Events in Kyoto

Kyoto Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Kyoto Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival

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

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.

Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival

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

Gekkeikan Sake Festival

Join the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery Festival in Kyoto and dive into the world of traditional sake brewing, complete with tastings, live performances, and much more.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

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

Kitano Odori

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

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.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2025

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

Okazaki Canal Boat Rides

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

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

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

Kyo Odori

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

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

Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual

The Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual at Kamigamo Shrine is an ancient celebration featuring sacred horse races and traditional rituals.

Ninnaji Flower Festival

See the cherry blossom festivals at Ninnaji Flower Festival.

Kyotographie International Photography Festival

An international photography festival around Kyoto exploring the theme "Source".

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.

Kyoto Art Fireworks

One of Kyoto's biggest fireworks festivals with a creative twist.