Kyoto summers are hot.
The sun beats down relentlessly, and heat rises from the cobblestones.
It's so hot that you can't help but look for shade.
However, it seems that people in Edo period spent summer as a season to enjoy the coolness of summer.
Feeling the breeze, waiting for dusk, and savoring a cool, sweet treat.
You can still enjoy that kind of fun at the current UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE.
This time, we'll introduce some special ways to enjoy summer to the fullest at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE.

① First, change into a yukata and head out into the town of Edo.
Upon arriving at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, the first thing to do is change into a yukata.
Actually, it is said that the yukata originated from a "yukatabira," a garment worn after bathing.
From the mid Edo period onward, it became incredibly popular among common people as a fashionable summer garment due to its comfortable feel.
Just putting on a yukata and walking around makes even the heat enjoyable.
You can not only take photos, but also experience the feeling of blending into a townscape that recreates Edo period.

② When it gets hot, take a cool break.
After walking in the dazzling sun, take a break with a cold sweet treat.
At UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, various shops offer a selection of cold sweets.
Shaved ice, now a summer staple, can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors, but in Edo period, ice itself was apparently an extremely precious commodity that only people of high status could afford to eat.
On a hot day, one bite will send a refreshing coolness through your overheated body.
Enjoy a slightly luxurious feeling while experiencing the coolness that people in Edo period longed for.

③ Enjoy the breeze with a fan.
When it comes to summer companions, a fan is a must.
For people in Edo period, fans were not only a way to escape the heat, but also a tool for enjoying fashion.
With just one flick of the fan, a cool breeze gently caresses your cheek.
It's precisely because it's a hot day that you can appreciate that feeling of comfort.

④ Waiting for dusk is also a summer pleasure.
As the sun begins to set, the appearance of Kyoto gradually changes.
Even at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE, a softer atmosphere begins to permeate the air, different from that of daytime.
Enjoy the beautiful sunset and experience the transition between day and night, a feeling only possible in summer.

⑤ With a lantern in hand, head to UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE at night.
As night falls, the light of lanterns illuminates the streets of Kyoto.
A slightly mysterious and fantastical world, quite different from the hustle and bustle of the daytime.
To reward myself for a day of walking, I toasted with a cold beer.
Enjoying a cup of coffee while gazing at the Edo-era streetscape will surely feel a little more special than usual.

The event "UZUMASA BONDANCE FESTIVAL UZUMASA BONDANCE FESTIVAL" has started on Saturday, July 18th at 5:00 PM.
Stories unique to this time of year, such as nighttime performances that unfold there, await you.
In the next article, we'll take a closer look at these summer events!

Why not enjoy Kyoto's summer at UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE this year?