Latest Events in Kyoto Prefecture(September Updated)

The Seimei Festival is held annually on the autumnal equinox. The Yomi-no-Miya Festival is held on the eve of the autumnal equinox. During the Shinko-no-Miya Festival, portable shrines, a children's drum and flute troupe, kikuhoko (a type of ceremonial horse), hanhoko (a type of ceremonial horse), lions, kosha (a type of ceremonial jewel), harukaze wakako (a type of ceremonial maiden), yaotome (a type of ceremonial maiden), yogami wakako (a type of ceremonial maiden), Momoan Miko (a type of ceremonial maiden), and Juraku Miko (a type of ceremonial maiden) will parade through the Ujiko region of Nishijin. The Goryo-no-Sho Festival is also held during the parade.

The "Joyo Autumn Fireworks 2026" event is being held at the Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park. The event opens at 3 PM, and from entry until the fireworks launch, a variety of food stalls and food carts are set up, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while anticipating the spectacular evening. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 7 PM and last for approximately 40 minutes, featuring live performances of dance, taiko drumming, and Tsugaru shamisen, creating a vibrant autumn atmosphere as large fireworks illuminate the night sky.

The Jidai Matsuri, a historical festival commemorating Emperor Kanmu's establishment of Kyoto as the capital in 794, is a must-see for history buffs. This grand parade features over 2,000 participants dressed in costumes representing various eras of Japanese history. It departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace early in the morning and stretches for several kilometers before arriving at Heian Shrine.

Arashiyama cormorant fishing is a quintessential traditional activity of Kyoto's summer nights, originating in the Heian period and boasting a history of approximately 1000 years. After nightfall, fishing boatmen light bonfires and skillfully maneuver cormorants to catch fish on the water. The firelight reflected on the river, together with Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge, creates a summer night scene full of Kyoto's ancient charm. Visitors can take a viewing boat to observe this traditional craft up close, or enjoy the tranquil and elegant summer atmosphere along the riverbank—one of Kyoto's limited-time summer experiences. The 2026 Arashiyama Cormorant Fishing Festival will be held from July 1st (Wednesday) to September 23rd (Wednesday), 2026 (Reiwa 8). The August 16th (Gozan Okuribi) event is only available for charter boat service (advance reservation required). From July 1st to August 15th, shared boat departure times are 19:00 and 20:00; from August 17th to September 23rd, shared boat departure times are 18:30 and 19:30. (The activity may be cancelled in case of severe weather such as heavy rain, floods, or strong winds.)

The Kasuga Matsuri is an autumn festival held at Saiin Kasuga Shrine on the second Saturday and Sunday of October each year, dedicated to praying for good health and a good harvest. Two mikoshi (portable shrines) and five decorative halberds (sword blades), all crafted during the early Edo period, are paraded through the festival. The Tomoe-kaikan ("tomo-kaikan") at the Nishioji-Shijo intersection is a major attraction. The section of Kasuga-dori between Sanjo and Shijo is a pedestrian zone, lined with approximately 200 stalls and bustling with activity from morning till night.

In autumn 2026, the “Zen and Ghibli” , which explores the spirit of Zen through the works of Studio Ghibli, will be held at the Higashiyama Cube, New Wing of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.Inspired by the book Zen and Ghibli, a collection of conversations between Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks, this immersive exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Studio Ghibli’s works through the lens of Zen.Studio Ghibli films often embrace ambiguity rather than drawing clear lines between good and evil, leave space instead of rushing to provide answers, and encourage audiences to accept things even when they cannot be fully understood. These qualities resonate deeply with the core principles of Zen: avoiding rigid distinctions, refraining from fixed judgments, and observing the world as it is.Centered around Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film The Boy and the Heron (2023) — the Studio Ghibli film that attracted the largest overseas audience in the studio’s history—the exhibition explores a worldview that intentionally leaves questions unanswered, creating a lasting impression on viewers. Through iconic quotes, memorable scene photographs, and Toshio Suzuki’s calligraphy, the exhibition brings to life the Zen-inspired perspective that runs throughout Studio Ghibli’s body of work, offering visitors a rich and multidimensional experience.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) was a prominent ukiyo-e artist active in the late Edo period. Known as the "Master of the Bizarre," he was also called "Samurai Painter Kuniyoshi," "Master of Cats," and "Full of Satire and Humor." He displayed multifaceted talent, creating numerous works, including portraits of beautiful and vibrant women, portraits of actors depicting distinct features, and unique landscape paintings that blended Western painting techniques. He dedicated himself to bringing entertainment to the people of the Edo period, and his ability to create top-notch works in any subject matter made him a true master of ukiyo-e! This exhibition showcases approximately 200 works by Kuniyoshi, including masterpieces such as "The Old Imperial Palace of Soma," "He Looks Terrifying, But He's Actually Kind," and "Fifty-Three Playful Cats," as well as other works that fully demonstrate his exceptional talent. These works are divided into six categories to facilitate viewers' understanding of Kuniyoshi's diverse artistic activities. Through guided tours, we will guide you through the essence of Kuniyoshi's works, allowing you to experience his unique artistic personality and the diverse world depicted in his art, as well as the various aspects of life in that era. You can also experience Kuniyoshi's rich and colorful artistic world through immersive art videos. Kuniyoshi's top-notch entertainment works are sure to excite you, making you feel as joyful as a resident of Edo!

Legend has it that the Kannon (Avalokitesvara) of Kiyomizu-dera Temple transforms into a blue dragon, and drinks water from the waterfall within the temple grounds at night. Therefore, the Yaksha (demon) is also worshipped there. This event is held specifically because of this legend, and also to pray for the well-being of those who come to worship. This dancing blue dragon parades from Okuno to the cobblestone streets surrounding Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The blue dragon is considered one of the four sacred guardians of Kyoto. Besides the giant blue dragon, there are men dressed in traditional samurai attire, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dances. It's truly amazing! Lunar New Year is on March 15th and April 3rd. Autumn is on October 15th, starting at 2:00 PM (2 PM).

It is one of Kyoto's three major festivals, held annually on October 22nd. Its origin is said to date back to 940 AD, when the local deity Yasho Myojin, enshrined in the Imperial Palace, was invited by Kurama. Villagers welcomed the deity at the shrine's altar with countless torches. The festival takes place around Yuki Shrine and the Kurama road leading to it, filling Kurama village with the roar of torches and the brave cry of "Saireya, Sairyo!"