Curated by Jens
Things to Do in Kyoto
Handpicked Kyoto & Kansai festivals, seasonal events, and local tips I find worth your time — curated by a photographer who lives here. Updated for 2026.
All picks
Aug 28–29, 2026
Saiin Kasuga Shrine Wakachū Bon Odori 2026
Saiin's neighborhood Bon Odori — two nights, hundreds of lanterns, yukata perks, and a yoyo-fishing corner for the kids.
Aug 7, 2026
Pub Crawl Kyoto — Friday Aug 7 2026
A guided pub crawl through three Kiyamachi bars and a club. Open-bar warm-up, free club entry — show up solo, leave with a crew.
Aug 23, 2026
Disco Soul Live at Garage Paradise
Full-band R&B, Soul, and Funk at Kobe's Garage Paradise — the kind of set that doesn't roll through twice.
Aug 7–16, 2026
Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival 2026
Release your wishes into the night sky with 3,500 LED lanterns at this magical Tanabata celebration in Joyo, Kyoto.
Aug 1–16, 2026
Mitarashi River Foot-Dipping & Lantern Festival 2026
Wade through an icy shrine stream by lantern light at Kitano Tenmangu — Kyoto's most refreshing summer purification ritual.
Aug 6, 2026
Yatori Shinji Festival 2026
60 men rush into a sacred pond at Shimogamo Shrine to grab arrow talismans for good health — pure Kyoto chaos.
Aug 16, 2026
Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Fire Festival) 2026
Five giant bonfire characters on Kyoto's mountains bid farewell to Obon spirits on Aug 16.