Tanabata Festival is a Japan-wide celebration held between July and August. During it, it is customary to write one’s wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees. Different shrines and temples organize various special events as well, such as ritual dances and illuminations.
You can learn more about Tanabata Festival’s origins and its local traditions in Kyoto from the article below:
We have prepared a list of the shrines and temples that will hold events for Tanabata Festival this year. If you’re visiting Kyoto during summer, participating in them is a great way to enjoy taking part in one of Japan’s most popular traditions.
In this article
Kodai-ji Temple
Bamboo decorations are hung in front of the temple during the festival. You can find a beautiful spot for a panoramic view of Kyoto City on the west side of its gates. After the sun goes down, the temple grounds are illuminated and it’s possible to enjoy the cool evening air.
Event period: July 5th (Sat) and 6th (Sun), 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (last admission)
Admission fee:
- 600 yen for adults
- 250 yen for middle and high school students
Matsunoo-taisha Shrine
Matsunoo-taisha Shrine has been widely revered as the shrine to the patron deity of sake. During the festival, a dance as well as a concert will be performed as an offering. Various events such as lantern floating will also be held.
*Visitors to Matsunoo-taisha Shrine can write their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them onto wind chimes from July 7th until September 7th, the day of the Hassaku Festival.
Date of the event: July 7th (Mon), 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission fee: Free
Kifune-jinja Shrine
Kifune-jinja Shrine is the main place of worship of the Japanese god of water. During the festival, the colorful strips of paper containing the visitor’s wishes will gently sway in the wind on the lush green bamboos. After sunset, the bamboos will be illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere of gentle light and colors.
During the festival, a handicraft market will also take place on the grounds of the shrine (the exact date is yet to be decided).
Event period: July 1st (Tue) – August 15th (Fri)
Time: From sunset to around 8:00 PM
Admission fee: Free
Heian-jingu Shrine
Throughout summer, Heian-jingu Shrine holds the Tanabata Wind Chimes Festival. During it, approximately 1,000 wind chimes are hung in the corridors and shrine gardens, designated as Important Cultural Properties. Visitors will be given colorful strips of paper, on which they can write their wishes, and then attach it to one of the wind chimes of their choice.
Event period: June 21st (Sat) – August 31st (Sun), 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission fee:
- Free admission to the shrine
- 600 yen for admission for the garden
- 300 yen for the wind chime paper slip
