Kyoto festivals at a glance
Four Kyoto festivals shape the calendar for most visitors. The Aoi Matsuri procession takes place on 15 May, the Gion Matsuri fills July with its float processions on 17 and 24 July, the bonfires of Gozan no Okuribi burn on the mountains around the city on 16 August, and the Jidai Matsuri procession follows in October. Add seasonal dance performances by the geiko and maiko, a monthly temple market and New Year shrine visits, and there is something on in almost every season.
Festival days are busy and dates can shift with the weather or the organizers' decisions. Plan the rest of your time with our overview of Kyoto tours, from guided day tours to Gion evening walks.
Kyoto festival calendar
Reserved seat prices for 2026 in yen. Seats are sold for each year's festival, and booking fees or special categories can come on top.
| Festival | When | Main event | Reserved seats 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aoi Matsuri | 15 May (16 May if it rains) | Procession | ¥6,500 front, ¥5,000 behind; Royal ¥20,000 or ¥18,000 |
| Gion Matsuri | July | Yamaboko Junko float processions on 17 and 24 July | ¥8,000 front row, ¥6,000 from the second row |
| Gozan no Okuribi | 16 August | Bonfires on the mountains | – |
| Jidai Matsuri | 22 October | Procession | ¥7,500 or ¥5,000; special seats at the Otenmon gate ¥15,500 or ¥13,500 |
For most first-time visitors, the Gion Matsuri is a good festival to plan a trip around: it runs through the whole month of July, so you can see the atmosphere even if you miss the processions. If you dislike heat, the Aoi Matsuri in May is the calmer choice.
Kyoto tours for festival days
Gion evening walks, food tours in Gion and Pontocho and kimono or yukata rental for a festival day in Kyoto.
Gion Matsuri in July
The Gion Matsuri is a well-known Kyoto festival. Its rites and events run through July, and the highlight is the Yamaboko Junko, the procession of the large festival floats, regularly held on 17 and 24 July. For 2026, reserved seats along the route cost ¥8,000 in the front row and ¥6,000 from the second row back. Special seat categories are sold separately, and booking fees can apply.
July is hot in Kyoto: the long-term average daily high is 32.0 °C, and single days can be hotter. Start early, carry water and save walking for the evenings. Many visitors combine the festival with a walk through the old streets of Gion. Gion Corner, the stage for short performances of traditional arts, is closed on 16 July.
Aoi Matsuri in May
The Aoi Matsuri procession takes place on 15 May. If it rains, the organizers can move it to 16 May. Reserved seats for 2026 cost ¥6,500 in the front and ¥5,000 behind; the Royal category cost ¥20,000 or ¥18,000. On the stands, umbrellas and tripods are not allowed, and flash photography is forbidden because of the animals in the procession.
May is a pleasant month in Kyoto, with an average daily high of 25.1 °C. The Kamogawa Odori dance performance also takes place in May.
Jidai Matsuri and Gozan no Okuribi
The Jidai Matsuri is Kyoto's autumn procession, held on 22 October. For 2026, general seats cost ¥7,500 or ¥5,000 and special seats at the Otenmon gate ¥15,500 or ¥13,500. The garden of Heian Shrine has its own rules on 22 October. Seats are sold for each year's festival, so check sales for the coming year in good time.
Gozan no Okuribi is held every year on 16 August. Large bonfires are lit on the mountains around the city. On the day of the ceremony the Daimonji mountain is closed, and the other fire mountains are generally not open to the public, so watch from the city rather than planning a hike to the fires. Do not count on one spot showing all of them. Gion Corner is closed on 16 August as well.
Kyoto is busy for the cherry blossom at the end of March and early April and for the autumn leaves from mid-November into early December. See our guide to the best time to visit Kyoto for the full year.
Dances, markets and New Year
Smaller events that repeat every year or every month.
Spring and autumn dances
The Miyako Odori takes place every April, the Kamogawa Odori in May and the Gion Odori in early November. On most days of the year, Gion Corner shows about 50 minutes of traditional arts, usually at 18:00 and 19:00. More in our Gion and geisha guide.
Kobo-ichi at To-ji
To-ji holds its market on the 21st of every month, with a service at 10:00. It is a monthly market, not a daily flea market.
New Year shrine visits
Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, draws large crowds. Yasaka Shrine is open for prayers 24 hours a day. Special night hours differ by shrine, so check the plans for the coming New Year.
Winter lanterns in Miyama
Miyama's snow lantern festival is a winter event in January or February, planned for 30 January to 6 February 2027, with lights from 17:00 to 19:00. Parking must be reserved and snow is not guaranteed. See our Miyama guide.
Practical tips for festival days
- Get around: city buses fill up fast. Combine train and bus, and send your luggage ahead or store it before you go out.
- Respect the streets: do not block roads and pavements in groups, and do not follow, stop or photograph geiko and maiko without consent.
- Seats: reserved seats are sold per festival and year. Buy them for the year you travel in.
- Dress: a light yukata suits the Gion Matsuri. Some rental shops offer yukata from June to September and kimono from October to May; see kimono rental in Kyoto.
- Stay: book your room early for festival dates. Compare areas on our where to stay in Kyoto page.
Kyoto festivals: frequently asked questions
When is the Gion Matsuri?
The Gion Matsuri runs through July. The Yamaboko Junko float processions are regularly held on 17 and 24 July.
How much are seats for the Gion Matsuri?
For 2026, reserved seats cost ¥8,000 in the front row and ¥6,000 from the second row. Special categories are sold separately, and booking fees can apply.
What happens if it rains on the day of the Aoi Matsuri?
The procession on 15 May can be moved to 16 May. The organizers make that decision.
Can I climb the mountains during Gozan no Okuribi?
No. The Daimonji mountain is closed on the day of the ceremony, and the other fire mountains are generally not open to the public. Watch the fires from the city.
When is the Jidai Matsuri?
It is held on 22 October. Check the seat sales for the coming year before you book your trip.