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

The 75th Kyoto Takigi Noh (Main Performance)

The 75th Kyoto Takigi Noh (Main Performance)

01 Jun – 02 Jun 2026

Traditional Events

Venue: Heian-jingu Shrine *In case of rain, the event will be held at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto's Main Hall.

Dining Event in the Five Geiko & Maiko Districts
Photo taken during the 2024 event.

Dining Event in the Five Geiko & Maiko Districts

28 Jun 2026

Cuisine / Markets / Other

Venue: Traditional Japanese cuisine restaurants: Kikunoi, Takemuro, and Rokusei

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

Search for Events

Search for articles

44 Results

“Shimura Fukumi : 101-year Journey Devoted to Dyeing and Weaving—The Floating Bridge of Dreams” Exhibition

“Shimura Fukumi : 101-year Journey Devoted to Dyeing and Weaving—The Floating Bridge of Dreams” Exhibition

03 Mar - 31 May 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Hosomi Museum

The 75th Kyoto Takigi Noh (Main Performance)

The 75th Kyoto Takigi Noh (Main Performance)

01 Jun - 02 Jun 2026

Traditional Events

Venue: Heian-jingu Shrine *In case of rain, the event will be held at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto's Main Hall.

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

Seasonal Events

11 Secret Tips for Enjoying Kyoto: From a Local Taxi Driver
Areas Art & Culture Food & Drink Morning Tourism People
Jidai Matsuri Festival
Festivals & Events
Autumn Dance Performances by Maiko and Geiko in 2025
Art & Culture Festivals & Events
Jidai Matsuri Festival Procession 2025: Paid Viewing Seats Sales Information
Festivals & Events
Chrysanthemum Festival – Choyo no Sekku
Cultural Sites Festivals & Events
Moon Viewing Events – “Kangetsu Kai” in 2025
Festivals & Events Night Tourism
“KITANO DAI CHAKAI ~ Kyoto Whole Tea Expo Grand Finale ~” [PR]
Festivals & Events Food & Drink
Lake Biwa Canal Cruise
Activities

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