Zenbird Editorial TeamTo commemorate the 10th anniversary of the “Koyama Spring Water Coffee,” Ajinomoto AGF and Kamigamo Shrine will host the “Kyoto Seasons Coffee Experience: Early Summer Fireflies and Night Cafe” from 12 to 15 June. This special occasion will offer participants a blend of cultural heritage, the beauty of fireflies, and the distinct taste of local coffee.
This event is a continuation of Ajinomoto AGF’s dedicated involvement in Kamigamo Shrine’s cultural projects, a commitment that began in May 2015. This partnership was initiated to mark the shrine’s significant Shikinen Sengu, a ritual of rebuilding or repairing shrine buildings that occurs once every 21 years. Ajinomoto AGF developed the Koyama Spring Water Coffee. This unique brew, created using the sacred Koyama spring water meticulously preserved by the shrine for centuries, has been offered to worshippers and visitors since 2015, providing moments of serenity.
The four-day event will centre on the theme of fireflies, a cherished, yet increasingly rare, symbol of early summer in Japan, typically found near pristine water sources. Attendees will experience a guided firefly viewing tour along the shrine’s Nara-no-Ogawa stream. The programme also includes a special night-time visit to the shrine’s main halls, designated as National Treasures, and a talk by a Shinto priest. The priest will speak about the Koyama spring water, the shrine’s dedicated firefly conservation activities, and the profound connection forged by water. This experience culminates in a “night cafe” set within the Choya, an Important Cultural Property. Here, guests will savour the “Koyama Spring Water Coffee” paired with traditional sweets crafted by renowned local confectioner, Kameya Yoshinaga.
As part of efforts to protect the dwindling firefly population, the Nara-no-Ogawa stream underwent environmental maintenance, which included participation of local Kyoto students. Furthermore, visitors to Kamigamo Shrine who bring their own reusable bottles will benefit from a discount which is linked to a “decarbonisation-score,” which quantifies CO2 emission reduction rates. An iced “Koyama Spring Water Coffee” served in a reusable tumbler achieves a 76% CO2 reduction when compared to using standard disposable cups.
Attendance at the “Kyoto Seasons Coffee Experience” is limited to 20 individuals per day, selected via a lottery system. A participation fee of 1,000 yen per person is required, and each attendee will receive a commemorative gift of “Koyama Spring Water Coffee” drip packs.
