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hugokyoto.bsky.social
Hugo
@hugokyoto.bsky.social
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I am a Belgian from Antwerp, having lived in Kyoto and Nara for approximately 30 years. I cover major festivals, temples, and shrines. I've done some timelapse footage, moon shooting, and vertical video with my iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Ujikami Shrine in Kyoto. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #ujikamishrine #宇治上神社 #hatsumode #初詣帰り
Ujikami Shrine, a profound historical landmark, is renowned for housing the oldest original Shinto shrine building in Japan, dating back to approximately 1060. Initially constructed as a guardian shrine for the nearby Byodo-in Temple, it is celebrated for its elegant “Nagare-zukuri” architectural style. Here are some interesting facts: Ancient Heritage: The Honden, the main hall of the shrine, is a National Treasure and stands as the oldest example of shrine architecture in the country. Imperial Connection: The shrine houses Emperor Ojin and his sons, including the renowned scholar-prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, whose significance is celebrated in local legends. Natural Spring: The shrine grounds boast the “Kirihara-sui,” one of the seven renowned ancient springs of Uji and the only one still flowing today.
January 22, 2026 at 7:40 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto.

Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) exudes a quietly powerful presence, where ancient Kyoto seems to breathe alongside the New Year. #shimogamoshrine #下鴨神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り
January 18, 2026 at 1:05 PM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Go-ō Shrine, affectionately known as the “Boar Shrine,” is dedicated to protecting the legs and hips, a tradition dating back to an encounter with wild boars in the 8th century.
#newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り
January 16, 2026 at 8:32 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto.
#shimogamoshrine #下鴨神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り
Hatsumōde (初詣) is a Japanese tradition where people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples for their first New Year’s visit. During this time, they pray for health, happiness, and good fortune for the coming year. People often draw omikuji fortunes and buy new omamori amulets. Hatsumōde typically takes place from January 1st to the first few days of the year and is a significant spiritual renewal and fresh beginning in Japanese culture.
January 14, 2026 at 6:43 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Toka Ebisu matsuri in Kyoto. #tōkaebisu #十日戎 #ebisushrine #ゑびす神社 #ebisu #恵比須 #kyoto #歳改まり巡拝 #matsuri #japan #travelphotography #visitkyoto
January 12, 2026 at 8:46 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
For our Hatsumode in 2026, we visited the Goo Shrine (護王神社), across from the Imperial Palace grounds. It’s one of my favourite spots in Kyoto because of its mystical atmosphere.
#gooshrine #護王神社 #shinesezodiac #newyear #kyototrip #kyotojapan #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #hatsumode #初詣帰り
January 12, 2026 at 2:01 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
An Evening Encounter in Gion, Kyoto.
As the light softened over Hanamikoji-dori in Kyoto just after 5:00 pm, I caught a fleeting glimpse of a maiko on her way to work. #hanamikojidori #maiko #japanculture #sacredjapan #visitkyoto
January 11, 2026 at 5:42 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Ise Jingū, the spiritual heart of Japan, quietly endures renewal, purity, and tradition. #isejingu #伊勢神宮 #iseshrine #shinto #shintoshrine #japanesespirituality #sacredjapan #moodyjapan #quietmoments #timelessjapan #japanesetradition #spiritualjourney #pilgrimage
January 10, 2026 at 3:21 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
At the end of last year, I was invited to Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto to photograph the “Year of the Horse” ema. #yasakashrine #八坂神社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #calligraphy #japanesclassicalpainting
January 8, 2026 at 8:17 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Super Wolf Moon Over a Kyotanabe Winter Sky. This year, it is a super moon because the Moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #満月#yearofthehorse #kyotanabe #京田辺市 #月見 #fullmoon #wolfmoon #まんげつ #狼月 #ろうげつ
January 3, 2026 at 1:25 PM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026: Saga Shrine (佐牙神社) in Kyōtanabe, Kyoto Prefecture. #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #kyotanabe #京田辺市
January 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
As we embark on the Year of the Fire Horse, may 2026 bring you strength, freedom, and the courage to pursue every dream. Happy New Year!

#kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine #thankyou #japan
As we embark on the Year of the Fire Horse, may 2026 bring you strength, freedom, and the courage to pursue every dream. I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone for a year brimming with energy, momentum, and joyous adventures. Happy New Year! I genuinely appreciate your support for my site last year. Thank you so much!
January 1, 2026 at 11:44 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Happy New Year 2026!
January 1, 2026 at 5:55 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
While at Yasaka Shrine last Monday, I caught a glimpse of the moon.
The moon was Waxing Gibbous (66.3%).

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
December 29, 2025

#yasakashrine #八阪神社 #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #japan #traditions #shogatsu #moon
December 31, 2025 at 6:42 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026 - Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社). #matsuotaisha #松尾大社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine
Yesterday, I visited the Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社) in Arashiyama, Kyoto. After paying our respects, we indulged in some Mitarai tango at the Danpurin shop (甘味処 団ぷ鈴), which was conveniently located within the premises. Matsuo-taisha (松尾大社), a historic Shinto shrine situated just south of Arashiyama in Kyoto, holds a special place in the city’s history. Established in 701, it stands as one of the oldest shrines, revered for centuries as a sacred place to seek blessings for the sake and miso brewing industries. The shrine’s sacred spring water, used and revered by brewers for generations, has been a source of inspiration and prosperity for these artisans.
December 30, 2025 at 4:13 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Year of the Horse 2026 - Fujinomori Shrine.

Today, I visited the Fujinomori Shrine (藤森神社) in Kyoto. I had heard that they have a large ema (a wooden plaque) in the precincts.

#fujinomorishrine #藤森神社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine
December 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
In the year 2026, in Kyoto, Japan, the Year of the Horse begins.

I visited the Fujinomori Shrine (藤森神社) in Kyoto. I had heard that they have a large ema (a wooden plaque) in the precincts. #fujinomorishrine #藤森神社 #kyoto #newyear2026 #kyototrip #kyotojapan #正月 #yearofthehorse #shinto #shintoshrine
Today, I visited the Fujinomori Shrine (藤森神社) in Kyoto. I had heard that they have a large ema (a wooden plaque) in the precincts. The horse, the seventh symbol in the Japanese Zodiac, represents “liveliness” and “openness.” Historically, horses and humans coexisted and collaborated, their muscular bodies and immense power embodying the essence of “life.” Horses are cheerful, sociable, and decisive. They are also versatile and excel in various fields, but they tend to get bored easily and leave tasks unfinished. Additionally, they exhibit a vain streak and are known for their extravagant spending habits.
December 28, 2025 at 7:34 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Small Waterfalls at Suikei-en Garden.

Yesterday, I took a leisurely walk in the Suikei-en Garden (水景園) in Keihanna Commemorative Park, Seika-cho, Kyoto Prefecture.

iPhone 15 Pro Max.
December 20, 2025

#japanesegarden #日本庭園 #kyotoprefecture #discoverkyoto #discoverjapan #水景園 #waterfall
December 21, 2025 at 2:43 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Nagano’s Golden Autumn Colours.

Driving from Lake Kagami (鏡池) to Shonen-ji (称念寺) along NR 36 in Nagano Prefecture.

#japantrip #japantravel #nagano #autumn #driving #mountains #clouds #goldencolour #長野県
December 20, 2025 at 8:09 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Nagano Soba: Pure Buckwheat, Mountain Tradition.

We had dinner at the Soba Enokigawa Matsumoto Station Store (駅そば榑木川 松本駅店). We heard that soba dishes are a speciality in Nagano, and we were not disappointed. #soba #japanesefood #そば #matsumoto
December 16, 2025 at 8:07 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
The breathtaking view from Takabotchi Highlands in Nagano is simply stunning. #panorama_photo #panoramas #observationdeck #美ヶ原高原 #nagano #japantrip #japantravel #autumn #autumn🍁 #高ボッチ高原 #scenicjapan
The road leading to the observation deck is narrow and sometimes difficult to navigate. Once you reach it, it becomes overwhelming. Google Maps led us to a street on the main road that I wasn't sure I could pass in my Noah car. Fortunately, a postman on a motorbike arrived and offered to guide us to the mountain entrance. He was a blessing sent from above. Takabotchi Highlands (高ボッチ高原) in Shiojiri, Nagano, is a scenic highland plateau at approximately 1,665 meters. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views and natural beauty, it stands as one of Nagano's most picturesque viewpoints. You can immerse yourself in the grandeur of mountain scenery, expansive skies, and invigorating fresh air at this remarkable location.
December 16, 2025 at 7:01 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Calm Reflections at Konin-ji Temple in Nara. #autumn #autumnphotography #japantrip #japantravel #nara #visitnara #弘仁寺 ##yamanobenomichi #山辺の道
It’s been a while since I visited this Buddhist temple nestled on a hill in the countryside of Kokuzocho, Nara Prefecture. The atmosphere here exudes a profound sense of tranquillity and serenity. Take a moment to admire the captivating paintings adorning the Hondo. They are truly a feast for the eyes. In the parking lot, local farmers were diligently constructing a straw horse to celebrate the upcoming zodiac sign for 2026. However, as they were beginning, I couldn’t capture a photo of their progress.
December 10, 2025 at 6:29 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
The Moon, adorned with crimson autumn leaves, glows in the evening sky.

#autumn #autumnphotography #autumnleaves #もみじ #紅葉 #japantrip #japantravel #moon #WaxingGibbous #waxinggibbousmoon
The almost full moon casts a crimson glow over the grounds of Chishakuin Temple (総本山 智積院) in Kyoto, Japan. The vibrant autumn leaves frame the scene. The moon is currently Waxing Gibbous, and the full moon is expected to occur this coming Friday.
December 2, 2025 at 9:42 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Autumn Whispers of Shōnen-ji in Nagano.

Autumn Whispers of Shōnen-ji, where the moss-covered grounds softly murmur and create a serene atmosphere. (浄土真宗 称念寺 )

#称念寺 #浄土真宗 #mossgarden #japan_photo_now #japantrip #japantravel #nagano #autumn #autumn🍁 #maple #mapple #苔庭
November 30, 2025 at 2:27 AM
hugokyoto.bsky.social
Autumn Reverie at Magatama Pond, Nara, Japan.

A short video clip captures my hiking adventure around Mt. Torimiyama, where I revelled in the breathtaking autumn foliage.

#autumn #autumnphotography #autumnleaves #もみじ #紅葉 #japantrip #japantravel #宇陀市 #observationdeck #展望台 #mountainscape
November 28, 2025 at 8:15 AM