This page highlights Kyoto’s traditional events throughout the year. With so much happening every month, there’s always something interesting to see!
K’s House also shares local event info and travel tips—check out our blog for more!
Tourist info by K's House local staffs|Articles by K's House Hostels
日本全国に13店舗あるケイズハウスのホステル。各店舗スタッフがの地元にまつわるイベント、グルメ、旅行豆知識、文化などを紹介しています。
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January
1. Hatsumode
Various spots across Kyoto
-
Event Period:
From
January
1st–3rdHatsumode is a Japanese custom where people visit a temple or shrine to pray for good luck, health, and happiness in the New Year between January 1st and 3rd. Public transportation runs all night on New Year’s Eve.
■ Recommended spots:
Fushimi-Inari, Yasaka shrine, Heian shrine, Shimogamo shrine, Kitano tenmangu shrine, Kibune shrine, Kiyomizu temple, etc.
※Please check their official websites.
2. Karuta-Hajime
Yasaka Shrine
-
Event Period:
3rd January
2025
start at
13:00pm“Karuta Hajime” means the first Karuta game of the year. Classical poems from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (poetry collection) are read aloud as women in elegant 12-layered kimono, called Karuta hime, compete in a graceful game of karuta.
3. Kemari Hajime
Shimogamo Shrine
- Event Period:
4th January
2025
start at 13:30“Kemari”, a traditional event that was introduced from China during the Nara period and recreates the elegant pastime of Heian aristocrats, is performed.
4. Touka Ebisu
Kyoto Ebisu shrine
- Event Period:
9th–11th
January
2025This festival honors Ebisu, the only Japanese-born of the Seven Gods of Fortune, with prayers for good harvests, thriving business, and successful fishing, celebrated through various rituals and events
5. Tou-shiya
Sanju Sangendou
- Event Period:
12th January
2025Inspired by Edo-period archery, competitors in festive attire shoot arrows at targets 120 meters away, showcasing Kyoto’s unique elegance.
February
1. Setsubun Sai
Yoshida shrine, etc
- Event Period:
1st–3rd
February
2025Ritual events called the ‘Tsuina-shiki’ demon-chasing ritual and bean-throwing take place and you can even get special lucky beans.
■ Recommended spots:Yoshida Shrine, Manzoku Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, Heian Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, and many more.”
※Please check their official websites.
2. Baika Sai
Kitano Tenmangu shrine
- Event Period:
25th
February 2025On the anniversary of Sugawara no Michizane, who loved plum blossoms, geiko and maiko from Kamishichiken perform a tea ceremony.
March
1. Hina Matsuri
Ichihime shirne
- Event Period:
3rd March,
every yearThe event is well known as “Hinamatsuri,” during which a dance is performed by the three court ladies (Sannin Kanjo) accompanied by the music of the five musicians (Gonin Bayashi).市比賣神社の年中行事：女人守護・市場守護のいちひめ神社京都、河原町五条に位置する女人厄除け、市場守護で有名な市比賣神社（いちひめ神社）。ichihime.net■ Recommended spots:
Houkyoji temple, Kifune shrine, Sanju Sangendou, Matsuno Taisha, Kamigamo shrine
※Please check their official websites.
2. Nagashi Bina
Shimogamo shrine
- Event Period:
3rd March,
every yearIt’s a traditional ritual where misfortunes are transferred to hina dolls, which are then floated down the Mitarashi River to pray for children’s health.
3. Momono Houe
Sanju Sangendou
- Event Period:
3rd March,
every yearOn a day when three lucky numbers align, a Buddhist ceremony is held featuring kenga (a flower offering ritual) and a katen (ikebana exhibition). A special “peach charm” for women is also given.
4. Plum tree blooming
Various spots across Kyoto
-
Event Period:
The
mid-February
until
late MarchFrom mid-February to mid-March—and in some places until late March—the pale pink blossoms reach their peak, offering a beautiful preview of spring. In the city, the best time to see them is in mid-March.■ Recommended spots:
Kitano Tenmangu, Jonangu shrine, Umekoji park, Umemya Taisha, the imperial palace, Shimogamo shrine
梅苑「花の庭」 - 北野天満宮kitanotenmangu.or.jp春の特別公開が始まりました。 - 京都御所京都御所では、２月２６日（水）より春の特別公開を行っています（３月２日（日）まで）。本公開では、「梅」を題材とした杉戸絵が展示されています。詳細はこちら京都御所の梅の花も咲き始めました。本公開で春の訪れを感じていただければ幸いです。kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp
April
1. Haruno Odori
“Haruno Odori” is the collective name for the Miyako Odori, Kyo Odori, Kitano Odori, and Kamogawa Odori (held in May) —traditional dance performances by geiko and maiko from Kyoto’s four hanamachi (geisha districts): Gion Kobu, Miyagawacho, Pontocho, and Kamishichiken.
- Event Period: From
20th March
to 2nd
April,2025
- Event Period:
From
1st April
to 30th
April,2025
-
Event Period:
suspended
due to
preparations
for
the opening
of
the new
Kaburenjo
Theater.
2. Cherry blossom
Location: Various spots across Kyoto
- Event Period:
From
the late
March
until the
early April
2025Cherry blossoms in Kyoto usually bloom around March 26, though this depends on the year’s weather. During the season, many temples and shrines hold nighttime viewings, offering a stunning display that surpasses other seasons.
■ Recommended spots:Arahisyama, Kamo river, Takase river, Kiyomizu temple, The imperial palace, Nijo castel, etc
※Please check their official websites.The related article from K’s house
Staff Recommended Kyoto Cherry Blossom Spots.
Spring Song×Cherry blossoms in KYOTO with music videos
3. Ohka Sai
Hirano shrine
-
Event Period:
10th April,
every yearA ceremonial procession of over 200 horse-mounted warriors and weaving princesses takes place as part of a religious event. Nighttime cherry blossom viewing is available during the blooming season.
4. Seiryu-kai
Kiyomizu temple
-
Event Period:
15th March,
3rd April,
15th October,
every yearBased on the legend of a dragon, an incarnation of the Kannon, flying to the Otowa Falls to drink its water, this ritual is held. The 18-meter-long dragon figure is magnificent.
5. Kamo Kyoku sui no en
Kamigamo shrine
- Event Period:
9th April,
2025A Heian-era banquet is recreated, where participants compose waka poems before the sake cups flowing down the stream in Shokeien come to them. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and once the 300 seats are filled, registration closes.
May
1. Kamo Odori
Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater
- Event Period: ：
2025年
5月1日から
5月24日まで京都の春のおどりのひとつ。京の花街で最大の上演回数を誇る歴史ある舞踏公演
2. Fujinomori Sai / Kakeuma Shinji
Fujinomori shrine
- Event Period: ：
2025年5月5日鎖帷子(くさりかたびら)を模した衣装を着て、200メートルもの参道を、様々な技を披露しながら一気に駆け抜けます。
3. Aoi matsuri (Kamo Matsuri)
Shimogamo shrine / Kamigamo shrine
- Event Period: ：
2025年
5月15日三大京都祭りに数えられる由緒ある初夏の祭りで、500年の平安装束を身にまとった人々が行列をなし、路頭の儀が行われます。
4. Kamogawa Noryou
Kamo river / Kifune area
- Event Period: ：
2025年5月1日
～9月30日まで川沿いに石垣や堤が整備され始めた頃に歓楽街として発展し、今では二条から五条の鴨川沿いにある飲食店約90店舗が優雅なひと時を演出します。ランチからディナー、和食から洋食まで選択肢は様々。
June
1. Kibune Sai
Kibue shrine
- 1st June, 2025At Kibune Shrine, this is the most important festival of the year, where a portable shrine carrying the spirit of the deity is paraded through the town with traditional music.
2. Kyoto Takiginou
Heian Jingu shrine
- 1st and 2nd
June,2025The vivid vermilion Heian Shrine is lit up with fires and lights, creating a magical atmosphere where you can enjoy traditional Noh and Kyogen performances.
3. Hydrangea flower Park
Mimurotoji temple
- Event period:
31st May
until 6th July
,2025
8:30～15:40
Light-up event
:Only
weekends
between
7th June 22nd
to June, 2025
19:00～21:00Nicknamed the “Hydrangea Temple,” it’s a popular spot with around 20,000 hydrangeas in bloom. The colorful flowers lit up at night look magical.
July
1. Ukai
Uji river and Arashiyama
- Event Period:
Uji river
1st July
until 30th
September,
2025
Arashiyama
1st July
until 23rd
September,
2025A beloved summer tradition in Kyoto held every year. Watch master cormorant fishermen and their birds catch river fish by torchlight, all from a shared boat.Same-day tickets only; on August 16, boats run by advance reservation only.
宇治市観光協会 公式ホームページ京都府宇治市最新観光情報はここから～宇治市観光協会～www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp嵐山の鵜飼 – 嵐山通船arashiyama-yakatabune.com
2. Gion matsuri
Yasaka shrine
- Event Period:
July,
every yearIt’s one of Japan’s top three festivals, started to drive away epidemics. People set up 66 tall spears to pray for good health. The city comes alive with music and big float parades on the 17th and 24th
3. Tanabata matsuri
Kibune shrine
-
Event Period:
1st July
to 15th
August
(Light-up
until 20:00)It started as an ancient rain-making ritual and became a festival to thank for water. You’ll see bamboo decorations and wish strips for Tanabata. There’s also a beautiful nighttime light-up.
4. Motomiya sai
Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Event Period:
20th and
21st July,
2025The whole shrine and Mt. Inari light up with donated lanterns, creating a magical vibe. It feels like you’re walking through a dream. Around the main hall, you’ll also find about 400 lantern paintings on display.
5. Mitarashi matsuri
Shmogamo shrine
- Event Period:
18th to
27th, 2025,
from 9:00～20:00Also known as the “Foot-Dipping Ritual,” it’s held on the Day of the Ox in midsummer. People dip their feet in a sacred pond to pray for good health and protection from illness. There are also food stalls and fun festival vibes.
August
1. Mandoue(萬灯会/萬橙会)
Daigoji temple(萬灯会)/Rokuharamitsuji temple(萬橙会)
- Event Period:
萬灯会
5th August,
2025
萬橙会 2025年
8th to
10th August,
2025Before Obon, the path through the shrine is lit up with tons of lanterns and lights. It’s a way to honor and remember ancestors and spirits.The soft glow creates a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
2. Mitarashi matsuri
Tenmangu shrine
- Event Period:
Please check
the official
website
※In 2024,
the event
was held
from August
2nd to 18th.An old Tanabata ritual where people step into the river to purify themselves, revived in 2016. Now it features night shrine visits and the lively Kitano Summer Festival.
3. Gosan No Okuribi
In Kyoto city
- Event Period:
16th August,
2025The Gozan no Okuribi, following the “Aoi,” “Gion,” and “Jidai” festivals, marks the end of Obon with fires shaped like “Daimonji,” “Myohō,” “Funagata,” “Sadaimonji,” and “Torii.” Starting at 8 PM, the fires light up in sequence, five minutes apart, creating a stunning display.
4. Tou-rou nagashi
Arashiyama and Hirosawa pond
- Event Period:
Please check
the website｡The tradition started with floating lanterns to honor the spirits of the war dead. Today, it’s a way to send ancestors and spirits to the Pure Land, and you can join in the lantern floating for this remembrance.
September
1. Hassaku matsuri
Matsuno-o Taisha
-
Event Period:
First Sunday
on September,
every yearA festival with the 130-year history, praying for a good harvest and family safety.
It features the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Rokusaï Nenbutsu Dance and the unique “Baby Sumo” ceremony, where newborns are placed in the sumo ring.
2. Seimei Taisai
Abeno Seimei shrine
- Event Period:
23rd
September,
2025Held on and before the Autumn Equinox, this is the biggest festival at Seimei Shrine. Over 300 people join a procession with drums, flutes, and a mikoshi through the neighborhood.
3. Gikyosai
Kurama temple
- Event Period:
15th
September,
2025This event honors the legendary Yoshitsune, remembering his childhood with a memorial service. There’s also a demonstration of Aikido in tribute to his warrior spirit.
4. Mitsuki No Yube
Hirosawa pond at Daikakuji temple
- Event Period:
Please
check their
official
websiteOn the night of the harvest moon, dragon-headed boats glide across Hirose Pond for a dreamy moon-viewing experience—comparing the moon in the sky with its reflection.
Special tickets are available by reservation, and paid viewing spots around the pond are open too.
October
1. Zuiki matsuri
Kitano Tenmangu shrine
-
Event Period:
1st to 5th
October,
2025This autumn festival gives thanks for the harvest and a good crop season. It features the elegant Yao-otome dance and a mikoshi parade through the neighborhood.
2. Awata matsuri
Awata shrine
-
Event Period:
11th to 14th
October,
2025The Awata Shrine Grand Festival includes several events over a few days, like night rituals, processions, and the main celebration.Look out for parading floats, mikoshi, and traditional dance performances
3. Funaoka Taisai
Kenkun shrine
-
Event Period:
19th October,
every yearThis festival honors Oda Nobunaga’s legacy with performances of traditional dance. It includes “Atsumori,” said to be danced by Nobunaga before the Battle of Okehazama, along with classical court music and dance.
4. Jidai matsuri
Heian shrine
-
Event Period:
22nd
October,
every yearOne of Kyoto’s three great festivals, the Jidai Matsuri celebrates the founding of Heian-kyo by Emperor Kanmu. A grand parade recreates 8 historical eras, starting at Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon and heading to Heian Shrine via City Hall and Sanjo Bridge.
5. Yuki jinja Reisai / Kurama no Himatsuri
Yuki jinja temple
-
Event Period:
22nd October,
2025One of Kyoto’s three most unique festivals, where massive torches light up the night all at once. It reenacts the Heian-era procession of bringing the deity from the Imperial Palace to Kurama.
6. Momiji matsuri
Sanzenin shrine
-
Event Period:
1 month
from
the late
OctoberGet an early taste of Kyoto’s autumn leaves as they start turning in late October. Enjoy the view with a relaxing tea service that includes sweets during the special viewing period.
November
1. Momiji / Autumn leaves
Kyoto city
-
Event Period:
The mid
November
to the
early
DecemberThe beautiful mix of temples, shrines, gardens, nature, and autumn leaves draws lots of tourists from both Japan and abroad. During the season, some places even offer special night visits, and the lit-up fall colors are absolutely stunning.
2. Arashiyama Maple Festival
Arashiyama area
-
Event Period:
2nd Sunday,
November
every yearThey recreate the elegant way Heian-era nobles used to enjoy the autumn leaves by floating boats on the Ōhorikawa River. You can also enjoy performances of Heian-period music and traditional songs.
3. Gion Odori
Gion Kaikan
-
Event Period:
1st to
10th
November,
every yearEvery year, the dance performance features a different theme with an original script. Highlights include traditional Nagauta music and dance medleys. Reservations are a must, and tickets can be purchased online or directly at the venue.
Events from December onwards are coming soon—please stay tuned!
December
1. Shimai Tenjin
Kitano Tenmangu shrine
-
Event Period:
25th
December,
2025,
every yearEvery 25th is Tenjin Day at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, with the year-end “Shimai Tenjin” on December 25th being especially famous. The shrine comes alive with food stalls and a festive winter atmosphere.
2. Wokera matsuri
Yasaka shrine
-
Event Period:
31st December
around 17pm,
2025Starting around 5 PM on New Year’s Eve, sacred fires burn through the night at the shrine. People burn wooden sticks with written wishes, praying for good health in the coming year
3. Joya no Kane
Temples in Kyoto city
-
Event Period:
31st
December12,
around
23pmOn New Year’s Eve in Kyoto, many temples let you watch or take part in the ringing of the Joya no Kane (New Year’s bell). Some require reservations or work on a first-come basis, so it’s best to check ahead.The related article from K’s house
【2024ver. Bell-hitting experience at temples on 31st December in Kyoto
