What's on in Kyoto
Kyoto events calendar
Festivals, processions, temple markets, exhibitions and seasonal openings, from this weekend to the year ahead. Dates, venues, cost and a map pin for each one. Refreshed 22 October 2026.
MapOctober: Mild, with highs around 23°C. The Jidai Matsuri procession on 22 October ends at Heian Jingu, and the leaves start to turn at the end of the month, first on higher ground at Mount Hiei, Ohara and Takao. Autumn colour in Kyoto
- Events listed
- 1173
- On right now
- 119
- This weekend
- 193
- Free to attend
- 240
The year at a glance
How many events are on in each month, counting ones that started earlier, annual events at their usual dates and neighbourhood events such as temple fair days and monthly markets. It's the same list as the month's own page, so tap a month to see them.
Don't miss
The big ones coming up, worth planning a day around.
Calendar
Showing all 281 events in October 2026
Day by day
Each event on its first day still ahead, regular markets on each of their days. Tap a day in the calendar for everything on that day and its gigs.
9 events · 28 gigs
Kyoto Autumn Music Festival: Irina Mejoueva Piano RecitalKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) · 23 Oct
Manbu-e at Chion-inGion · Chion-in · 23 to 25 Oct
Autumn Orchid and Epiphyte ShowDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (viewing greenhouse) · 22 to 25 Oct
KYOTO EXPERIMENT 2026: Yamashita Zan and Nhat Tuyen, giot-giotShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto Art Center, Auditorium · 22 to 25 Oct
Kyoto Master Craftsmen ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto, Museum Gallery · 21 to 25 OctFree
Kakoku Tetsuji Oil Painting Exhibition, Renaissance of LightShijo-Karasuma · Daimaru Kyoto, 6th floor · 21 to 27 Oct
Muraoka Akemi Painting ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Daimaru Kyoto, 6th floor · 21 to 27 Oct
Sennyu-ji Free Hall Admission WeekFushimi · Sennyu-ji · 19 to 25 OctFree
18 events · 47 gigs
Autumn Lantern Festival at Furukawacho Shopping StreetHigashiyama · Furukawacho Shopping Street · 24 Oct
Autumn Tennozan WalkingOyamazaki · Tennozan hiking course · 24 Oct
Fushimi Sake Kairo Brewery Open DayFushimi · Sake breweries across Fushimi · 24 OctFree
Ikenobo Lecture: Kan'ei Culture and Rikka Flower ArrangementShijo-Karasuma · Ikenobo Headquarters (2F hall) · 24 OctFree
Kansai Collegiate American Football League: Div.2 double-header at TakaragaikeKitayama · Takaragaike Park Ballgame Field · 24 Oct
Nanzen-ji Culture CourseOkazaki · Nanzen-ji, Ryuenkaku · 24 OctFree
Play with the Garden VolunteersDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (Shikisai Hill) · 24 Oct
Shimogyo and Minami Ward Children's Centre Festival (34th)Kyoto Station · Umekoji Park, Shichijo entrance plaza · 24 Oct
Arashiyama RIDE MARKET on the Arashiyama-Takao ParkwayTakao · Arashiyama-Takao Parkway (test rides start at the Takao car park) · 24 to 25 OctFree
Honen-in Small Bonsai Exhibition (Hiroki-ten)Ginkakuji · Honen-in (Hojo) · 24 to 25 OctFree
Kameoka FestivalKameoka · Kameoka castle town · 24 to 25 Oct
Kamo Seven Stones and Castle Stones Guided Tour (October)Nijo · Nijo Castle · 24 to 25 Oct
Kizu Mikoshi FestivalKizugawa · Kizu district (Goryo and Okada Kunitsu shrines) · 24 to 25 Oct
Meilleure Soiree (stage comedy)Kyoto Station · Kyoto Theatre · 24 to 25 Oct
Mushroom ShowDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (Botanical Garden Hall) · 24 to 25 Oct
OTSU UNAGI & SAKE FES 2026Otsu · Otsu Port, Nagisa Park Omatsuri Hiroba · 24 to 25 Oct
Shoho-ji Public Opening, YawataYawata · Shoho-ji · 24 to 25 Oct
Shokado Walk PlusYawata · Iwashimizu Hachimangu Station to Shokado Garden · 24 to 25 OctFree
14 events · 33 gigs
Buddha Portrait Caricatures at Ryukoku MuseumKyoto Station · Ryukoku Museum (entrance hall) · 25 Oct
Junior High School Band Festival at Kyoto StationKyoto Station · Muromachi Koji Plaza, Kyoto Station Building · 25 Oct
Kamigyo Ward Fureai Festival 2026Imperial Palace · Kamigyo Ward Office and Doshisha Keishi-ryo · 25 OctFree
Kyoto Citizens Orchestra 114th Subscription ConcertKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Main Hall) · 25 Oct
Kyoto Meat Festival (Kyoto Niku Matsuri)Okazaki · Okazaki Park, in front of Heian Shrine · 25 OctFree
KYOTO Miyabi STAGE at Nijo Castle (October)Nijo · Nijo Castle · 25 OctFree
Nakagyo Ward Fureai Festival 2026Nijo · Kyoto Municipal Nakagyo Junior High School · 25 Oct
Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen Autumn PerformanceArashiyama · Kyogen-do, Seiryo-ji (Saga Shakado) · 25 OctFree
Saiho-ji: Walk the Oldest Dry Garden with Temple StaffArashiyama · Saiho-ji (Kokedera) · 25 Oct
Sunday Lecture at Nishi Hongan-ji: Shinran's nembutsu and his seven years in EchigoKyoto Station · Nishi Hongan-ji, Sokaisho (Monpo Kaikan 1F) · 25 OctFree
World Culture and Arts Festival: Charity Hawaii FestivalKyoto Station · Umekoji Park, Shichijo entrance plaza, paths, central plaza and lawn · 25 Oct
Kamigamo Handmade MarketDemachiyanagi · Kamigamo ShrineFreeRegular market
Tenjin-ichi Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market
Tenjin-san Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market
3 events · 9 gigs
Gekkeikan Sakagura Light UpFushimi · Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum · 26 Oct
Kyoto Hannaryz vs Akita Northern Happinets (B.League)Nishikyogoku · Nisshin Denki Arena Kyoto (Kyoto City Gymnasium) · 26 Oct
New National Theatre Opera Class for High School Students: Madama ButterflyOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto (Main Hall) · 26 to 28 Oct
2 events · 14 gigs
Autumn Tea Offering Festival at Iwashimizu HachimanguYawata · Iwashimizu Hachimangu · 27 Oct
Kyoto Sanga vs Newcastle Jets (AFC Champions League Elite)Kameoka · Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA (Kyoto Prefectural Stadium) · 27 Oct
4 events · 17 gigs
Hyakka Sosaku-sai Craft Festa (October)Kyoto Station · Oto-san Hiroba (Higashi Honganji-mae civic green) · 28 Oct
Fukui Hikaru Ink and Colour Painting ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Daimaru Kyoto, 6th floor · 28 Oct to 3 Nov
Maestro Takako Ceramics Exhibition, Invitation to a New WorldShijo-Karasuma · Daimaru Kyoto, 6th floor · 28 Oct to 3 Nov
1000market at Kiyomizu-deraHigashiyama · Kiyomizu-deraFreeRegular market
3 events · 19 gigs
Byodo-in Orin Bell Sound GatheringUji · Saisho-in, Byodo-in · 29 Oct
NEO Marche at Oto-san HirobaKyoto Station · Oto-san Hiroba (Higashi Honganji-mae civic green) · 29 Oct
Dry-lacquer exhibition marking 130 years of Sasaki ShikkiShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto, Museum Gallery · 29 Oct to 1 NovFree
5 events · 25 gigs
104th Ryukoku Festival at Fukakusa CampusFushimi · Ryukoku University Fukakusa Campus · 30 Oct to 1 Nov
Hopes: Kichijitsu SaikaiOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto (North Hall) · 30 Oct to 1 Nov
Kyoto Antique Fair (Autumn)Takeda · Kyoto Pulse Plaza · 30 Oct to 1 NovFree
Autumn Secondhand Book Fair at Chion-jiDemachiyanagi · Hyakumanben Chion-ji · 30 Oct to 3 NovFree
Reizei Family Residence Hidden Cultural Properties OpeningImperial Palace · Reizei-ke Residence · 30 Oct to 3 Nov
20 events · 39 gigs
Arashiyama Small Forest Connect Fes (Nishikyo Connect)Arashiyama · Hankyu Arashiyama Station riverside plaza · 31 Oct
Autumn Kamigyo Tea Gathering at Amida-jiImperial Palace · Amida-ji (Rendaisan Soken-in) · 31 Oct
Chakabuki tea tasting and Genji-ko talk at Takumi no YakataUji · Kyoto Tea Association Hall (Uji Tea Dojo Takumi no Yakata) · 31 Oct
GRID KYOTO: Kyoto Town Culture Festival 2026Kawaramachi · Kyoto City Hall front plaza · 31 OctFree
Higashiyama Ward Fureai Hiroba 2026Higashiyama · Higashiyama Ward Office complex · 31 Oct
Kansai Collegiate American Football League: Div.1 double-header at Takebishi StadiumKyoto Station · Takebishi Stadium Kyoto · 31 Oct
Kizugawa Autumn Special Opening: Koden-jiKizugawa · Koden-ji · 31 Oct
Kyoto Autumn Music Festival: Kazutomo Yamamoto Composer Portrait ConcertKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) · 31 Oct
Kyoto Marathon Running ParkNishikyogoku · Nishikyogoku General Sports Park (main venue Toji Housing Field Nishikyogoku) · 31 OctFree
Kyoto Sanga vs Shimizu S-Pulse (J1)Kameoka · Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA (Kyoto Prefectural Stadium) · 31 Oct
NEO Marche at Umekoji ParkKyoto Station · Umekoji Park, park paths · 31 Oct
Takao Mononoke Yuzan Yokai HalloweenTakao · Takao area (Takao Bridge to around Momijiya Bekkan) · 31 Oct
TERAKOYA HONGWANJI Autumn Open Campus at Honganji DendoinKyoto Station · Honganji Dendoin · 31 OctFree
Yawata Halloween Daisakusen 2026 (Yawaharo)Yawata · Yodogawa Riverside Park, Sewaridzutsumi · 31 OctFree
360-Degree Dome Experience at Kyoto City ZooOkazaki · Kyoto City Zoo, Lecture Room · 31 Oct to 1 Nov
Autumn Rose ShowDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (Botanical Garden Hall) · 31 Oct to 1 Nov
Doshisha Clover FestivalKyotanabe · Doshisha University Kyotanabe Campus · 31 Oct to 1 Nov
Kyoto Seika University Kino Festival (Kinosai)Iwakura · Kyoto Seika University · 31 Oct to 1 Nov
Oh-Uryuyama Festival at Kyoto University of the ArtsIchijoji · Kyoto University of the Arts · 31 Oct to 1 Nov
Omotesenke Kitayama Kaikan Hidden Cultural Properties OpeningDemachiyanagi · Omotesenke Kitayama Kaikan · 31 Oct to 6 Nov
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Also on dates the organisers post: Heian Antique Market (Heian Nomi-no-ichi) (About once a month on dates the organiser posts, 9:00 to 16:00), Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market (About once a month on dates the organiser posts, 10:00 to 16:00), Kyoto Antique Fair (Three times a year (spring, early summer and autumn) over a Friday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, last day to 16:00).
On for weeks
119 long runs, such as exhibitions and illuminations: on for more than a week, so shown once instead of every day.
tupera tupera 10th Anniversary Main Visual Original Artwork DisplayOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Promenade · 10 Jan to 30 DecFree
Architecture Exhibition: Kyoto Kaikan / ROHM Theatre Kyoto, A 65-Year RecordOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto · 10 Jan to 30 NovFree
Wazuka Tea Fields Tour by Green Slow MobilityKizugawa · Ishidera tea fields, Wazuka · 4 Apr to 29 Nov
Raku Special Exhibition: Chrysanthemums in Full Bloom (Kikka Ryoran)Imperial Palace · Raku Museum · 1 Sept to 24 Dec
Keihan x Hibike! Euphonium 2026 Autumn Collaboration at Nidec Kyoto TowerKyoto Station · Nidec Kyoto Tower (observation deck) · 1 Sept to 20 Dec
Ishiyama-dera and Murasaki Shikibu exhibition: Ishiyama-dera in the Warring StatesOtsu · Ishiyama-dera · 1 Sept to 30 Nov
Komai House Public Opening (reservation only)Ginkakuji · Komai House (Taku and Shizue Komai Memorial) · 4 Sept to 12 Dec
Kodai-ji Museum: Hideyoshi's Daizuigu Bosatsu on ShowGion · Kodai-ji Museum (Shobijutsukan) · 5 Sept to 27 Jan
Kyoto Aquarium: Osan Mimicry (Giant Salamander Exhibition)Kyoto Station · Kyoto Aquarium · 5 Sept to 28 Dec
Bronze Gallery: The World of Kinbun (Bronze Inscriptions)Okazaki · Sen-oku Hakuko Kan · 5 Sept to 20 Dec
Uno Aquirax ExhibitionKyoto Station · Museum Eki Kyoto (JR Kyoto Isetan 10F) · 9 Sept to 25 Oct
Nijo Castle Wall Painting Original Display: Paintings that Adorned the ThroneNijo · Nijo Castle Shoheki-ga Exhibition and Storage Hall · 10 Sept to 8 Nov
Opera Door 2026: The World of La TraviataOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto (Music Salon, Park Plaza 3F) · 11 Sept to 6 DecFree
Maruki Suma: An Artist from Age 73Otsu · Museum of Modern Art, Shiga · 11 Sept to 23 Nov
Art Rhizome KYOTO 2026 (Gyakuryo Kyoto 3)Kawaramachi · Nine venues across Kyoto including Kyoto City Hall · 11 Sept to 9 NovFree
Yoake no Uta EXHIBITION: Two Million StarsShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto International Manga Museum · 11 Sept to 27 Oct
Matsunobe Soshi: WallOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (The Triangle) · 12 Sept to 20 DecFree
Kaikai Yokai Festival at Toei Kyoto Studio ParkUzumasa · Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Uzumasa Eigamura) · 12 Sept to 29 Nov
Special Exhibition: Around the Uji RiverUji · Uji City Historical Museum (inside Uji City Cultural Center) · 12 Sept to 29 Nov
Kan'ei Imperial Visit 400th Anniversary: The Outer Kan'ei Visits (Autumn Special Exhibition)Demachiyanagi · Kyoto Prefectural Library of Kyoto Studies and Archives (Rekisaikan) · 12 Sept to 8 NovFree
Anko Photo Exhibition at Kyoto City ZooOkazaki · Kyoto City Zoo, Serval Exhibition Room · 15 Sept to 11 Apr
Interior Fabrics of the National Diet Building (Kawashima Textile Museum)Kitayama · Kawashima Textile Museum · 15 Sept to 1 FebFree
Exhibition: The Tale of Genji in PicturesUji · Uji City Genji Monogatari Museum · 16 Sept to 29 Nov
Oribe Ten Masters: Furuta Oribe and Ten PottersKitayama · Furuta Oribe Museum · 17 Sept to 7 Mar
The Children Who Grew Up with Manga: 40 Years of Manga Culture in EuropeShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto International Manga Museum · 17 Sept to 19 Jan
Qing Dynasty Ceramics at Banquets, with Sumiya Rooms OpenKyoto Station · Sumiya Museum of Hospitality Culture · 18 Sept to 13 Dec
Daitoku-ji Juko-in 460th Anniversary Special OpeningKitano · Juko-in, Daitoku-ji · 18 Sept to 6 Dec
National Urban Greening Fair in Kyoto Tamba (Kyoto Tamba Midori no Sato Matsuri)Kameoka · Five fair sites across Kameoka, Nantan and Kyotamba (Kameoka Hozugawa Park, Kameoka Sports Park, Sonobe Park, Wachi Wildflower Forest, Tamba Nature Park) · 18 Sept to 8 NovFree
Shapes of Love: The Lost Shunga Scroll Chigo no SoshiArashiyama · Fukuda Art Museum · 19 Sept to 17 Jan
Yamaga Seika: Textile Artist of Soaring ImaginationOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art · 19 Sept to 20 Dec
Tenryu-ji Hatto Cloud Dragon Painting Autumn OpeningArashiyama · Tenryu-ji · 19 Sept to 6 Dec
Everyone Come! Fumon-ji of Higashi-MikawaKyoto Station · Ryukoku Museum · 19 Sept to 23 Nov
Kan'ei: Beauty Nurtured by PeaceShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 19 Sept to 15 Nov
To-ji Treasure Hall Autumn ExhibitionKyoto Station · Treasure Hall, To-ji · 20 Sept to 25 Nov
Shokoku-ji Autumn Special OpeningImperial Palace · Shokoku-ji · 26 Sept to 15 Dec
Ryoan-ji After-hours ViewingRyoanji · Ryoan-ji · 26 Sept to 29 Nov
Byodo-in Special Exhibition: Mononofu and Uji (Part 3)Uji · Byodo-in · 29 Sept to 13 Dec
Genkensai, 11th Urasenke Grand Master: 150th Memorial ExhibitionNijo · Urasenke Chado Museum (Konnichian) · 29 Sept to 6 Dec
Arashiyama Tsukitouro Bamboo Light-upArashiyama · Arashiyama Bamboo Grove · 30 Sept to 8 Nov
Kyoto Aquarium: Suzuki-san Exhibition (Perch-Like Fishes)Kyoto Station · Kyoto Aquarium · 1 Oct to 28 Dec
Tradition Meets Today #7 at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional CraftsOkazaki · Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Miyako Messe B1F) · 1 Oct to 28 Dec
Rurikoin Autumn Special OpeningYase · Rurikoin · 1 Oct to 13 Dec
Food Truck Park in Kyoto StationKyoto Station · Kyoto Station front plaza (in front of JR Kyoto Isetan) · 1 Oct to 30 Nov
Seiryo-ji Treasure Hall Autumn OpeningSaga · Seiryo-ji · 1 Oct to 30 Nov
KYOTO EXPERIMENT 2026 Exhibition: Kaoru Endo and Mithu SenKyoto Station · Kyoto City University of Arts Art Gallery @KCUA · 1 Oct to 8 Nov
Lake Biwa Canal Boat, Autumn SeasonOkazaki · Biwako Canal boat (Keage, Yamashina and Otsu landings) · 2 Oct to 6 Dec
Sugimoto House Autumn OpeningShijo-Karasuma · Sugimoto House · 2 Oct to 22 Nov
Kyoto Seika Gallery Terra-S: Animals DepictedDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Seika University Gallery Terra-S · 2 Oct to 9 NovFree
Japanese Road Movies, Travelling Period Dramas (film series)Shijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 2 Oct to 1 Nov
Hogon-in Autumn Opening and Night ViewingArashiyama · Hogon-in · 3 Oct to 6 Dec
Kogen-ji Autumn Special OpeningArashiyama · Kogen-ji · 3 Oct to 6 Dec
Zen and GhibliOkazaki · Higashiyama Cube, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art · 3 Oct to 6 Dec
Ninna-ji Reihokan Autumn Treasures ExhibitionKinkakuji · Reihokan, Ninna-ji · 3 Oct to 29 Nov
Tanomura Chokunyu and Nanga Painting in Modern KyotoShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 3 Oct to 29 Nov
Bonji (Siddham Script) Exhibition at the Ninna-ji Imperial GardenKinkakuji · Ninna-ji Goten (Imperial Residence Garden) · 3 Oct to 20 Nov
Ichikawa Danjuro Special Performance at MinamizaGion · Minamiza Theatre · 3 to 25 Oct
KYOTO EXPERIMENT 2026Okazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto and other venues · 3 to 25 Oct
KYOTO EXPERIMENT 2026 Kansai Studies: Konadaba River Topographic MapShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto Art Center, Gallery South · 3 to 25 OctFree
KYOTO EXPERIMENT 2026 SKF: Future DictionaryShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto Art Center, Library · 3 to 25 OctFree
The Tale of Genji: Radiance of the Heian CourtHigashiyama · Kyoto National Museum · 6 Oct to 29 Nov
Kyoto's Chemistry: Institute for Chemical Research 100th Anniversary ExhibitionGinkakuji · Kyoto University Museum · 7 Oct to 29 Nov
Keihan x Nijusseiki Denki Mokuroku Collaboration at Nidec Kyoto TowerKyoto Station · Nidec Kyoto Tower (observation deck) · 9 Oct to 11 Jan
KYOCERA Museum Collection Room Autumn: Museum Story, The Birth Cry of the City MuseumOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building North Corridor 1F · 9 Oct to 13 Dec
Daikaku-ji Shinden Special Opening for the Kan'ei Visit's 400th YearArashiyama · Daikaku-ji · 9 Oct to 7 Dec
Omotesenke Kitayama Kaikan: The Secrets of Delicious Tea, MatchaDemachiyanagi · Omotesenke Kitayama Kaikan · 10 Oct to 14 Dec
Autumn exhibition 'Know the Buddhas of Mt Hiei' at the KokuhodenOtsu · Hieizan Kokuhoden, Enryaku-ji · 10 Oct to 7 Dec
Hakuryuen Autumn Special OpeningKurama · Hakuryuen · 10 Oct to 6 Dec
Shogo-in Monzeki Autumn Special OpeningOkazaki · Shogo-in · 10 Oct to 6 Dec
Otani University Museum Special Exhibition: Printing, Stamping, CopyingKita · Otani University Museum · 10 Oct to 28 Nov
101st special exhibition: Otsu's treasures for the futureOtsu · Otsu City Museum of History · 10 Oct to 23 Nov
Kyoto City Zoo Autumn Night OpeningOkazaki · Kyoto City Zoo · 10 Oct to 7 Nov
Manpuku-ji Night Opening and Light Art: The Crimson Dragon Holding a National TreasureUji · Manpuku-ji · 11 Oct to 21 Feb
The 65th Great Hokkaido Fair at Kyoto TakashimayaKawaramachi · Kyoto Takashimaya (7th floor Event Hall) · 14 to 26 Oct
Muses: The Models Who Inspired Insho's ArtKinkakuji · Kyoto Prefectural Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts · 15 Oct to 20 Dec
Uji Tea Festival tools exhibitionUji · Kyoto Tea Association Hall, next to Takumi no Yakata · 16 Oct to 30 Nov
Maruyama Okyo and Ito JakuchuImperial Palace · Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum · 17 Oct to 20 Jun
Shokado Art Museum special exhibition: Kan'ei culture felt in YawataYawata · Shokado Garden and Art Museum · 17 Oct to 6 Dec
To-ji Jikido Autumn Event: 20th Kanransai ExhibitionKyoto Station · To-ji · 18 Oct to 24 JanFree
Chrysanthemum Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (large lawn and main gate) · 20 Oct to 15 Nov
Kyoto Fushimi Jikkokubune canal boat cruiseFushimi · Boarding point behind Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum · 22 Oct to 6 Dec
Gansen-ji Autumn Special OpeningKizugawa · Gansen-ji · 22 Oct to 30 Nov
Joruri-ji Autumn Opening of KichijotenKizugawa · Joruri-ji · 22 Oct to 30 Nov
Yume Cosmos Garden KameokaKameoka · Yume Cosmos Garden (Kameoka Sports Park) · 22 Oct to 8 Nov
Michigan Halloween Fair 2026 on Lake BiwaOtsu · Michigan Cruise, Otsu Port · 22 to 31 Oct
Entoku-in Autumn Exhibition and Night ViewingGion · Entoku-in · 23 Oct to 13 Dec
Autumn Leaves Stamp Rally at Nijo CastleNijo · Nijo Castle · 23 Oct to 6 Dec
Nijo-jo Matsuri 2026 Daytime EventsNijo · Nijo Castle · 23 Oct to 6 Dec
Nijo Castle Autumn Light-up (NAKED meets Nijo-jo 2026)Nijo · Nijo Castle · 23 Oct to 5 Dec
Kyoto Station Grand Staircase Illumination: Autumn LeavesKyoto Station · Kyoto Station Building (Grand Staircase) · 23 Oct to 17 Nov
Ninna-ji Kyozo (Sutra Repository) Special OpeningKinkakuji · Kyozo, Ninna-ji · 23 Oct to 8 Nov
MoMAK 3rd Collection Gallery Exhibition 2026Okazaki · National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto · 24 Oct to 17 Jan
Whom Does Jewellery Dream Of?Okazaki · The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto · 24 Oct to 17 Jan
Sagano Romantic Train Autumn Light-upArashiyama · Sagano Scenic Railway · 24 Oct to 29 Dec
Ninna-ji 'Sea of Clouds' Autumn Light-upKinkakuji · Ninna-ji · 24 Oct to 13 Dec
Myoshin-ji Autumn Special Experience (Akechi Bath, Zazen, Matcha)Kinkakuji · Myoshin-ji · 24 Oct to 29 Nov
Agency for Cultural Affairs and Prefectural Office Area Machikado MuseumImperial Palace · 40 venues around the Kyoto Prefectural Office and Imperial Palace · 24 Oct to 23 Nov
Lightseeing Kyoto South 2026Kyoto Station · Suujin Municipal Housing Building 9 and nearby sites · 24 Oct to 23 NovFree
The 78th Annual Exhibition of Shosoin TreasuresNara · Nara National Museum · 24 Oct to 9 Nov
Kaniman-ji Autumn Special OpeningKizugawa · Kaniman-ji · 24 Oct to 8 Nov
Bonto Lantern Evenings at Torin-inKinkakuji · Torin-in (Myoshin-ji sub-temple) · 30 Oct to 8 Nov
Nijo Castle and the Opening of the Edo ShogunateImperial Palace · Kyoto City Historical Archives · 31 Oct to 17 JanFree
Sumitomo Shunsui: 100 Years OnOkazaki · Sen-oku Hakuko Kan · 31 Oct to 20 Dec
To-ji Autumn Light-up and Night ViewingKyoto Station · To-ji · 31 Oct to 13 Dec
To-ji Five-Storey Pagoda First Floor Special OpeningKyoto Station · To-ji · 31 Oct to 13 Dec
Kamigamo Shrine Autumn Hidden Cultural Properties OpeningDemachiyanagi · Kamigamo Shrine · 31 Oct to 6 Dec
Kitano Tenmangu Momiji-en Maple GardenKitano · Kitano Tenmangu · 31 Oct to 6 Dec
NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS at Higashi Honganji and Shosei-enKyoto Station · Higashi Honganji and Shosei-en · 31 Oct to 6 Dec
Shimogamo Shrine Autumn Hidden Cultural Properties OpeningDemachiyanagi · Shimogamo Shrine · 31 Oct to 6 Dec
Shozan Garden Autumn Light-upKinugasa · Shozan Resort Kyoto · 31 Oct to 6 Dec
Momiji Matsuri at Yokawa, Mt HieiOtsu · Yokawa car park special venue, Enryaku-ji · 31 Oct to 23 Nov
Rokudo Chinno-ji Autumn Temple TreasuresHigashiyama · Rokudo Chinno-ji · 31 Oct to 23 Nov
Special viewing of the inner sanctum of Yokawa ChudoOtsu · Yokawa Chudo, Enryaku-ji · 31 Oct to 23 NovFree
Chion-in Sanmon Gate Special OpeningGion · Chion-in · 31 Oct to 13 Nov
Shingyo-ji Hidden Cultural Properties OpeningOkazaki · Shingyo-ji · 31 Oct to 9 Nov
Kizugawa Autumn Special Opening: Shindo-jiKizugawa · Shindo-ji · 31 Oct to 8 Nov
Kyoto Modern Architecture FestivalKyoto Station · About 150 buildings across Kyoto · 31 Oct to 8 Nov
Myoren-ji Marugoto MuseumNishijin · Myoren-ji · 31 Oct to 8 Nov
Nagaokakyo Garasha Festival 2026Nagaokakyo · Katsuryuji Castle Park and central Nagaokakyo · 31 Oct to 8 Nov
Yamagata Aritomo, As He Really Was at Murin-anOkazaki · Murin-an · 31 Oct to 8 Nov
October 2026: hotels, the big dates and more · November 2026
Around the neighbourhoods
316 smaller local events in the next three months, across 26 of the neighbourhood guides and beyond. Each one links to the page it was read from.
316 local events. Loading the list...
Read from the organisers' own pages, and each row links to its source, so check it on the day before you go. Spotted a mistake? hello@roamcitymaps.com
Every month, all year
Markets and gatherings that run on a rhythm rather than a date: the calendar above shows them on their days. Check the official page before going.
- 1000market at Kiyomizu-dera 28th of every month, 9:00 to 16:00 · Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama
- Garakuta-ichi at To-ji First Sunday of every month · To-ji, Kyoto Station
- Heian Antique Market (Heian Nomi-no-ichi) About once a month on dates the organiser posts, 9:00 to 16:00 · Okazaki Park, in front of Heian Shrine, Okazaki
- Heian Rakuichi Handmade Market About once a month on dates the organiser posts, 10:00 to 16:00 · Okazaki Park, in front of Heian Shrine, Okazaki
- Hyakumanben Handmade Market at Chion-ji 15th of every month except August, 8:00 to 16:00 · Hyakumanben Chion-ji, Demachiyanagi
- Kamigamo Handmade Market 4th Sunday of the month, 9:00 to 15:00 · Kamigamo Shrine, Demachiyanagi
- Tenjin-san Market at Kitano Tenmangu 25th of every month, 7:00 to sunset · Kitano Tenmangu, Kitano
- Kobo-ichi Market at To-ji 21st of every month, about 5:00 to 16:00 (stall hours vary) · To-ji, Kyoto Station
- Kyoto Antique Fair Three times a year (spring, early summer and autumn) over a Friday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, last day to 16:00 · Kyoto Pulse Plaza, Takeda
- Tenjin-ichi Market at Kitano Tenmangu 25th of every month, all day, with the lanterns lit from sunset · Kitano Tenmangu, Kitano
- Kobo-san Market at To-ji 21st of every month, 7:00 to 15:30 · To-ji, Kyoto Station
- Umekoji Park Handmade Market First Saturday of the month, none in January, May and August, 9:00 to 16:00 · Umekoji Park, Kyoto Station
- Umekoji Park Handmade Market 1st Saturday of the month except January, May and August, 9:00 to 16:00 · Umekoji Park, Kyoto Station
How to see a Kyoto festival
Choose a seat or a corner
The Aoi Matsuri, the Gion float processions on 17 and 24 July and the Jidai Matsuri sell reserved seats along part of the route. You can also watch the Gion floats from anywhere on the route, and they're turned at the corners of Shijo-Kawaramachi and Kawaramachi-Oike.
Go to Yoiyama in the evening
On the evenings of 14 to 16 and 21 to 23 July the Gion Matsuri floats stand in the streets, hung with lanterns. The official guide asks you not to eat or drink while you walk.
Watch the weather
If it rains, the Aoi procession moves to 16 May, decided around 6pm the evening before. Umbrellas aren't allowed in the Jidai Matsuri's paid seats, so bring a raincoat.
Plan for the heat
Kyoto's average high is 32°C in July and 34°C in August, so don't plan a long walk for the middle of the day. Drink often and take rests, as the city's guide to the Gion Matsuri advises.
Bring cash to the markets
To-ji's Kobo-ichi on the 21st of each month is a cash market where bargaining is common. Get to the Tenjin-san market at Kitano Tenmangu on the 25th in the morning for the best choice.
Book early in spring and autumn
Cherry blossom season, from late March to early April, and the autumn colour, from mid-November to early December, bring the year's biggest crowds, so book a room early.
Good to know
What is on in Kyoto in October 2026?
277 dated events are on in October 2026. Mild, with highs around 23°C. The Jidai Matsuri procession on 22 October ends at Heian Jingu, and the leaves start to turn at the end of the month, first on higher ground at Mount Hiei, Ohara and Takao.
What is on in Kyoto this weekend?
193 listed events overlap this weekend (23 Oct to 25 Oct). The this-weekend page and the filter above narrow the list to just those, and the map can show them with your dates.
Do Kyoto festivals cost anything to watch?
You can watch the Gion Matsuri float processions from anywhere along the route. The Aoi Matsuri, the Gion float processions and the Jidai Matsuri also have paid viewing seats, with the details on kyoto.travel, the city's official travel guide. 240 of the 1173 events listed here are free.
How accurate are the dates?
Each dated entry is checked against the organiser's or venue's own page, and a card disappears the day after its event ends. Annual events whose next dates aren't announced yet are marked "dates to be confirmed" and sit at their usual time of year until the organiser publishes them.
Can you add these events to your calendar?
Yes. Add to calendar on any event puts it into Google Calendar or Outlook, or opens it in Apple Calendar. Subscribe to calendar at the top adds the whole list as a subscription that updates itself as events are added.
What happens if it rains?
The Aoi Matsuri procession moves to 16 May if it rains, decided around 6pm the evening before. Umbrellas aren't allowed in the paid seats at the Jidai Matsuri, so bring a raincoat.
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