Spring Arrives in Kyoto?

京都に春がきたのか？

After a blast of arctic air that finally lifted on Wednesday, spring-like weather appears to have arrived in Kyoto.

Monday morning saw snow in the hills and mountains that surround Kyoto, and it was cold on the bike.

We had on the lobster mitts and the funky hat with ear flaps that fits under a bike helmet.

Hopefully, the heavy duty winter gloves and underwear will be packed away until December.

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Risshun (spring) Begins in Japan

立春

The big wheel keeps on turning.

According to the pre-Gregorian calendar used in Japan, which is subdivided into 24 segments, Tuesday February 4 was the first day of spring according to the solar calendar. "It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°."

This period is marked by Setsubun, the Japanese festival that celebrates the advent of spring.

It lasts until February 19, when "Usui" - rain water - begins. This is when winter snows are said to begin their thaw.

Here is Kyoto, which is at a latitude of 35.0117° N - comparable to Raleigh, North Carolina, or Tangier, Morocco - there has been little snow this winter. Which is usually the case.

Commuting, shopping, and visiting temples on bike is year-round in Kyoto.


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Spring Has Sprung in Kyoto

京都春がきたぞ

It is still chilly this morning in Kyoto, but spring - temporarily at least - is on its way.

According to the NHK weather report, Kyoto is going to enjoy high temperatures of around 20 (68F) starting tomorrow and lasting through the weekend.

Time indeed to take a ride.

Winter is not through with us yet this year, but the plum trees have bloomed, crocuses are pushing up, and in a month or sooner we will be under the cherry blossoms in Hirano Shrine drinking sake and ogling Ritsumeikan University students.

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Kyoto Kamo River Spring

京都鴨川春

Spring finally came to Kyoto last weekend.

And the city poured outside, to parks and the Kamo River.

These photos were taken just north of the bridge that crosses the river at Imadegawa, east of the Imperial Palace and Doshisha University.

It is where the Takano River and Kamo River come together and form the Kamo River (different Chinese characters, same pronunciation).

It is moreover a popular spot for picnics and cycling.

The picture above right shows the place where the two rivers join. There are small concrete steps in the river, which children (and adults) use to hop across the water.

Below left shows the path in the foreground, Mount Yoshida in the distance.

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