Events in Kyoto

NAKED Yoru Mode at Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine and NAKED create a colorful experience for those wanting to worship at night.

Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Want to ensure peace and prosperity for the new year? You might have to stay up all night.

Nijo-jo Castle Garden Special Opening

Usually only view-able from the stone foundation of the former castle keep, the Nijo-jo Castle gardens are being opened to celebrate the new year.

Kyoto Toka Ebisu Festival

Join in this noisy and raucous festival as people knock on wooden boards to get the attention of a lucky God.

Yasaka Shrine Setsubun

Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine's is unusual because it features geiko, geisha from Kyoto.

Heian Jingu Setsubun

One of the best-known Setsubun festivals in Kyoto.

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival

An amazing chance to see a remote, snow-covered thatched village illuminated with hundreds of lanterns.

Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival

Stunning plum blossom, tea ceremonies, and even Geisha make an unmissable event.

Kitano Odori

The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.

Kyo Odori

A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.

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.

Okazaki Canal Boat Rides

See the beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom from the water.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2024

Tokyo-based art collective Naked once again has a hand in these stunning, seasonal illuminations.

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

This annual festival features an opportunity to see geiko (the geisha of Kyoto).

Miyako Odori

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by Kyoto's geisha.

Yabusame Shinji

See the beauty and grace of horseback archery up close

Ninnaji Flower Festival

See the archtype of the cherry blossom festival at Ninnaji Flower Festival

Aoi Matsuri

Expect to see men on horseback, ornate carts, and women in kimono.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

See geisha entertain the locals at this very small festival in Kyoto.

Mifune Festival

Gander at traditional boats floating down the river carrying musicians and performers.

Kamogawa Odori

This is the last of Kyoto's spring geisha dances.

Sake Spring Kyoto 2024

50 sake brewers from around Japan will be serving 150 different varieties of nihonshu (Japanese alcohol).

Minato Maizuru Chatta Fireworks Festival

This event finishes with a display of fireworks launched from a ship in the bay.