The ancient capital of Kyoto, with its rich history and culture, hosts various traditional events and festivals throughout the year. 2025 is no exception.
From New Year's shrine visits to New Year's Eve bell ringing, there's a lineup of events that allow you to fully experience the charms of Kyoto's four seasons.
In this article, I'll introduce the main events to be held in Kyoto in 2025, organized by season. You can enjoy everything from traditional festivals to modern events, experiencing the diverse faces of Kyoto.
I've also included events to enjoy natural beauty such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Please use this event calendar as a reference when planning your trip and as a guide to deepen your understanding of Kyoto's culture.
Now, let me guide you through the world of captivating events unfolding in Kyoto in 2025!
If your are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・Kyoto's 2025 Event Table
・New Year and Winter Events in Kyoto 2025 (January to February)
・Spring Events in Kyoto 2025 (March to Spring)
・Summer Events in Kyoto 2025 (June to August)
・Autumn Events in Kyoto 2025 (September to November)
・Year-end Winter Events in Kyoto 2025 (December)
Kyoto's 2025 Event Table
New Year and Winter Events in Kyoto 2025 (January to February)
Kyoto's winters are wrapped in harsh cold, but there are plenty of heartwarming events to celebrate the New Year and traditional events. In January and February, there's a possibility of enjoying fantastic snow scenery when it snows.
You can check the details such as access for each event in the respective monthly event articles. Here, I'll introduce some notable events to help you make the most of winter in Kyoto.
Notable Events in January 2025
January is particularly rich in traditional events celebrating the New Year, offering an excellent opportunity to experience Kyoto's culture firsthand.
If you're spending the New Year in Kyoto, you absolutely can't miss the first shrine visit of the year. I also go out for the first shrine visit every year with my family and friends to pray for happiness in the New Year.
Besides the ones mentioned below, there are other interesting events such as the "Miyako Shichifukujin Meguri (Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage in Kyoto)" at Rokuharamitsuji Temple and "Obuku-cha" at Rokuharamitsuji Temple. Check out the "January 2025 article" for details.
Related Article
・Kyoto in January 2025: New Year's Highlights, Events & Festivals
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) (January 1-7, 2025)
Hatsumode is a traditional custom of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the New Year to pray for safety and peace for the year. While some people visit temples, it's more common to go to shrines.
In Kyoto, you can do Hatsumode at any shrine, such as Yasaka Shrine or Fushimi Inari Taisha. My recommendation is Yasaka Shrine. Its beautiful vermilion torii gate and lively atmosphere are perfect for the New Year.
There's no strict rule about the timing, but typically, you can visit from 12:00 AM on January 1st.
Musha Shinji at Kamigamo Shrine (January 16, 2025)
Source: Soda Kyoto Ikou
The Musha Shinji at Kamigamo Shrine is a traditional ritual held annually on January 16th at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto City. It's a ceremony of shooting arrows to ward off evil and pray for a good harvest, offering a valuable opportunity to experience martial arts culture.
The archery ceremony conducted in a solemn atmosphere allows you to feel the spirit of Kyoto's martial arts firsthand.
Notable Events in February 2025
February is a very cold period, and snow may accumulate. The sight of Kyoto's temples and shrines covered in snow is truly picturesque. During this time, many traditional events related to Setsubun are held.
In the latter half of February, some places start to enjoy plum blossoms, marking the beginning of spring. Every year, I enjoy the scent of plum blossoms while feeling the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
For other attractions such as the "Hatsuuma Taisai at Fushimi Inari Taisha" and snow scenery, please check the "February 2025 Event Article".
Related Article
・Kyoto in February 2025: Winter Highlights, Events & Festivals
Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine (February 2-3, 2025)
Setsubun is a traditional event to ward off evil spirits at the change of seasons and pray for health and happiness in the new season. The Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine is one of the most lively Setsubun events in Kyoto and attracts many people every year.
Usually, around 11:00 AM on February 2nd and 3rd, there are dance performances by geisha and maiko, followed by bean throwing.
Weeping Plum Blossoms at Jonangu Shrine (Mid-February 2025)
Kyoto's plum blossom season starts around mid-February. Jonangu Shrine is famous for its "weeping plum blossoms," and it's one of the places I visit every year. Walking amidst the fragrance of plum blossoms is truly a moment when I feel the arrival of spring.
The "Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival" is usually held for about two weeks from mid-February. It's a flower paradise where you can enjoy over 150 plum trees and 400 camellia trees.
Spring Events in Kyoto 2025 (March to Spring)
Spring is the best time to visit Kyoto. When cherry blossoms reach their peak, the entire city is enveloped in a pale pink color, creating a spectacular view. However, the full bloom period is short, lasting only 1-2 weeks in April, so timing is crucial.
The weather becomes warm and it's ideal for sightseeing, but be aware that it's unavoidably crowded from March to April.
You can check the details such as access for each event in the respective monthly event articles, but here I'll introduce some notable events to help you make the most of spring in Kyoto.
Notable Events in March 2025
March is the season when the cold starts to ease, and you begin to feel the arrival of spring in Kyoto. It's a bit early for the cherry blossom season, but depending on the weather, they might be in full bloom in late March. I start checking the cherry blossom status from late March every year.
Weeping cherry blossoms, in particular, tend to bloom earlier, so there's a high possibility of enjoying them at the end of March. Also, this time of year has traditional events related to the "Doll Festival," offering an excellent opportunity to experience Kyoto's culture.
For information on "Rain Prayer Festivals" and popular spots for relatively early-blooming cherry blossoms, please refer to the "Kyoto in March 2025 article".
Related Article
・Kyoto in March 2025: Early Spring Highlights, Events & Festivals
Nagashi-bina at Shimogamo Shrine (March 3, 2025)
Source: Soda Kyoto Ikou
The Nagashi-bina at Shimogamo Shrine is an event associated with the traditional "Doll Festival" celebration. The Doll Festival is a traditional Japanese event held on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth of girls.
"Nagashi-bina" is a traditional event where paper dolls are floated down a river to ward off misfortune. At Shimogamo Shrine, a man and woman selected from the general public perform the Nagashi-bina ritual. You can feel a sense of refreshment as if misfortunes are being washed away with the arrival of the new season.
Kodaiji Temple Spring Special Exhibition (Mid-March to Early May 2025)
Kodaiji Temple is known as a famous spot for weeping cherry blossoms, and it's crowded with many tourists every spring. As it's a weeping cherry tree, it's a spot where blossoms tend to open relatively early.
From mid-March, special night viewings are held, allowing you to enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms. Usually, the illumination starts around 5:00 PM.
Notable Events in April 2025
In April, cherry blossoms typically start blooming in early April and reach full bloom around mid-April in many places. The whole of Kyoto is dyed in cherry blossom colors, making it arguably the most beautiful time of the year.
Cherry blossom illumination events held at various temples and shrines are particularly popular. You can enjoy a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime, which captivates many people.
Cherry Blossom Illuminations (Throughout April 2025)
Kyoto's cherry blossom illuminations are one of the best ways to enjoy spring nights. You can enjoy cherry blossom illuminations in various areas from evening onwards.
In addition to famous spots like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion Shirakawa, it's also held at Kodaiji Temple, which I mentioned in the March section.
However, keep in mind that cherry blossoms aren't in bloom throughout the entire illumination period, so I recommend checking Google for cherry blossom news and the blooming status of each spot before visiting.
Miyako Odori (Throughout April 2025)
Source: Soda Kyoto Ikou
Miyako Odori is a dance drama that incorporates elements of Kabuki, Noh, and Kyogen, richly incorporating traditional Kyoto culture. I've watched it several times, and each time I'm captivated by its beauty and elegance.
Held every April, it's a popular event heralding the arrival of spring. The world created by the elegant dance of maiko and geiko, along with traditional music, truly embodies the spring of Kyoto.
Notable Events in May 2025
By May, the cherry blossoms have fallen, but it's the time when fresh greenery is at its most beautiful. Kyoto's temples and shrines surrounded by vibrant green exude a different charm.
The climate is mild, making it comfortable for sightseeing. Also, many traditional events are held, such as the Aoi Matsuri, making it an ideal time to experience Kyoto's culture.
Yabusame at Shimogamo Shrine (May 3, 2025)
The Yabusame at Shimogamo Shrine is a traditional event held every year on May 3rd. Yabusame is a martial art where archers shoot targets while riding on horseback, with origins dating back to the Heian period.
This event is held to pray for the safe conduct of the "Aoi Matsuri" that follows. Although it's outside the cherry blossom season, it captivates many people as one of Kyoto's representative spring events.
Aoi Matsuri (May 15, 2025)
Source: Kyoto Free Photo Materials
The Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three major festivals and is where you can feel the history and traditions of Kyoto most strongly. It's held annually on May 15th at Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, and its grandeur and beauty overwhelm spectators.
In particular, the parade of over 500 people in traditional costumes proceeding along the approximately 8-kilometer route from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine gives you a sense of stepping back in time to the Heian period.
I find it truly breathtaking every time I witness it.
Summer Events in Kyoto 2025 (June to August)
Kyoto's summers are harsh in terms of heat, but they're packed with events to compensate.
In particular, the Gion Festival is a major event representing Kyoto's summer, enveloping the entire city in a festive mood. You can also fully enjoy the charms of Kyoto's summer with summer-specific experiences like riverside dining and night walks.
Notable Events in June 2025
June is the rainy season, with more frequent rainfall. However, the scenery of rain-soaked stone pavements and gardens has a unique Kyoto-like atmosphere and charm.
Also, during this time, hydrangeas reach their peak, beautifully coloring the gardens of temples and shrines.
June is centered around traditional events preparing for the arrival of summer. The heat isn't too severe yet, so I think it's a good time to leisurely experience Kyoto's culture.
Nagoshi no Harae (June 30, 2025)
Nagoshi no Harae is a traditional event to purify the sins and impurities of the past half year and spend the remaining half year in purity.
Many shrines perform "Chinowa kuguri", where people pass through a large ring made of cogon grass (chigaya). Passing through this ring is believed to purify body and mind.
It's held at many shrines including Kamigamo Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, but note that it's not held at temples.
Hydrangea Garden Open at Mimurotoji Temple (From early June to early July 2025)
Mimurotoji Temple in Uji is famous for its hydrangeas, and every June it overflows with beautiful hydrangea flowers. About 20,000 hydrangea plants color the garden.
At night, it's also illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a completely different, fantastical atmosphere from daytime. I always make sure to visit both during the day and at night to experience the contrasting beauty.
Notable Events in July 2025
July marks the full arrival of summer, and it's the season of festivals. Among them, the Gion Festival is a major event representing Kyoto's summer, enveloping the entire city in a festive mood.
As the heat becomes intense, make sure to take precautions against heat exhaustion while enjoying the events.
Gion Festival (July 1-30, 2025)
The Gion Festival, held at Yasaka Shrine, is one of Japan's largest festivals, lasting for a month from July 1st to July 31st every year.
Particularly on July 17th, there's a parade of "Yamahoko" floats, when the city is at its most lively. The sight of giant floats parading through the city is spectacular, and once you see it, you'll never forget the impact. I always make sure to secure a good viewing spot early in the day.
Uji River Cormorant Fishing (July 1 - September 30, 2025)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
Uji River cormorant fishing (Ukai) is one of Kyoto's summer traditions. Fishermen called "usho" demonstrate a traditional fishing method using cormorant birds to catch fish like ayu (sweetfish).
It's held in Uji from June to September every year, typically operating from evening to night. Viewing boats operate to watch the cormorant fishing up close, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle from the boat. I've experienced it myself, and it's truly a unique and fascinating Kyoto summer experience.
Notable Events in August 2025
In August, many traditional events related to "Obon", a period for honoring ancestral spirits, are held. Obon is typically from August 13th to 16th every year, and Kyoto's events are concentrated during this period.
As in July, it's important to note that it's a very hot season.
For other events such as the "Kitano Tanabata Festival" and "Arashiyama Toro Nagashi", please check the "August 2025 Event Article".
Gozan no Okuribi (August 16, 2025)
Source: Kyoto Free Photo Materials
Gozan no Okuribi is a summer tradition in Kyoto held every year on August 16th. To send off the ancestral spirits welcomed during Obon, giant characters of fire are lit on five mountains in Kyoto City. For me, this spectacle symbolizes the end of Kyoto's summer.
The bonfires are lit in order from around 8:00 PM and continue burning for about 30 minutes. As the lighting time is slightly different for each mountain, it's possible to see multiple bonfires by staggering your viewing times.
Arashiyama Toro Nagashi (August 16, 2025)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
Arashiyama Toro Nagashi is a beautiful traditional event to honor ancestral spirits. Paper or wooden lanterns are lit and floated down the river to pay respects to ancestral spirits. In Arashiyama, it's usually held on August 16th, and I look forward to this fantastic spectacle every year.
As dusk falls, many people begin to gather on Togetsukyo Bridge and along the riverbank. When it gets dark, lanterns are gradually floated down the river. The numerous lights swaying on the river surface are incredibly beautiful and soothe the hearts of those who see them.
Autumn Events in Kyoto 2025 (September to November)
Kyoto's autumn is when the heat subsides, becoming the most comfortable season. While September can still have some hot days, it gradually cools down from October, and by November, we enter the autumn foliage season.
Notable Events in September 2025
September is a transitional season when the heat starts to ease. While there aren't as many notable events as in October or November, there are some wonderful events that make you feel the arrival of autumn.
The following two are recommended events where you can enjoy the unique charms of Kyoto during this season.
Moon Viewing (Kangetsu) (Mid-September 2025)
Source: Kyoto Official Tourism Website
Kangetsu is a traditional moon-viewing event held around mid-September, coinciding with what's called the "harvest moon". In Kyoto, many temples and shrines hold moon-viewing events during this time.
Moon-viewing events are held at various spots including Yasaka Shrine, Koudaiji Temple, and Daikakuji Temple. Each place offers its own unique atmosphere and specially planned events. For example, at Koudaiji Temple, the garden is illuminated, allowing you to enjoy the contrast between the moon and autumn leaves.
Seimei Festival (September 21-22, 2025)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The Seimei Festival is held annually in September at Seimei Shrine, which enshrines Abe no Seimei, an onmyoji (yin-yang master) from the Heian period. Abe no Seimei is a famous onmyoji in Japanese history, literature, and performing arts, known as the protagonist of many legends and stories.
This festival is an event to remember the virtues of Abe no Seimei and pray for good health and safety.
In the afternoon of the second day, three portable shrines carrying the deity parade through the streets of Kyoto.
The procession includes performances by young drummers and flute players, as well as children dressed in unique and beautiful costumes, creating a colorful and grand spectacle. I always make sure to catch a glimpse of this impressive parade.
Notable Events in October 2025
October is when autumn in Kyoto truly begins. The cool climate and clear air make Kyoto's streets even more beautiful. During this time, many cultural events are held in Kyoto, providing increased opportunities to deeply experience Kyoto's traditional culture.
Here are two notable events you should experience in Kyoto in October. These events will provide valuable opportunities to feel the history and culture of Kyoto firsthand.
Thousand Lantern Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine (Early October 2025)
Source: Kyoto Tourism Navi
The Thousand Lantern Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine is a fantastical light festival that autumn Kyoto is proud of. At night, about 350 lanterns gently illuminate the area around the torii gates, inviting visitors into a fantastical world.
In particular, the sight of the famous thousand torii gates enveloped in the soft light of the lanterns is breathtakingly beautiful, continuing to captivate the hearts of many people every year. I always make sure to attend this event, as the atmosphere is truly magical.
Jidai Matsuri (October 22, 2025)
Source: Wikipedia
The Jidai Matsuri is a grand festival where a thousand years of Kyoto's history comes to life.
Every year on October 22nd, a historical pageant from the Heian to Meiji eras unfolds in the streets of Kyoto. Counted as one of Kyoto's three major festivals, this festival stirs the hearts of viewers with its overwhelming scale and splendor.
About 2,000 participants, dressed in costumes symbolizing each era, solemnly proceed along the route from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.
Their appearance gives you the sensation of time-traveling through Kyoto's history. I'm always in awe of the meticulous attention to historical detail in the costumes and procession.
Notable Events in November 2025
November is when autumn in Kyoto deepens the most. Typically, many places reach their peak autumn foliage viewing from mid-November, and Kyoto is painted in red and yellow colors.
There are numerous events related to autumn leaves, including illuminations, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of Kyoto's autumn both day and night.
Autumn Leaves Illuminations (Early November to Early December 2025)
Kyoto's autumn leaves show different faces during the day and night. While the vibrant colors during the day are wonderful, the illuminated autumn leaves at night create a fantastical world of beauty.
Special night viewings require an admission fee, but they provide emotions and memories worth the cost.
The beauty of autumn leaves created by light and shadow truly symbolizes Kyoto's autumn and is a special event worth experiencing at least once. I always make sure to visit both during the day and at night to fully appreciate the contrasting beauty.
Arashiyama Momiji Festival (November 10, 2025)
Source: THE Arashiyama
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is one of Kyoto's traditional autumn events, reviving the elegant boat excursions of the Heian period in modern times.
People in colorful costumes perform traditional arts on boats, recreating the elegant atmosphere of over 1000 years ago.
Visitors can also dress in Heian-period costumes and enjoy a boat trip that transcends time, providing an unparalleled cultural experience. I've participated in this event before, and it truly feels like stepping back in time to the Heian period.
Year-end Winter Events in Kyoto 2025 (December)
As December begins, Kyoto starts to don its winter attire. While temperatures drop, we'll have to wait until January and February for full-fledged snow scenes. December is still relatively mild, marking the entrance to winter.
Winter has fewer events, but that means you can enjoy Kyoto with slightly less crowding.
Shimai Tenjin at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (December 25, 2025)
The "Shimai Tenjin" at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the last Tenjin market of the year, held on December 25th. It's larger in scale than regular Tenjin markets and is crowded with many worshippers.
Stalls line the shrine grounds, selling food, miscellaneous goods, antiques, and especially New Year's decorations and good luck charms. Admission is free, and it's most lively during the daytime.
I always make sure to visit to pick up some unique New Year's decorations and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
New Year's Eve Bell Ringing at Chion-in Temple (December 31, 2025)
Source: Souda Kyoto Ikou
The New Year's Eve bell ringing at Chion-in Temple is a traditional Japanese New Year's Eve event held on the night of December 31st. The 108 bell strikes, said to cleanse the 108 worldly desires, are performed by 17 monks, and the powerful sound echoes through the night sky of Kyoto.
Known as one of Japan's three great temple bells, the sound of Chion-in's bell creates a moment to reflect on the passing year and hold hope for the new year.
I've attended this event several times, and the deep, resonant sound of the bell always fills me with a sense of renewal and anticipation for the coming year.
In 2025, Kyoto will host various traditional events, festivals, and nature-enjoying events throughout the year, from New Year's shrine visits to New Year's Eve bell ringing.
When visiting Kyoto, I recommend planning your trip based on these event schedules, considering your interests and the timing of your stay. Also, as popular events are likely to be crowded, be sure to gather information in advance and prepare early to enjoy them!
I hope you have a wonderful time experiencing the rich culture and beautiful seasons of Kyoto through these events.