The biggest event in the mountain village of Hirogawara in northern Kyoto is held in late August. Men hurl flaming bundles into the air to light a torch towering 20m high in prayer for good health and harvests. Originating from a fire prevention ritual held when the main local industry was charcoal making, villagers still start preparing months in advance. Discover the efforts being made to maintain this 300-year-old summer festival despite concerns for the future of this depopulating village.

Local-brand cosmetics are must-have souvenirs for women visiting Kyoto. New products in pretty Japanese-style packaging are constantly being released, made with gentle natural ingredients and methods developed over centuries, in colors used since ancient times. Maiko, the embodiment of "Kyoto beauty", apply their distinctive makeup according to strict rules and age-old conventions. Discover the "traditional yet new" beauty products of Kyoto that are so sought after by modern women.