Hello from snowy Kyoto. This is Masa from THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel in Kyoto city!
When it comes to snow in Kyoto, you really can’t talk about it without bringing up the aesthetics of the Heian period. In The Pillow Book, Sei Shōnagon was asked by her empress, “I wonder what the snow on Mount Kōro looks like?” Rather than answering with words, she simply lifted the bamboo blind to reveal it.
Snow in Kyoto has long been celebrated alongside the moon and cherry blossoms as one of the three great natural beauties (setsugetka) not just a weather event, but something people have always stopped to appreciate.
Right now, our garden at THE MACHIYA EBISUYA is quietly covered in freshly fallen snow, and it truly looks like a painting. I hope you get a moment to take it in during your stay. Around the city, Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu Temple are also showing a side of themselves that you can only see at this time of year. These are well worth a visit if you are able!
There is an old saying: snow during the cold season is a sign of a rich harvest in spring. So while Kyoto’s winter chill can be quite something, please take it as a good omen. We look forward to welcoming you to stay with us in Kyoto.