Kitano Odori
The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.
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Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations
To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.
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Kyo Odori
A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.
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Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination
The light-up event of the weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park in Kyoto is a must-see annual tradition.
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Okazaki Canal Boat Rides
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 …
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Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2023
Tokyo-based art collective Naked once again has a hand in these stunning, seasonal illuminations.
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Heian Jingu Reisai Festival
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, …
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Miyako Odori
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 …
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Yabusame Shinji
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 …
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Kankame-Inari Festival
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 …
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Aoi Matsuri
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 …
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Mifune Festival
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 …
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Kamogawa Odori
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 …
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Miyako no Nigiwai
See dancers from all five of Kyoto's hanamachi (geisha districts) on stage together.
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Sake Spring Kyoto 2023
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 …
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Minato Maizuru Chatta Festival
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 …
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Kameoka Hozugawa River Firework Display
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 …
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Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks
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 …
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Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi 2023
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 …
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Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing
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 …
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Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (Autumn)
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 …
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Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2023
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 …
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