Written by Aarohi Narain
Kyo no Tanabata is Kyoto’s Tanabata celebration. This (mostly) free festival takes the shape of a variety of events across the city, from central Kyoto to the coast.
What happens?
Each summer, Kyoto lights up for Tanabata with a range of events that involve traditional customs, temple experiences, and illuminated nightscapes.
Participants release LED lanterns into the sky at the Kyoto Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, there’s early morning wish-writing and sōmen in Arashiyama, and projection mapping and music in Amanohashidate.
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Schedule 2025
As in previous years, there are many Tanabata-related events all over town.
Here are some highlights:
- From June 21 to August 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., hear the twinkling sounds of 1,000 wind chimes at Heian-jingū Shrine (¥600 entry fee).
- At Kifune Shrine, there will be evening illuminations from July 1 to August 15, starting at sunset and concluding at 8 p.m.
- There will also be illuminations at Kodai-ji Temple from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on July 5 and 6 (¥600 entry fee).
- The Kyoto Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival takes place at the Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park (Joyo Gorigori-no-Oka) on August 8, 11, 16, and 17. Tickets range from ¥5,900 to ¥6,500 and can be purchased online through the official website.
