Written by Aarohi
Swap matcha for meat in Japan’s cultural capital.
What happens?
The Kyoto Meat Festival, held at Okazaki Park, is all about showcasing local Kyoto beef.
The label has weight. To qualify as Kyoto beef, the meat must be from the Japanese Black breed, bred long-term within Kyoto Prefecture, processed at the Kyoto City Central Meat Market, and graded A4, A5, B4, or B5 by the Japan Meat Grading Association.
In other words, this is quality.
Top Kyoto restaurants and butchers (think Mishimatei and Morita-ya) set up food stalls serving Kyoto beef dishes, and there are drinks to go with them, plus a stamp rally where you can win Kyoto beef. Entry is free, and you don’t need to book.
Schedule 2026
The 11th Kyoto Meat Festival takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It goes ahead rain or shine, but will be called off in a storm.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, take the City Bus #5 to Okazaki Park and walk about 1 minute.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
