Oct 3
~
Oct 25

Kyoto Experiment

¥0 – ¥10,500
Hotel Options
Dance
Festival
Music
Kyoto
Written by JC Team

Catch genre-bending performances and international talent at this annual festival in Kyoto. It’s all in the name.

What happens?

The Kyoto Experiment Festival brings contemporary performing arts to Japan’s cultural capital.

This annual event, running since 2010, features a wide range of experimental performances and installations. Expect international and local artists to push the boundaries of theater, dance, and visual art across multiple venues. Workshops and discussions also lend an interactive element.

Suggested Activity
Brunch at Nishiki Market in Kyoto
Start your day the right way -- with a delicious brunch in "Kyoto's kitchen", also known as Nishiki Market. The market has a long history, going back more than 400 years.

Schedule 2026

The festival has a different theme each year. This year’s is “carrying a pebble in my pocket”.

There are three main programs. The first is Kansai Studies, which focuses on the Kansai region. Shows presents experimental performing arts and exhibitions from around the world. Finally, Super Knowledge for the Future refers, collectively, to talks and workshops linking the arts with diverse fields.

Highlights 2026

Browse the complete list of programs here.

Tickets

Purchase tickets online through the official website. Ticket prices vary by performance. There are some free events, too.

Photo by (LA)HORDE × Rone with the Ballet national de Marseille ©Cyril Moreau
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
Oct 3–Oct 25, 2026
Hotels in Kyoto
¥0 – ¥10,500
Dance
Festival
Music
Official site

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