Skip to content

Things to Do

Festivals & Events

Festivals & Events
Gion Matsuri Festival

Kyoto holds many cultural, artistic, and nature-related events throughout the year.
See which ones you will have a chance to experience during your upcoming trip.

*Please note that the displayed dates indicate only the start and the end date of an event. There may be days within that period when the event is not held. Please visit the official website linked below each entry for further details and latest information.

Featured Events

Special Exhibition: Raku Successive Generations — Raku Tea Bowls Crossing Time
Mozuyauguro, a black Raku tea bowl made by Chōjirō (c. 1589), the founder of Raku-ware pottery, with box inscription by Bunshuku and Sottakusai.

Special Exhibition: Raku Successive Generations — Raku Tea Bowls Crossing Time

25 Apr – 26 Aug 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Raku Museum

Official Website See details (Japanese)

Search for Events

Search for articles

43 Results

Gion Festival Concert at Kyoto Station Building

Gion Festival Concert at Kyoto Station Building

07 Jul - 31 Jul 2026

Cuisine / Markets / Other

Venue: ① Gion Hayashi Performance: Kyoto Station Building, Station Square (in front of Hotel Granvia Kyoto) ② Gion Hayashi Experience Session ③ Panel Exhibition & Lantern Decoration: Kyoto Station Building, North-South Free Passage, North Side Space

Official Website See details (Japanese)
2026 Gion Matsuri Festival Event List

2026 Gion Matsuri Festival Event List

01 Jul - 31 Jul 2026

Traditional Events

Venue: Yasaka Shrine; Shijo Ohashi Bridge; Shijo Otabisho (temporary shrine); Each district responsible for a Yamahoko float, others

Official Website See details (Japanese)

Main Events

Aoi Matsuri Festival

Aoi Matsuri Festival

May 15

A long-held procession from Kyoto Imperial Palace to two historic shrines, with 500 people in courtly Heian attire.

Read more
Gion Matsuri Festival

Gion Matsuri Festival

July 1-31

One of the three greatest festivals of Japan, when downtown Kyoto is lively with lavishly decorated festival floats.

Read more
Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Bonfires

Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Bonfires

August 16

Five mountains around Kyoto are lit up with bonfires as a send-off for ancestral spirits who visit during Obon.

Read more
Jidai Matsuri Festival

Jidai Matsuri Festival

October 22

This parade of roughly 2,000 participants dressed in period garb representing over 1,000 years of Kyoto’s history.

Read more
Aoi Matsuri Festival
Gion Matsuri Festival
Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Bonfires
Jidai Matsuri Festival

Seasonal Events

Aoi Matsuri Festival Procession 2026: Paid Viewing Seats Sales Information
Festivals & Events
Kyoto Cherry Blossoms: Varieties and Recommended Viewing Spots
Areas Nature & Outdoors
Haru no Odori – Spring Dance Performances by Maiko and Geiko in 2026
Art & Culture Festivals & Events
11 Secret Tips for Enjoying Kyoto: From a Local Taxi Driver
Areas Art & Culture Food & Drink Morning Tourism People
Hinamatsuri Festival
Cultural Sites Festivals & Events
Lake Biwa Canal Cruise
Activities
Yamashina in Spring
Areas Cultural Sites Nature & Outdoors
Aoi Matsuri Festival
Festivals & Events
Cherry-Picked Sakura Spots on the Edges of Kyoto
Areas Nature & Outdoors

You may also be interested in

Areas

Plan your trip around which area's sites and scenery call to you.

Go to this page

Seasonal Information

No matter what time of year you visit, special experiences await.

Go to this page

Our Partners

Another Kyoto
Hands-on Japanese Culture Experience