Tanabata Festival is a Japan-wide celebration held between July and August. During this time, 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 the 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.
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 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun), 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (last admission)
Admission fee:
- 800 yen for adults
- 400 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 7 until September 7, the day of the Hassaku Festival.
Date of the event: July 7 (Tue), 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission fee: Free (*Colorful strips of paper used for writing wishes cost 500 yen.)
Shiramine-jingu Shrine
Shiramine-jingu Shrine is a place of worship to Seidai Myojin, known as the god of ball games and artistic improvement.
During the annual Tanabata Festival, a traditional ball game – kemari, and a komachi odori dance will be offered.
The girls performing komachi odori wear costumes reminiscent of the late 17th century clothing and circle the large decorated bamboo tree while beating small drums.
Event date: July 7 (Thu), 2026
Time:
- 1:30 PM – Start of the festival
- 2:00 PM – Game of kemari, a traditional Japanese ball game
- 4:30 PM – Komachi odori dance performance
Shiramine-jingu Shrine official website (available in Japanese)
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 1 (Wed) – August 15 (Sat), 2026
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. This year, approximately 400 wind chimes are hung from the covered Taiheihaku bridge, standing over the Seiho-ike pond in East Garden.
Visitors can purchase colorful strips of paper, write their wishes on them and attach them to a wind chime of their choice.
*Please note that this year, due to renovations, the festival will not be held in the shrine corridors.
Event period: June 20 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon), 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission fee:
- Free admission to the shrine
- 600 yen – admission to the garden
- 300 yen – wind chime paper slip
