Written by Aarohi Narain
Spend an afternoon thanking your sewing needles for their hard work.
What happens?
Every year in December, Arashiyama’s Hōrin-ji hosts Hari Kuyō, a ceremony where people lay their old needles to rest by poking them into blocks of konyaku jelly. This ceremony has been going on for over four centuries.
The monks start with a sutra reading in the main hall, after which four women in Nara-period outfits perform a dance.
Arrive early, and you might snag one of the lucky charms they hand out. Everyone is invited to choose a needle, offer a small prayer, and set it into the konyaku, believed to be kinder than tossing it in the trash.
How to get there
The ceremony takes place at Hōrin-ji Temple (Nishikyo Ward). From Kyoto Station, take the #28 City Bus. Get off at the Arashiyama Park bus stop and walk about 5 minutes to the venue. This route, though straightforward, takes about 50 minutes.
Another option is trains. You’ll need to take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma, then switch to the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Katsura. At Katsura Station, take the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line and get off at Arashiyama Station. Walk about 10 minutes to the venue. This route takes around 35 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
