Events in Kyoto

Your laid-back guide to Kyoto’s magical events

Hey there, traveler! Are you ready to wander and discover Kyoto’s secret delights this year? Imagine strolling through warm, lantern-lit evenings, enjoying ancient traditions and making wishes under bamboo branches. Kyoto is a wonderland, from dazzling light-ups and theatrical performances to spiritual rituals by rivers and mountains. Whether you’re chasing culture or a peaceful retreat away from the everyday world, here’s your ultimate guide to the events in Kyoto.

Major Annual Events in Kyoto

Kyoto’s biggest, most famous festivals are woven into the city’s identity, experiences worth planning your trip around.

Gion Matsuri

This isn’t just a festival,  it’s the festival. The whole city becomes a catwalk of floats, lanterns, and street food that will ruin your summer body in the best possible way. The two main parades (July 17 & 24) are the highlight, but the sultry “Yoiyama” nights beforehand? Pure magic, with every street corner begging for your attention (and your camera).

Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival)

Imagine this: over 500 people dressed like they’ve just stepped out of a Heian-era romance novel, parading through Kyoto with ox-carts and courtly grace. It’s elegance, history, and an Instagram dream all in one. This is your fantasy if you’ve ever wanted to feel like Japanese royalty for a day.

Jidai Matsuri

Kyoto’s favorite throwback party, except instead of cheesy ‘80s outfits, you’re getting over a thousand years of Japanese fashion, worn by two thousand people who know how to work a procession. Held every October 22, this “Festival of the Ages” struts from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine, telling Kyoto’s history in reverse, starting with the Meiji era and working all the way back to the Heian period. Think samurai armor, silk brocades, noblewomen in twelve-layered kimono, and even warriors on horseback. It’s the world’s most sophisticated costume parade, and yes, it’s worth rearranging your travel dates for.

Seasonal Events in Kyoto

From spring cherry-blossom festivals and riverside tea gatherings to summer’s Gion Matsuri parades, autumn foliage illuminations, and serene winter temple light-ups, Kyoto always has something special on. Use the list below to find what’s happening during your dates plus when and where to catch them. Check details close to your visit, as schedules and venues can change year to year.

Spring

• Miyako Odori – April 1–30: Geiko and maiko (as pictured below) perform graceful dances in Gion’s Kaburenjo Theatre.
  
  

• Mifune Festival – May 18: Heian-costumed boats glide along Arashiyama’s Oi River.
  
  

• Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine – Feb 2–3: Geiko and maiko scatter beans to ward off evil spirits.

Summer

• Takigi Noh – June 1–2: Open-air Noh theater by firelight at Heian Shrine.
  
  

• Gozan no Okuribi – Aug 16: Five mountain bonfires bid farewell to ancestral spirits.
  
  

• Tanabata Illumination – July 1–Aug 15: Romantic wish-writing nights under bamboo lights at Kifune Shrine. 

Autumn

• Kurama Fire Festival – Oct 22: Massive torch-lit procession in a mountain village (as pictured below).
  
  

• Kitano Tenmangu Chrysanthemum Festival – November: Stunning floral displays.
  
  

Winter

• Okera Mairi – Dec 31–Jan 1: New Year’s Eve fire ritual at Yasaka Shrine.
  
  

• Miyama Snow Lantern Festival – Late Jan: Thatched-roof village lit by glowing snow lanterns.
  
  

• Kyoto Marathon – Feb 16, 2025: Scenic winter run past temples and rivers.

Niche or Themed Events in Kyoto

• Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair (KYO-MAF) – September: Japan’s largest manga/anime event outside Tokyo and a perfect opportunity for cosplay (as pictured below).
  
  

• Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony – October: An immersive outdoor tea experience.
  
  

How to Plan Your Trip to Kyoto Events

• Book Early: 

  Festival weeks fill up fast. Aim to reserve stays in Gion, Higashiyama, or Nakagyo 2–4 months ahead for easy walks to shrines and parade routes. For help comparing neighborhoods and dates, see our accommodation picks after you shortlist your event dates.

• Use a JR Pass: 

  Long-distance hops (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka/Hiroshima) are quickest on the Shinkansen; pairing your event days with intercity rides keeps costs predictable. If your route includes two or more bullet-train legs in a week, a JR Pass often pays off—check savings in our Japan Trains Guide before you buy point-to-point tickets.

• Stay Connected: 

  Live crowd updates, maps, and translation apps are priceless around busy shrines and parade crossings. To avoid patchy café Wi-Fi or SIM setup queues, consider Pocket Wi-Fi after you lock your dates (airport pickup makes arrival day smoother).

• Tickets: 

  Some parades and performances (e.g., Gion Matsuri, Jidai Matsuri) offer reserved/VIP seating with better views and shade. Availability opens weeks in advance on official sites and tourist centers; confirm exact sections on the route map and book seats after your accommodation is set.

• Choose Kyoto's Best Areas to Visit:
  

  1. Gion
     Classic teahouse streets near Yasaka Shrine and several Gion Matsuri events. Nights get lively; expect higher rates during peak weeks. If you prefer quieter evenings, look one block off the main lanes and then check availability on our hotel shortlists.

  2. Higashiyama
     Scenic slopes and temples, handy for Heian Shrine and seasonal illuminations. Transit is straightforward to central Kyoto; add a transit pass or IC card to your plan once you map daily routes.

  3. Central Nakagyo
     Shopping, dining, and easy subway/bus connections to most venues. Great base if you’re mixing events with citywide sightseeing. After you sketch your itinerary, browse our mid-range and boutique stays here.

  4. Arashiyama
     Riverside views and access to the Mifune Festival area; quieter after dusk. Travel time to central Kyoto is longer, so build in buffer for transfers—our route tips show the fastest JR and subway combinations.

Nearby Recommendations

Make the most of your event day with a quick detour to Kyoto’s classic sights nearby. The spots below are easy to pair with morning or late-afternoon visits, with simple access by JR, subway, or a short walk. Use the notes to time your stop for lighter crowds and the best views.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Iconic hillside wooden stage with panoramic views over Kyoto, especially stunning at cherry blossom and autumn foliage time. Go early morning or after 4 pm to avoid tour crowds, and follow the Sannen-zaka/Ninen-zaka lanes for cafés and craft shops. Access via bus from Kyoto Station or a 20–25 minute walk from.

• Kiyomizu-Gojo Station: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove pictured below. Atmospheric path through soaring bamboo; the light and sound are most magical at sunrise before tour groups arrive. Pair it with Tenryu-ji Temple gardens and the Katsura River bridge area for a half-day loop. Reach via JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

• Philosopher’s Path: Stone walkway along a canal lined with cherry trees, ideal in sakura season and beautifully quiet in late afternoon during autumn colors. Start near Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion and finish around Nanzen-ji, with cafés and small galleries en route. Access by bus to Ginkaku-ji-michi or Keage Station for the Nanzen-ji end.
  
  

Eating in Kyoto

• Nishiki Market (pictured below): Kyoto’s lively “kitchen” packed with 100+ stalls for skewers, fresh tofu, tamagoyaki, pickles, and yuba sweets. Go before 11 am or after 3 pm for easier browsing. Bring cash for small bites and look for signs indicating whether eating while walking is okay. Pair with a quick detour to Teramachi/Kawaramachi shopping streets. Nearest stops: Shijo Station or Karasuma Station, then a short walk.

• % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama: Minimalist café famous for single-origin beans and photogenic latte art, steps from Yasaka Pagoda. Expect a line; it moves quickly. Best times are early morning or late afternoon after tour groups thin out. Limited seating—plan to sip by the lane or take away before a temple stroll. Nearby alternatives include % Arabica Arashiyama if you’re visiting the bamboo grove.

• Gion Karyo: Elegant kaiseki showcasing seasonal Kyoto ingredients—think delicate sashimi, simmered vegetables, and beautifully plated courses. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during sakura and foliage seasons. Set menus vary by season and budget; let them know dietary needs when booking. Dress smart-casual, arrive a little early to enjoy Gion’s lantern-lit streets before dinner.
  

FAQs About Events in Kyoto

Q: What are the three great festivals in Kyoto?

A: Kyoto’s Three Great Festivals are Aoi Matsuri (May), Gion Matsuri (July), and Jidai Matsuri (October), each showcasing the city’s history, culture, and pageantry in its own spectacular way.

Q: What is the biggest festival in Kyoto?

A: The biggest festival in Kyoto is Gion Matsuri, a month-long July celebration famous for its massive float parades, lantern-lit streets, and centuries-old traditions.

Q: Where to Stay in Kyoto?

A: For the best event access and that I’m-in-the-center-of-it-all feeling, choose your base by season and festival:

• Gion – Perfect for Gion Matsuri, Okera Mairi, and geisha district charm.

• Higashiyama – Scenic streets, temples, and close to Heian Shrine for Jidai Matsuri and Takigi Noh.

• Central Nakagyo – Great transport links and easy access to parades and shopping.

• Arashiyama – Peaceful riverside vibe for Mifune Festival and relaxing between events.

Tip: Book early, Kyoto’s best stays fill fast around major festivals.

Q: Is there anything to do in Kyoto?

A: From spring’s Miyako Odori geiko dance performances to summer’s Gion Matsuri and Gozan no Okuribi bonfire night, autumn’s Jidai Matsuri historical parade, and winter’s Okera Mairi New Year ritual, the city has celebrations year-round.