Latest Events in Kyoto Prefecture(July Updated)

The dreamlike scene of countless lanterns filling the summer night sky unfolds in Japan from July to August. Kyoto hosts the Kyoto Tanabata Festival annually, a celebration of the Tanabata solar term, featuring nighttime illuminations. Bamboo groves and vibrant lights create a galaxy-like atmosphere, with venues scattered throughout the city center. For example, the Horikawa venue boasts attractions like the "Galaxy of Light" and the "Yuzen Stream of Light," while the Kamo River venue features romantic wind chimes and bamboo walkways, presenting a mystical and fantastical world of light and shadow. Visitors at each venue can collect short slips of paper and write their wishes to hang on bamboo!

Shoren-in Temple is hosting its first-ever summer light show! The event, themed around the lotus flower—the symbol of Shoren-in—creates a dreamlike space of light. The normally unused "Imperial Gate" is now adorned with vibrant blue lanterns, becoming a perfect spot for photos. Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, restaurants throughout Kyoto will also host pop-up shops. You can enjoy Kyoto's distinctive cuisine while feeling the cool summer breeze and fully immerse yourself in the pleasant atmosphere of a Kyoto summer night.

During the Heian period, nobles would hold purification ceremonies at the changing of the seasons to cleanse themselves of sins and impurities. This has now become a traditional custom in Kyoto during the summer, with many believers coming to pray for good health and freedom from disease. Visitors enter the sacred pond within the temple barefoot to pay homage to the god of purification, and then drink the holy water to cleanse their minds and bodies. In front of the main gate, tents for the summer festival are erected along the streets, filled with stalls from famous Kyoto shops, including those selling Mitarashi dango (glutinous rice dumplings drizzled with sweet soy sauce).

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).

The 2026 Kamo River Summer Festival will be held on August 1st (Saturday) from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and August 2nd (Sunday) from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the right bank (west side) of the Kamo Riverbed, between the Sanjo and Shijo Bridges. The event includes river beautification, promotion of traditional industries, a tourism promotion area, and a nationwide product exhibition and sale. There will also be live demonstrations of Yuzen flowing water techniques, rarely seen in everyday life.

Every year on September 9th, Kamigamo Shrine hosts a unique event: Kumo Wrestling and the Rising Sun Festival. The day's events begin with the Rising Sun Festival, where Shinto priests offer chrysanthemums, symbols of longevity and protection, to the shrine's deities. The Kumo Sumo Tournament then takes center stage, with neighborhood children participating in sumo bouts to please the deities while men dressed as crows perform ancient rituals. The event concludes with a chrysanthemum wine ceremony, believed to bring good luck.

As the largest anime, manga, and gaming event in western Japan, the Kyoto International Manga · Anime Fair (Kyomaf) will be held in September 2026 at Kyoto's cultural landmarks—Kyoto Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyotoand Kyoto International Manga Museum. This two-day annual celebration is not only a carnival for anime and manga fans but also a bridge that connects Japan's traditional ancient capital culture with modern pop imagination. This fair is a tailor-made carnival for every soul who loves manga, anime, and games. Whether you dream of witnessing your favorite voice actors shine on stage in person or want to get your hands on the latest original merchandise as soon as possible, this event will fulfill your expectations. What's more, while immersing yourself in the world of anime and manga, you can also experience Kyoto's profound traditional cultural heritage. This is a journey that connects passion and imagination, waiting for you to join. [Main Venue] Miyako Messe / ROHM Theatre Kyoto September 19, 2026, 9:00-17:00 JST (Last admission 16:30) September 20, 2026, 9:00-16:00 JST (Last admission 15:30) [Sub Venue] Kyoto International Manga Museum September 19, 2026, 10:00-19:00 JST (Last admission 18:30) September 20, 2026, 10:00-19:00 JST (Last admission 18:30)

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 film festival will be held from August 7th (Friday) to 9th (Sunday), 2026, at the Kyoto Museum of Culture Cinema Theater, lasting three days. From the films screened to the organizers and jury, "children" are at the heart of this year's festival. In addition to a selection of high-quality Japanese and international films, the festival also offers a wide range of viewing options for adult audiences. One highlight is the live dubbing performance by the theater troupe "Tottemo Benri".