Latest Events in Kyoto(August Updated)

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.

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.)

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.

The Arashiyama lantern release, held annually during the Obon festival, is one of Kyoto's most representative summer night traditions. Hundreds of lanterns drift gently down the Katsura River at night, creating a dreamlike scene against the backdrop of Togetsukyo Bridge and the Arashiyama mountain scenery. This event is also part of the Kyoto Gozan no Oukobi ceremony, allowing visitors to enjoy a distant view of the Gozan no Oukobi, which, together with the lanterns on the river, creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere for Kyoto's summer nights.

This historic shrine was originally located in Heijō-kyō (present-day Heijō-kyō), but was moved here after the capital was moved to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto). To commemorate the deity who moved here from Heijō-kyō during the capital's relocation, the shrine holds an inauguration ceremony and a Lantern Festival. After the ceremony, folk songs, dances, and Gagaku (traditional Japanese music) performances are held, and matcha (matcha tea) is served (for an additional fee). During the Lantern Festival, 600 lanterns lit with flint are illuminated. Inside the shrine, there are also performances of Noh drama, poetry recitations, traditional dance, folk songs, and Japanese dance.

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 Gozan no Oukobi festival, also known as the Daimonji no Oukobi festival, adds heat to the hottest month of the year with bonfires lit atop five mountains in Kyoto. This festival is held annually on August 16th, starting at 8 PM. The best viewing spot for the Gozan no Oukobi festival is in central Kyoto. Locals gather on the banks of the Kamo River between Sanjo-dori and Imadegawa-dori to watch the first bonfire lit on Mount Daimonji.

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)

This festival celebrates the bushes clover, known as "Hagi no Miya," on the shrine grounds. Approximately 500 bushes bloom on the grounds, and poems written on the bushes are hung. Various traditional performances are also held, including archery demonstrations, dances, and the Iaido martial art. A tea ceremony is also held during the festival.