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.
Coming up
All picks
Aug 23, 2026
Disco Soul Live at Garage Paradise
Live R&B/Soul/Funk night at Garage Paradise Kobe. 10-piece band feat. winz (Vo), KEIPHER BEATS (Gt), and more. Open 18:00, Start 19:00.
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.