Events in Kyoto

Twinkle Jōyō Illumination

Explore dazzling illuminations at southern Kyoto's Twinkle Jōyō Light Pageant.

Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market

Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month.

Sagano Romantic Train Light-Up in Kyoto

Ride the Sagano Romantic Train in winter and enjoy the festive light-up.

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.

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.

NAKED Yoru Mode at Heian Shrine

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

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 (Miyama Village) 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.

Radish Festival

Warm up this February at Ōhara’s Sanzen-in Temple, where locals serve steaming soup made from locally grown radish.

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 Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (March)

The Seiryu-e Festival at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto celebrates the Blue Dragon, a guardian deity thought to protect the city’s east.

Jonan-gu Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival

This is what Kyoto in early spring is all about. Witness weeping plum and camellia blossoms at the city's Jonan-gu Shrine.

Kyoto Hanezu Dance and Plum Festival

An enchanting festival with a dark backstory. Witness beautiful plum blossoms and a solemn dance at the Hanezu Odori Dance Festival in Kyoto.

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.

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (April)

Watch a dynamic procession featuring a massive dragon puppet at the Seiryu-e Dragon Festival in Kyoto.

Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations

For just a short window in late March and early April, the sakura in Gion's Shirakawa area are illuminated.

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.

Yodogawa Park Cherry Blossom Festival

A 1.4 km stretch of cherry trees in full bloom, food stalls serving seasonal bites, and a riverside path perfect for a slow stroll under the petals.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026

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