In Kyoto, October is a pleasant season when the summer heat subsides and you can feel the arrival of autumn. While it's still early for autumn foliage, the clear air and mild climate are perfect for sightseeing and outings.
Although there aren't as many festivals and events as in summer, time-honored traditional events such as the "Kasagake Jinji" and "Jidai Matsuri" are held, and you shouldn't miss gourmet events like the Uji Tea Festival.
I highly recommend visiting during this time when the heat has subsided and you can comfortably enjoy Kyoto.
Many events still have undecided schedules, so I plan to update this article regularly. If you're visiting Kyoto in October in 2024, I recommend bookmarking 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 October 2024
・Special Experiences Only in Kyoto in October
・Gourmet Events in Kyoto in October 2024
Traditional Events in Kyoto in October 2024
Kyoto is known as the center of traditional culture, and in October, there are special events where you can experience this tradition firsthand.
Kasagake Jinji at Kamigamo Shrine (October 20, 2024)
Source: Kamigamo Shrine Official Website
The Kasagake Jinji held at Kamigamo Shrine is a precious opportunity to feel the history of martial arts. "Kasagake" is an ancient form of archery on horseback, referring to the advanced technique of aiming at targets while riding a running horse. Kamigamo Shrine is the only place in Japan that continues this tradition as a sacred ritual.
This ritual, held every third Sunday of October, can truly be called an autumn tradition of Kyoto. The sight of mounted warriors gallantly riding horses and shooting at targets is simply breathtaking. I was deeply moved when I first witnessed this ritual.
This ritual, performed in the solemn atmosphere of the shrine, will surely be a precious experience where you can feel the history and tradition of Kyoto firsthand. I recommend capturing this majestic moment with your smartphone or camera to preserve the memory.
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Date: October 20, 2024
Access: Get off at "Kitaoji Station" on the Karasuma Subway Line, then transfer to City Bus Route 37. After getting off at the "Kamigamo Misonobashi" bus stop, it's about a 3-minute walk to the shrine.
Admission: Free
Website
Jidai Matsuri (October 22, 2024)
Source: Wikipedia
The Jidai Matsuri, known as one of Kyoto's three major festivals, is a grand historical pageant-like event. A magnificent procession recreating history from the Heian period over 1,000 years ago to the Meiji period about 100 years ago parades through the streets of Kyoto.
In this festival, you can experience the richness of Japanese history and culture all at once.
Held on October 22, this festival features about 2,000 participants dressed in historical costumes, walking colorfully for about 2 kilometers from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.
The procession starts at noon from Kyoto Imperial Palace, so I recommend arriving early around the palace to secure a good viewing spot.
When I first saw this festival, I was overwhelmed by its scale and beauty. It feels like you've time-slipped into each era of Kyoto's history.
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Date: October 22, 2024
Access: Use either "Marutamachi Station" or "Imadegawa Station" on the Karasuma Subway Line, and from there it's about a 15-minute walk to Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Admission: Free
Website
Kurama Fire Festival (October 22, 2024)
Source: Wikipedia
The Kurama Fire Festival is one of the most fantastical festivals that color Kyoto's autumn. This traditional fire festival held at Yuki Shrine on October 22 is a grand fire ritual that unfolds at the foot of Mount Kurama.
The sight of hundreds of men holding fire torches and parading through the town is truly spectacular.
When I first experienced this festival, I was captivated by its power and mystical atmosphere. The serious expressions of the participants illuminated by the flickering flames in the darkness of night, and the sight of them walking while holding up fire torches, give you a sense of witnessing an ancient ritual.
The festival is held from 6:00 PM to past midnight, but I recommend visiting around 8:00 PM. During this time, the fire ritual is at its peak, and you can fully enjoy the fantastical atmosphere.
As it takes place on a mountain path, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothes that allow for easy movement.
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Date: October 22, 2024
Access: The most common way is to use the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Kurama Station. Demachiyanagi Station connects with the Keihan Main Line, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach Kurama Station.
Admission: Free
Website: None
If you are interested in Kurama Dera
, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Special Experiences Only in Kyoto in October
October in Kyoto is an attractive season where you can have special experiences. During this time when the summer heat subsides and you can feel the arrival of autumn, there are special openings that you usually can't see and fantastical light-up events.
These experiences will be excellent opportunities to discover new charms of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Senbon Toro (Early October 2024)
Source: Kyoto Tourism Navi
The Senbon Toro at Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most fantastical events that color Kyoto's autumn. About 350 lanterns are placed next to the torii gates and lit up at night, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. You can enjoy Fushimi Inari Shrine in a completely different, mystical atmosphere from daytime.
When I first experienced this event, I was captivated by its beauty. The tunnel of orange torii gates floating in the soft light gives you a sense of stepping into another world. The sound of wind chimes heard in the stillness of the night further enhances this fantastical atmosphere.
The exact dates for 2024 haven't been announced yet, but it's usually held in early October. In 2023, it was held from October 1 to 9, and could be enjoyed from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Admission is free, so it's an event you absolutely can't miss when visiting Kyoto.
I recommend arriving before sunset to enjoy the change in scenery from day to night. First, walk through the famous thousand torii gates while it's still bright. Then, observe how the lantern lights gradually emerge as the sun sets.
This event is very popular and extremely crowded, especially on weekends. I recommend visiting on a weekday if possible.
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Date: Early October 2024
Access: Get off at "Inari Station" on the JR Nara Line and it's right there, or it's a 5-minute walk from "Fushimi Inari Station" on the Keihan Main Line.
Admission: Free
Website
If you are interested in Fushimi Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Fushimi as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Special Opening of Jingoji Temple's Tahoto Pagoda (Early October 2024)
The special opening of Jingoji Temple's Tahoto Pagoda is a precious opportunity to see one of Kyoto's hidden treasures. This event, where you can view the Buddha statues inside the normally closed Tahoto Pagoda, is not to be missed for those interested in art history or Buddhism.
The Buddha statues enshrined inside the Tahoto Pagoda are said to have been placed here around the 8th century and are very precious. Being able to view these statues up close will be a special experience where you can feel the depth of Kyoto's history and art firsthand.
When I first participated in this special opening, I was captivated by its solemnity and quiet atmosphere. The moment you step inside the Tahoto Pagoda, you're enveloped in a sense of time standing still.
The figure of the Buddha statue emerging in the dimly lit space is truly mystical and gives you a sense of the essence of Buddhist art.
The exact dates for 2024 haven't been announced yet, but it's usually held in early October. In 2023, it was open for three days from October 7 to 9, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In addition to the regular admission fee of 600 yen, a special viewing fee of 500 yen is required, but it's well worth it considering this precious experience.
Jingoji Temple is located in Takao, an area rich in nature. I recommend enjoying the surrounding nature before or after the special viewing.
While it's still early for autumn foliage, it should be a luxurious day where you can enjoy both the nature of Takao and the historical value of Jingoji Temple.
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Date: Early October 2024
Access: Get off at "Yamashiro Takao" on the JR Bus or "Takao" on the Kyoto City Bus, then it's about a 10-minute walk.
Admission: In addition to the regular admission fee of 600 yen, a special viewing fee of 500 yen is required.
Website
Gourmet Events in Kyoto in October 2024
Kyoto is not only the center of traditional Japanese culture but also a treasure trove of food culture. October, in particular, is the perfect season to enjoy autumn flavors.
The gourmet events held during this time are excellent opportunities to deeply understand and taste Kyoto's food culture.
Uji Tea Festival (October 6, 2024)
Source: Uji City Official Website
The Uji Tea Festival is a special event where you can enjoy Uji tea, a representative green tea of Japan. This festival, held on the first Sunday of October every year, takes place along the Uji River from morning to evening, featuring ceremonies commemorating tea masters and various tea ceremonies.
I recommend starting by observing the tea ceremony at the Uji River, which begins at 9:00 AM. The solemn ceremony performed with the sound of the river in the background is a precious opportunity to experience the history and tradition of Uji tea firsthand.
After that, I suggest visiting the various tea ceremony venues set up around Kosho-ji Temple. At each tea ceremony venue, you can enjoy different types and brewing methods of Uji tea.
The admission ticket, which includes access to several tea ceremony venues, costs 4,500 yen and must be purchased on the day of the event.
This fee includes tea ceremony experiences at multiple venues, making it very worthwhile for those who want to deeply appreciate tea ceremony culture. Also, sweets and light meals using Uji tea are sold around the venue, so you can enjoy souvenir shopping as well.
Note that it can still be hot in Uji in October, so I recommend bringing a hat or parasol.
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Date: October 6, 2024
Access: Get off at "Uji Station" on the JR Nara Line, then walk east for 15 minutes. Or, get off at "Keihan Uji Station" on the Keihan Uji Line and walk for 10 minutes to reach the venue.
Admission: 4,500 yen (including use of tea ceremony venues)
Website: None
If you are interested in Uji Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Uji as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Kyoto in October 2024 is overflowing with diverse attractions, from traditional festivals to special cultural experiences and events to enjoy the flavors of the season. When visiting Kyoto in October, I highly recommend participating in these events and fully experiencing the seasonal charms unique to Kyoto!
If you are interested in Kyoto in Autumn, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto in Autumn as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari