
Kitano Odori
The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.
The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.
To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.
A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.
The light-up event of the weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park in Kyoto is a must-see annual tradition.
There are countless ways to make the most of cherry blossom season in Kyoto — hanami (blossom viewing) picnics, strolls along the Kamogawa River, and boat rides down the Okazaki canal. The …
Tokyo-based art collective Naked once again has a hand in these stunning, seasonal illuminations.
Celebrating the accession ceremony day of the temple’s deity – Emperor Kanmu in 781 in Nara, this annual festival features an opportunity to see Geiko (the geisha of Kyoto) and Maiko, …
Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) from Gion Kōbu — the largest of the city’s …
A horseback archery display between the trees, this is an impressive feat of skill on show in Kyoto once a year. Taking place annually on the third of May, this event takes place in the run up to …
Located at a shrine which alas, does not exist on google maps, this is a very small local festival but has plenty of Geiko and Maiko (Kyoto’s geisha). Taking place in early-to-mid May, the …
Also known as the Hollyhock Festival, this is one of the city’s biggest events and is a great chance to see traditional costumes on parade from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo shrines. Over …
The Mifune Festival takes place on the Katsura River in Arashiyama on the third Sunday of May each year. The festival features traditional boats carrying musicians and performers floating down …
This is the last of Kyoto’s spring geisha dances, held annually in May, and featuring the geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) from Pontochō. The performance has …
See dancers from all five of Kyoto's hanamachi (geisha districts) on stage together.
Approximately 50 sake brewers from around Japan will be serving 150 different varieties of nihonshu along with food from 20 popular Japanese restaurants. Tickets are if purchased in advance and …
An annual festival taking place on the final weekend of July, this event finishes with a display of fireworks launched from a ship in the bay. The nearby beach provides a great vantage point and …
Part of the annual peace festival, this display is as famous for its fireworks as it is the beautiful food stalls which are illuminated at night. The event takes place on the Hozu river banks and …
Held on in the beautiful Amanohashidate area, this event features lantern floating and fireworks for a magical evening in Shimasaki Park. The floating of 10,000 Toro Nagashi lanterns takes place …
The locals call it Daimonji, the celebration during the height of the O-bon festival where Kyoto’s surrounding mountains are lit up with five bonfires. There are similar events throughout …
Continuing a tradition that has taken place at Osawa Pond next to Daikakuji since the Heian era, this event gives you the chance to float on a boat in the pond under a clear autumn moon. If the …
This festival at the beautiful Kiyomizu temple features a colorful dance/procession through the neighbourhood of the “Blue Dragon” (it’s a green dragon, but green is often …
The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair is more proof that Kyoto isn’t just about old buildings and tradition. Held at the Miyako Messe convention center as well as the International Manga …