Skip to content

Events & Festivals in Kyoto

Upcoming events, festivals, and experiences in Kyoto, with dates.

Now on

Shinsengumi: Chronicles of the Warriors(7/14)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

Discover the truth of the legendary Shinsengumi! Experience the passion of these warriors through rare diaries and letters in this special exhibition in Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Jul 14 – Sep 13

Now on

Let All be Well -Prayers in Paint-(7/18)

Kyoto · Performances & Shows

A mystical exhibition at Fukuda Art Museum in Saga Arashiyama, Kyoto. Enjoy a colorful display where traditional Buddhist motifs meet modern design.

Jul 18 – Sep 6

Now on

Jotekaku Museum Special Exhibition: (8/2)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

Experience the elegance of 17th-century Kyoto through the history of Emperor Go-Mizunoo and Shokoku-ji. View exquisite tea utensils and folding screens designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Aug 2 – Sep 27

Upcoming

Hozu River Citizens' Fireworks Display(8/11)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

関西最大級の迫力！約13,000発の花火が名曲とともに夜空を彩ります。チケット制のため、事前の事前購入が必須です。

Aug 11

Upcoming

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Night Special Viewing(8/14)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

Experience the mystical night at Kiyomizu-dera, where a blue light beam illuminates the sky. Witness the stunning beauty of spring cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.

Aug 14 – Aug 16

Upcoming

Arashiyama Toro Nagashi(8/16)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

A magical landscape of countless floating lanterns on the river. A perfect moment for reflection and peace in the heart of Arashiyama.

Aug 16

Upcoming

Commemorative Lecture: Imperial Court Rituals and Shokoku-ji Temple in the Edo Period(8/29)

Kyoto · Performances & Shows

A rare opportunity to learn about the deep connection between the Edo-period Imperial Court and Shokoku-ji. Through expert commentary, you can understand the temple's role during a period of great historical change.

Aug 29

Upcoming

Daitoku-ji Korin-in Autumn Special Opening(9/5)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

A special opportunity to view the Important Cultural Property main hall and the striking karesansui garden. Experience the profound atmosphere of autumn in a historic setting with deep ties to the Maeda clan.

Sep 5 – Dec 15

Upcoming

Hassakusai Festival(9/6)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

Hassakusai Festival in Sota, Kyoto. A seasonal ritual celebrating the arrival of autumn and local culture.

Sep 6

Upcoming

AQUIRAX UNO: Akira Uno Exhibition(9/9)

Kyoto · Other

Experience the AQUIRAX UNO exhibition by Akira Uno at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art from September 9 to October 25, 2026.

Sep 9 – Oct 25

Upcoming

Choyo Shinji and Karasu Sumo(9/9)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

The Choyo Shinji at Kamigamo Shrine is a rare opportunity to experience sacred Shinto rituals and the profound spiritual traditions of Japan.

Sep 9

Upcoming

Keiro-sai (Respect for the Aged Festival)(9/14)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

Experience the Keiro-sai at Jishu Jinja, a sacred site for longevity. Guests aged 70+ can receive special ritual gifts like Longevity Chopsticks.

Sep 14

Upcoming

Forms of Love: The Unveiling of the Phantom Shunga 'Chigo Soshi'(9/19)

Kyoto · Performances & Shows

Witness the first public unveiling of the 14th-century 'Chigo Soshi.' Explore the evolution of human love and desire through Edo and Meiji masterpieces. A unique cultural experience in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Sep 19, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027

Upcoming

Heian Jingu Shrine Shinen Garden Free Admission(9/19)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

美しい紅しだれ桜と朱色の社殿が織りなす絶景。平安神宮の神苑で、四季の彩りに満ちた特別なひとときを過ごしません。

Sep 19

Upcoming

Kushi Matsuri(9/21)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

Information for the Kushi Matsuri at Yasui Konpiragu Shrine on September 21, 2026. The amulet shop is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Sep 21

Upcoming

Hagi Matsuri(9/26)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

In late September, enjoy the stunning sight of red and white bush clover blooming along the walls of Kosho-ji Temple in Kyoto.

Sep 26 – Sep 27

Upcoming

Shokoku-ji Autumn Special Viewing(9/26)

Kyoto · Seasonal Events

Enjoy a luxurious autumn experience at Shokoku-ji, Kyoto. Explore National Treasures with professional guides and receive an exclusive seasonal gift during this limited-time special viewing.

Sep 26 – Dec 15

Upcoming

Yasui Konpiragu Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival)(9/29)

Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks

Don't miss the stunning parade of traditional hairstyles and period costumes through the historic streets of Gion!

Sep 29

Browse by month

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember

Top spots in Kyoto

Toji-in Temple

Toji-in is a historic temple of the Ashikaga clan. Relax with a bowl of matcha and a special sweet while gazing at the beautiful gardens and water features. A perfect place to experience the silence and seasonal beauty of Kyoto.

Kyoto Aquarium

Discover the wonders of Kyoto's aquatic life at Kyoto Aquarium. Highlights include the stunning large tank and lively feeding sessions for penguins and fur seals.

To-ji Temple (Kyōō-gokoku-ji)

Experience the history of Esoteric Buddhism and the beauty of the iconic five-story pagoda at the UNESCO World Heritage site, To-ji. Don't miss the seasonal illuminations and special viewings.

Suntory <Natural Water Beer Factory> Kyoto Brewery

The sacred home of 'The Premium Malt's' in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto. Enjoy a guided tour of the brewing process and taste fresh beer made with pure natural water. The shop offers exclusive goods and factory-direct beer.

Gion Higashi (Hanamachi)

Experience the splendor of 'Gion Odori' in November, a special event where you can witness the elegant dances of Geiko and Maiko at Gion Kaikan. A perfect addition to your autumn Kyoto itinerary.

Nonomiya Shrine

A historic shrine in Arashiyama famous as a setting in The Tale of Genji. Amidst the pure atmosphere of the Kuroki Torii and natural scenery, the experience of stroking the 'Okame-ishi' stone for good fortune offers a truly special moment for every visitor.

Explore other areas

Hokkaido & Tohoku

Kanto

Chubu

Kansai

Chugoku

Shikoku

Kyushu & Okinawa