A lighting equipment test for "Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2008," a winter illumination event starting on December 12 in the Saga-Arashiyama area, was held around the Togetsu-kyo Bridge on the evening of December 8. Tourists admired the scene as the bridge and sparsely-remaining autumn leaves at the foot of the mountains indistinctly emerged in the clear air over the river.

The test took place from a little after 5:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. When a total of 81 lanterns were lit, young couples and tourists delightedly exclaimed, "How beautiful!" Then they started taking pictures, including with their cell phone cameras.

This event was first held three years ago by the Kyoto Hanatouro Promotion Council, comprised of the Kyoto Prefectural Government, City of Kyoto, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry and others, to revive tourism during winter. Approximately 987,000 visitors enjoyed the event last year. The 2008 illumination continues until December 21. This year's event has been publicized as "environmentally-friendly" as all electric power used for the illumination is supplied through photovoltaic generation procured by a citizens' organization from the purchase of "green power certificates" they issued.