Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2025

Your front-row seat to Japan’s pop culture.

Japan's pop culture crown jewel is returning: the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) 2025 is scheduled for September 20–21, 2025. As the largest manga and anime event in western Japan, it is more than just a convention; it is a cultural festival that combines art, fandom, and collaboration. This year promises exciting new collaborative visuals, special displays, and an engaging experience for both tourists and residents.

What is going on in Kyoto this September?

The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2025 returns this autumn for a two-day celebration of manga and anime. This festival, held in Kyoto's famous venues, celebrates the originality and global influence of Japan's most treasured art genres.

Expect special collaboration visuals, industry talks, cosplay demonstrations, limited-edition merchandise, and numerous opportunities to interact with fans from all around the world. Kyoto transforms into a colorful, imaginative, and nostalgic playground, with unexpected surprises around every corner, ranging from life-sized character displays to themed cafés.

Key highlights and features

• Exclusive Collaborations: Special visual collaborations between famous manga/anime titles and Kyoto landmarks, creating Insta-worthy art you won’t find anywhere else.
  

• Industry Access: Panels and sessions featuring publishers, studios, and creators, offering fans a rare behind-the-scenes look.
  

• Cosplay Heaven: Cosplayers will bring beloved characters to life against Kyoto’s scenic backdrops, from traditional streets to modern exhibition halls.
  

• Merchandise Galore: From limited-edition manga goods to themed snacks, the shopping experience is as much an attraction as the exhibits themselves.

Why Kyoto?

Kyoto, with its blend of ancient history and contemporary innovation, is an ideal setting for an event that honors both heritage and innovation. It's more than simply anime; it's about experiencing Japanese culture in its most vibrant form, when the kimono-clad past meets futuristic fandom.

Why This News Matters for Travelers

A must-see for pop culture travelers. If you're visiting Japan in September 2025, make sure to have the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair on your schedule. It's the largest manga and anime convention in western Japan, and it's a once-a-year chance to immerse yourself in the world of manga.

The larger tourism trend

Japan is moving toward experiential travel. Visitors no longer want to buy manga or anime figures; they want to immerse themselves in the culture. Events like Kyomaf combine entertainment with tourism, encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore local neighborhoods, and interact with Japan's creative industries.

For families, locals, and fans

• Tourists: Perfect for anime fans planning a Japan trip.
  

• Families: The fair offers kid-friendly exhibits and activities.
  

• Locals: A chance to celebrate Kyoto’s creative role in shaping manga culture.

In other words, whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, this event makes Japanese pop culture more accessible than ever.

What Comes Next for KYOMAF

Event details

• Dates: September 20–21, 2025
  
  

• Location: Kyoto (multiple venues across the city)
  
  

• Type of news: Japan Event News
  
  

How to attend

• Tickets typically sell fast, and for 2025 demand is expected to be high. Online pre-sales will offer standard day passes, premium packages, and possibly early-access passes. If you’re serious about attending, set a reminder. This isn’t the event to ‘maybe’ book later.

• Dress the part: Cosplay is encouraged. Even if you’re not competing, a simple nod to your favorite character makes the experience more immersive.

• Use Kyoto as your stage: Explore Nishiki Market (pictured above), Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (pictured below) between events. The city itself feels like an extension of the fair.

Travel and access

• Getting to Kyoto: The city is easily accessible via Japan’s famous shinkansen. A JR Pass will get you from Tokyo or Osaka directly to Kyoto Station with ease.
  

• Hotels: With thousands of fans flocking to the city, nearby hotels will fill up quickly, so lock in your stay early. Choose accommodations near Kyoto Station for convenience, or stay in a traditional ryokan for added cultural flair.
  

• Connectivity: Trust me, you’ll want strong Wi-Fi. Between sharing cosplay photos, live-streaming panels, and navigating Kyoto’s venues, a Pocket Wi-Fi is as essential as your camera.

What to expect next

Beyond this year’s collaborations and events, the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) is expected to grow even larger, with additional publishers, foreign partnerships, and tourism tie-ins. If 2025 is your year to visit Japan, Kyomaf is an excellent reason to go.

FAQs about KYOMAF

Q: When is the Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair 2025?

A: It will take place on September 20 and 21, 2025, at several venues in Kyoto.

Q: Is it the biggest anime event in Japan?

A: It is the largest manga and anime convention in western Japan, while Tokyo events such as AnimeJapan may be larger overall.

Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

A: Yes. Online reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.

Q: How do I get there?

A: TheJR Pass makes traveling to Kyoto easy from anywhere in Japan. Once in the city, local transit and walking will take you between venues.