Popular Weekend Events in Kyoto (July Updated)

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).

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).

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)

What does that title signify— Is it "Substitute" or "The Chosen One"? The answer remains unclear. Yet, in this long-run tour starting in Japan, I can distinctly feel something different from before—an unwavering presence that belongs to ayu.

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!

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.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum will renew and tour the first large-scale exhibition of the hit anime "Dungeon Rice" and will simultaneously hold the "Ryoko Kui Exhibition," the first exhibition of works by the original author Ryoko Kui. What is the secret of the excellent depiction of the characters, the setting and design that pursues reality, and the development of a unique story that keeps the reader engaged? You can see Ryoko Kui's works through the exhibition of her masterpiece "Dungeon Rice", reproductions of original drawings, interviews and comments by Ryoko Kui. The "Dungeon Rice" Labyrinth Exploration Exhibition will pick up and exhibit photo spots and three-dimensional exhibits from the exhibits at Tokyo Solamachi (Sumida-ku, Tokyo) from April 27 ~ May 6, 2024 and Nagoya Telepia Hall (Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture) from June 8 ~ July 7, 2024.

It's almost the 2024 Maple Festival! The famous NAKED team will launch the "NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2024" event in Kyoto from September 14 (Sat) to December 8 (Sun) 2024. At that time, 8 popular attractions such as Nijo Castle and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine will be transformed into a romantic kingdom of red maple leaves. The large-scale autumn event "NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2024" jointly led by Kyoto Prefecture and the NAKED team will officially start on September 14, 2024 (Sat)! Kyoto, which is always full of historical and cultural atmosphere on weekdays, will be transformed into a huge fantasy maple leaf kingdom under the skillful hands of NAKED. Kyoto's representative tourist attractions such as the World Heritage Nijo Castle and Ninnaji Temple will each present light and shadow performances with different themes, allowing travelers to experience the romantic Japanese atmosphere and brilliant scenery even if they come to Kyoto in advance before the maple leaves turn red! In addition to NAKED light sculpture technology, various activity attractions in 2024 have also prepared diversified themes, such as Nijo Castle for "Japanese food", Nishi Honganji for "Gagaku", Higashi Honganji for "Noh, flower arrangement and Kyoto cuisine", and Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei for "Japanese candles". NIDEC Kyoto Tower will light up with maple red lights to match the theme color during the event. In addition, Kyoto maple leaf holy places such as Kinkai Komyoji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and World Heritage Ninnaji Temple will also participate in this event.