Annual Festivals, Cultural Events, and Celebrations in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its time-honored traditions and deep-seated culture. Here is a list of the annual festivals and cultural events locals and tourists look forward to throughout the year.

Aoi Matsuri

An imperial festival dating back 1,000 years, the Aoi Matsuri takes place every May 15th. It features a procession from the Imperial Palace to the Shrines of Shimogamo and Kamigamo, with participants adorned in Heian-era costumes.

Gion Matsuri

As one of the most famous festivals, the Gion Matsuri occurs throughout the entire month of July. Highlights include grand processions of traditional floats and music, culminating in a large parade on July 17th.

Jidai Matsuri

Held every year on October 22nd, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) is a historical reenactment parade, presenting a visual timeline of Kyoto’s history and costumes from different eras.

Daimonji Gozan Okuribi

This iconic fire festival takes place on the night of August 16th. Giant bonfires are lit on the hills around the city in the shape of characters and symbols, as a send-off for ancestral spirits.

To-ji Temple Flea Market

Falling on the 21st of each month, the To-ji Temple Flea Market is the city's largest and most popular monthly market, with all kinds of goods from food to antiques.

Hanatoro

Hanatoro, meaning "Flower and Light Road", happens twice a year in March and December. A final procession with lanterns illuminates the streets of Higashiyama and Arashiyama districts respectively.

Setsubun

Setsubun is the day everyone waits for as the arrival of spring. It's celebrated every year on February 3rd at many temples across the city with rituals to cleanse away all the evil of the previous year and drive out disease-bringing oni (ogres).

Sanjusangen-do Archery Contest

Every second Sunday of January, the archery contest takes place at Sanjusangen-do. Participants compete in traditional attire, performing an ancient style of archery called "oshiya".