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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 9th Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

The 9th Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

12 Apr – 07 Jun 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

Official Website See details (Japanese)
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)

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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.

Official Website See details (Japanese)
Modern Urban Life and Takehisa Yumeji: Works from the Kawanishi Hide Collection

Modern Urban Life and Takehisa Yumeji: Works from the Kawanishi Hide Collection

28 Mar - 21 Jun 2026

Art / Music / Theater

Venue: The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Seasonal Information

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