Enjoy and explore Kyoto with a local guide. private Kyoto tours, Chaelie's Kyoto Tours.

I visited the areas called Kamishichiken and Nishijin to have special event named “Miyako Light”.
This annual event started in 2004, has been held to promote Kyoto’s traditional culture.

In this event, about 50 machiya houses（old Kyoto townhouse）along the designated course were lit up. And the long standing traditional Kyoto culture was introduced in the form of exhibitions, hands-on trials of local culture and some stage performances.

Unlike the shiny illuminations in the city, you can enjoy warm and gentle lights in “Miyako Light”.
By illuminating the lights from inside of the machiya houses, lights leaking through the narrow spaces of Koshi lattice create beautiful patterns and they reflect on the road.

“Kamishichiken” is famous for the oldest geisha district in Kyoto and also “Gion” is well known as a geisha district. If you would like to feel good old Kyoto atmosphere I would definitely recommend visiting the “Kamishichiken” district.
If you are lucky, you can see maiko-san.

The other area “Nishijin” is a Kyoto’s famed weaving district.
It’s a great place to feel “old Kyoto” atmosphere too.
In the Nishijin area you can have various hands-on experiences such as textile weaving workshop where you can learn about how kimonos are made and also enjoy crafting experience

These areas are relatively close to Kinkakuji-temple（golden pavilion）so it would be a great day out if you would visit the well-known spot and calm and relaxing places in Kyoto.
You can find cozy restaurants and cafes easily in the area so I would highly recommend visiting there!!