession, and before that, you can sit on steps or bring along a portable stool and sit on it. I repeat there is absolutely no reserved seating for casual visitors - only for locals (ujiko - i.e. families and relatives of participants) and invited guests. Many locals watch the proceedings from upstairs windows and balconies, but without local connection, you won't be able to. But locals are understanding and don't mind your standing in their doorways, provided you are polite and behave with consideration.