As winter arrives, the ancient capital of Kyoto is enveloped in an atmosphere filled with quiet charm and vibrant energy.
In December 2024, Kyoto is packed with a variety of events, centering around traditional year-end ceremonies. While there aren't as many Christmas events as in Tokyo, you can enjoy events unique to this traditional city.
From long-standing customs like Hari Kuyo and Kuya Odori Nenbutsu to the New Year's Eve bell ringing, and surprisingly, a popular bread festival, this month showcases Kyoto's multifaceted appeal.
In this article, I'll introduce you to the traditional ceremonies and events you can experience in Kyoto in December 2024.
As many events haven't been announced at the time I'm writing this article, I plan to update it regularly. If you're planning to visit Kyoto in December 2024, I highly recommend you bookmark this page.
If you are interested in Autumn in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Autumn in Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・Traditional Events in Kyoto in December 2024
・Gourmet Events in Kyoto in December 2024
Traditional Events in Kyoto in December 2024
December in Kyoto is a treasure trove of long-standing traditional events. These events offer valuable opportunities to deeply experience Kyoto's culture and history, and I look forward to them every year.
Hari Kuyo at Hourinji Temple (December 8, 2024)
The Hari Kuyo at Hourinji Temple is a wonderful event where you can feel the craftsmanship spirit of Kyoto and the gratitude for objects. Held on February 8 and December 8 every year, this event involves sticking used needles into soft konjac as a form of memorial service.
It's a way of expressing gratitude to the needles for continuously piercing through hard fabrics in daily work, and allowing them to rest in something soft.
When I first witnessed this event, I was moved by the delicate sensibility of the people of Kyoto. The attitude of showing gratitude even to a small needle speaks volumes about the depth of Kyoto's culture.
This event is open not only to craftspeople but also to general visitors. The sight of people offering needles with gratitude will be a precious experience where you can feel the traditional culture of Kyoto firsthand.
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Date: December 8, 2024
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Hankyu "Arashiyama" station
Admission: Free
Website
Kuya Odori Nenbutsu at Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple (Mid to Late December 2024)
Source: Kyoto Tourism Navi
The Kuya Odori Nenbutsu held at Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple is a historic event that has continued since the Heian period. This dancing nenbutsu, said to have been started by Kuya Shonin to pray for the elimination of epidemics, is still solemnly performed today.
While the details for 2024 are yet to be determined, in 2023 it was held from December 13 to 20 and 28 to 30, around 4:00 PM. Please check the official website for the latest information.
When I visited last year, I was overwhelmed by its solemn atmosphere. The harmonious movements of the monks and the resonating voice of the nenbutsu gave me a strange sensation as if time had stopped.
This event is a precious opportunity to feel the religious culture and history of Kyoto firsthand. The dancing nenbutsu performed in the quiet space of Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple makes you forget the hustle and bustle of modern life and calms your mind. When visiting Kyoto, I highly recommend experiencing this mystical event.
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Date: Mid to Late December 2024
Access: While you can go by bus, I recommend walking for about 15 minutes from Hankyu "Kawaramachi Station" or Keihan "Gion-Shijo Station".
Admission: 600 yen
Website
Shimai Kobo (December 21, 2024)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The Kobo Market at Toji Temple is held on the 21st of every month, commemorating the death anniversary of Kobo Daishi (Kukai). The December Kobo Market is special, called "Shimai Kobo," and is crowded with many visitors as the last market of the year.
When I visited last year, I was surprised by its liveliness. Various stalls line up, selling a wide range of products from antiques and curios to seasonal foods. It's particularly known for its many retro antiques, offering the joy of finding hidden treasures.
Many people visit Shimai Kobo to wrap up the year and wish for happiness in the coming year. I recommend enjoying light meals while browsing the stalls. As a winter tradition in Kyoto, it's definitely worth experiencing.
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Date: December 21, 2024
Access: About 15 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station.
Admission: Free
Website
Shimai Tenjin at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (December 25, 2024)
The "Shimai Tenjin" at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the last Tenjin market of the year, held on the 25th of every month. The December Shimai Tenjin is particularly large in scale and bustling with many worshippers and tourists.
When I first visited, I was overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. Many stalls line up in and around the shrine premises, selling various items such as food, general goods, and antiques.
It's an event that even locals look forward to, so you can truly feel the living culture of Kyoto.
At Shimai Tenjin, people come to pray with gratitude for the past year and wish for academic success and business prosperity in the coming year. It has become my annual tradition to make wishes for the next year here.
Admission is free, and it's most lively during the daytime. It's a wonderful event where you can fully experience the year-end atmosphere of Kyoto, so I highly recommend visiting.
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Date: December 25, 2024
Access: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 50 for about 35 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae". From the Gion area, I recommend taking the Keihan Train to Demachiyanagi Station, then taking Kyoto City Bus Route 203 for about 20 minutes and getting off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae".
Admission: Free
Website
Okera Mairi at Yasaka Shrine (December 31, 2024)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The "Okera Mairi" at Yasaka Shrine is one of the most attractive year-end events in Kyoto. When you visit Yasaka Shrine on the night of December 31, you'll find "Okera-bi" (sacred fire) lit in the shrine precincts.
This event involves taking this fire home while trying to keep it from going out, to ward off bad things from the previous year and pray for the health and happiness of the family.
When I first participated, I was fascinated by the fantastical scene. The flickering light of the "Okera-bi" in the darkness of the night creates a mysterious atmosphere.
The sight of worshippers transferring fire to their ropes makes you feel the depth of Kyoto's traditional culture.
Okera Mairi is held from around 7:30 PM on December 31 to around 5:00 AM the next morning. Spending the moment of the new year in this sacred place can be a wonderful experience.
I highly recommend experiencing this event as the most impressive way to conclude the year in Kyoto. The time spent gazing at the quietly burning "Okera-bi" with hope and expectation for the new year will surely become an unforgettable memory.
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Date: December 31, 2024
Access: About 5-10 minutes walk east along Shijo Street from Hankyu "Kawaramachi Station" or Keihan "Gion-Shijo Station"
Admission: Free
Website
Joya no Kane at Chion-in Temple (December 31, 2024)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bell Ringing) at Chion-in Temple is one of the symbolic events of New Year's Eve in Kyoto. In this event, believed to rid oneself of worldly desires to welcome the new year, the bell is rung 108 times.
The bell of Chion-in, also known as one of the "Three Great Bells of Japan," is famous for its size and beautiful tone. The sight of 17 monks ringing the enormous bell in unison is truly impressive. When I first saw it, I was breathless at its power.
Each sound seems to carry gratitude for the passing year and expectations for the new year, evoking deep emotions.
Welcoming the new year while listening to the Joya no Kane is the best opportunity to experience Kyoto's traditional culture. The sound of the bell resonating in the silence is a wonderful experience that cleanses the heart and allows you to welcome the new year with fresh feelings.
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Date: December 31, 2024
Access: About 10-15 minutes walk from Hankyu "Kawaramachi Station" or Keihan "Gion-Shijo Station"
Admission: Free
Website
Gourmet Events in Kyoto in December 2024
In December, Kyoto not only offers traditional events but also delicious gourmet events. It's an excellent opportunity to experience the food culture of the ancient capital.
Kyoto Bread Festival (Early December 2024)
The Kyoto Bread Festival held at Kamigamo Shrine has surprisingly become a winter tradition in Kyoto. While Kyoto has an image of being a traditional city, it's also a place that likes to embrace new things.
Did you know that Kyoto was one of the first areas in Japan where bread culture took root, and it has the highest bread consumption in Japan? I was surprised when I first learned this. The Kyoto Bread Festival is an event where you can experience this "bread city" Kyoto.
The dates for 2024 are yet to be determined, but last year it was held for two days on December 9-10. I participated last year, and the experience of enjoying various kinds of bread in the majestic atmosphere of Kamigamo Shrine was truly wonderful and unique to Kyoto.
Many bakeries from within and outside Kyoto city set up stalls at the venue, offering a wide variety of unique breads.
This event is an excellent opportunity to experience the diversity of Kyoto's food culture. You can enjoy the unique experience of savoring the latest bread culture in a traditional shrine with an ancient atmosphere.
I highly recommend this event not only for bread lovers but also for those who want to discover a new side of Kyoto.
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Date: Early December 2024
Access: Take City Bus Route 4 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Kamigamo Jinja-mae". You can also take the same bus from the Demachiyanagi Station bus stop on the Keihan Line.
Admission: Free
Website
Shakuson Jodoe and Daikon Daki (Early December 2024)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The Shakuson Jodoe held at Myomanji Temple is an event commemorating the enlightenment of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. As part of this event, "Daikon Daki" (radish boiling) is a beloved winter tradition in Kyoto.
When I first participated in this event, I was captivated by its unique atmosphere. The sight of large radishes slowly simmering in a big pot amidst the solemn air of the temple gave me a strange sensation as if time was flowing slowly.
Daikon Daki is an event held to pray for the health of the worshippers. The boiled radishes are distributed to the participants. Their warmth and gentle flavor make you forget the winter cold of Kyoto.
While the details for 2024 are yet to be determined, last year it was held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on December 3. Advance reservation was required, and the fee was 3,000 yen.
Shakuson Jodoe and Daikon Daki offer a precious experience where Kyoto's winter food culture and Buddhist culture merge. I highly recommend this event for those who want to deeply taste the winter of Kyoto.
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Date: Early December 2024
Access: About 20 minutes walk from "Kokusaikaikan Station" on the Karasuma Subway Line
Admission: 3,000 yen
Website
Kyoto in December 2024 is overflowing with diverse attractions, from traditional year-end events to unique gourmet events.
Although I live in Tokyo, I look forward to Kyoto's winter every year. I hope you'll visit Kyoto in December 2024 and fully enjoy the winter charm of this ancient capital!
If you are interested in Kyoto Winter, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto Winter as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari