What's on in Kyoto
Kyoto events in April 2027
145 events in April 2027: 74 festivals, 24 exhibitions, 17 performances, 12 gardens, 6 illuminations, 6 sports events, 4 markets and 2 anime and games events, from headline festivals to neighbourhood fairs. 44 of them are annual events whose 2027 dates are still to be confirmed, listed with their usual window.
Cherry blossom season. Kyoto's trees reach full bloom around 4 April on average, and Ninna-ji's late Omuro cherries peak around the middle of the month. Gion's geiko and maiko dance the Miyako Odori in April, and it's one of the two busiest times of year, so book early. More on the season in Cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
MapKyoto weather in April
- Average high
- 20°C (68°F)
- Average low
- 9°C (49°F)
- Rain
- 117 mm
- Rainy days
- about 9
A light jacket or a sweater covers most days, and evenings cool to about 9°C (49°F). Pack a small umbrella too, as it rains on about 9 days.
Averages from the Japan Meteorological Agency normals for 1991 to 2020, Kyoto station (rain table). Rainy days have at least 1 mm of rain.
Don't miss in April 2027
Performance Sakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian Jingu 1 to 5 Apr · Okazaki The red weeping cherries of the east and south gardens are lit from 18:15, with concerts staged from the guest hall at the east garden. Performers change by day. Photo: Manish Prabhune, CC BY 2.0
Performance Miyako Odori 1 to 30 Apr · Gion Gion Kobu's geiko and maiko dance through the four seasons in one act without the curtain once coming down, with geiko singing and playing shamisen on one side of the stage and maiko on flutes and drums on the other. The ¥8,000 ticket includes tea, served from an hour before the show.
Garden Cherry Walk at Kyoto Botanical Garden 9 to 11 Apr · Demachiyanagi A guided cherry blossom walk of about an hour from the front of the garden hall, first 30 people. Garden admission applies. Photo: Tatters ✾, CC BY-SA 2.0
Festival Genbu Yasurai Festival 11 Apr · Kita One of the three odd festivals of Kyoto and an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Four flower umbrellas parade with gongs and drums through the parish.
Festival Yasurai Festival at Kawakami Daijingu 11 Apr · Kita One of Kyoto's three odd festivals, a dance of demons and a flower umbrella to gongs and drums that visits Imamiya Shrine. An Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Illumination Fresh Green Light-up at To-ji 28 Apr to 10 May, dates to be confirmed · Kyoto Station A second spring light-up over Golden Week, with the new leaves lit and the Kondo and Kodo halls open after dark.
Calendar
Showing all 155 events in April 2027
19Sakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian JinguHonen-in Spring Opening+7 more+36 on for weeks25Annual Festival at Matsunoo TaishaSakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian JinguHonen-in Spring Opening+2 more+36 on for weeks1 gig313Seiryu-e Blue Dragon Procession at Kiyomizu-dera (April)Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony at Kitano TenmanguKyoto Sakura Yosakoi+10 more+35 on for weeks410Cherry Viewing Gathering at BishamondoSaga Dainembutsu Kyogen spring performanceSakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian Jingu+7 more+35 on for weeks54Hana Matsuri and Cherry Blossom Viewing at Bishamon-doSakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian JinguHonen-in Spring Opening+1 more+33 on for weeks63Honen-in Spring Opening+2 more+32 on for weeks73Honen-in Spring Opening+2 more+33 on for weeks810Great Flower Arrangement Festival at Daikaku-ji+9 more+32 on for weeks93Cherry Walk at Kyoto Botanical GardenGreat Flower Arrangement Festival at Daikaku-ji+1 more+32 on for weeks105Hojo Taisai Entertainment and Flower Offering at JonanguGreat Flower Arrangement Festival at Daikaku-jiCherry Walk at Kyoto Botanical Garden+2 more+33 on for weeks1119Genbu Yasurai FestivalKamo Kyokusui no En Poetry PartySangyo-sai Industry Festival at Fushimi Inari+16 more+33 on for weeks122+2 more+29 on for weeks132+2 more+25 on for weeks144Spring Grand Festival at Shiramine Shrine+3 more+25 on for weeks159Hyakumanben Handmade Market at Chion-ji+8 more+26 on for weeks164+4 more+25 on for weeks1 gig174+4 more+27 on for weeks1 gig188+8 more+28 on for weeks1 gig191+1 more+23 on for weeks203+3 more+22 on for weeks216Kobo-ichi Market at To-jiKobo-san Market at To-ji+4 more+22 on for weeks221+1 more+22 on for weeks232Omoto and Classic Plants Show at Kyoto Botanical Garden+1 more+22 on for weeks242Omoto and Classic Plants Show at Kyoto Botanical Garden+1 more+23 on for weeks2514Spring festival and Rokusai Nenbutsu dance at Kisshoin TenmanguOmoto and Classic Plants Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenKamigamo Handmade Market+11 more+25 on for weeks263+3 more+24 on for weeks271+1 more+24 on for weeks2851000market at Kiyomizu-dera+4 more+25 on for weeks296Kyokusui no Utage at JonanguEbine Orchid Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenFresh Green Tour of Mt Hiei+3 more+25 on for weeks304Ebine Orchid Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenFresh Green Tour of Mt HieiMibu Kyogen Spring Performances+1 more+25 on for weeks
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.
2 events
Honen-in Spring OpeningGinkakuji · Honen-in · 1 to 7 AprUsual dates
1 event · 1 gig
Annual Festival at Matsunoo TaishaArashiyama · Matsunoo Taisha · 2 Apr
5 events
Seiryu-e Blue Dragon Procession at Kiyomizu-dera (April)Higashiyama · Kiyomizu-dera · 3 AprFreeUsual dates
Yokozuna Ring-Entering Ceremony at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano Tenmangu · 3 Apr
Kyoto Sakura YosakoiOkazaki · Okazaki Park and Nijo Castle area · 3 to 4 AprUsual dates
Umekoji Park Handmade MarketKyoto Station · Umekoji ParkFreeRegular market
Umekoji Park Handmade MarketKyoto Station · Umekoji ParkFreeRegular market
3 events
Cherry Viewing Gathering at BishamondoYamashina · Bishamondo · 4 Apr
Saga Dainembutsu Kyogen spring performanceArashiyama · Seiryo-ji kyogen stage · 4 AprFreeUsual dates
Garakuta-ichi at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market
1 event
Hana Matsuri and Cherry Blossom Viewing at Bishamon-doYamashina · Bishamon-do · 5 AprUsual dates
1 event
Great Flower Arrangement Festival at Daikaku-jiSaga · Daikaku-ji · 8 to 11 Apr
1 event
Cherry Walk at Kyoto Botanical GardenDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden · 9 to 11 Apr
1 event
Hojo Taisai Entertainment and Flower Offering at JonanguFushimi · Jonangu · 10 to 11 AprFree
6 events
Genbu Yasurai FestivalKita · Genbu Shrine · 11 Apr
Kamo Kyokusui no En Poetry PartyDemachiyanagi · Kamigamo Shrine · 11 AprUsual dates
Sangyo-sai Industry Festival at Fushimi InariFushimi · Fushimi Inari Taisha · 11 AprUsual dates
Yasurai Festival at Kawakami DaijinguKita · Kawakami Daijingu · 11 Apr
Yasurai Matsuri at Imamiya ShrineKitano · Imamiya Shrine · 11 AprFreeUsual dates
Yoshino Tayu Flower Memorial at Josho-jiTakagamine · Josho-ji · 11 AprUsual dates
1 event
Spring Grand Festival at Shiramine ShrineImperial Palace · Shiramine Shrine · 14 Apr
1 event
Hyakumanben Handmade Market at Chion-jiDemachiyanagi · Hyakumanben Chion-jiFreeRegular market
2 events
Kobo-ichi Market at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market
Kobo-san Market at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market
1 event
Omoto and Classic Plants Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden · 23 to 25 AprUsual dates
4 events
Spring festival and Rokusai Nenbutsu dance at Kisshoin TenmanguMinami · Kisshoin Tenmangu · 25 Apr
Kamigamo Handmade MarketDemachiyanagi · Kamigamo ShrineFreeRegular market
Tenjin-ichi Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market
Tenjin-san Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market
1 event
1000market at Kiyomizu-deraHigashiyama · Kiyomizu-deraFreeRegular market
4 events
Kyokusui no Utage at JonanguFushimi · Jonangu · 29 AprUsual dates
Ebine Orchid Show at Kyoto Botanical GardenDemachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden · 29 Apr to 2 May
Fresh Green Tour of Mt HieiOtsu · Enryaku-ji · 29 Apr to 5 MayFree
Mibu Kyogen Spring PerformancesNijo · Mibu-dera · 29 Apr to 5 MayUsual dates
Nothing matches these filters. Clear one and try again.
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
49 long runs, such as exhibitions and illuminations: on for more than a week, so shown once instead of every day.
Anko Photo Exhibition at Kyoto City ZooOkazaki · Kyoto City Zoo, Serval Exhibition Room · 15 Sept to 11 Apr
Maruyama Okyo and Ito JakuchuImperial Palace · Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum · 17 Oct to 20 Jun
Moto Hagio Exhibition: Longing for Europe (manga original art)Oyamazaki · Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art · 19 Dec to 11 Apr
Fujino YumikoOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (The Triangle) · 15 Jan to 18 AprFree
Timeless Code: Contemporary and EdoArashiyama · Fukuda Art Museum · 30 Jan to 6 Jun
Ninja Show NARUTO at MinamizaGion · Minamiza · 1 Feb to 30 Jun
Thinking Sculptors: Raphaël Zarka and Horiuchi MasakazuOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube · 6 Feb to 5 May
Exhibition: Scenes from the Tale in Genji-eUji · Uji City Genji Monogatari Museum · 17 Feb to 18 Apr
Arai Kinya and KyotoShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 20 Feb to 18 Apr
Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City Designated Cultural Properties Selection 2027Shijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 20 Feb to 18 Apr
Medalist ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 20 Feb to 11 Apr
Tenryu-ji Hatto Cloud Dragon Painting Spring OpeningArashiyama · Tenryu-ji · 1 Mar to 31 MayUsual dates
Nirvana painting display at Shinnyo-doSakyo · Shinnyo-do (Shinsho Gokuraku-ji) · 1 Mar to 4 Apr
Spring Doll Exhibition at Hokyo-jiKitano · Hokyo-ji · 1 Mar to 3 AprUsual dates
Silk Beauty, Weaving Skill: Yamaguchi Itaro and the Tale of Genji Brocade Handscroll (working title)Okazaki · Hosomi Museum of Art · 6 Mar to 9 May
Hanmantosai, the 1,125th Memorial Festival at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano Tenmangu · 11 Mar to 4 Apr
Spring Special Opening at Kogen-jiArashiyama · Kogen-ji (Tenryu-ji sub-temple) · 13 Mar to 16 May
Spring Jusan-mairi Rite at Horin-jiArashiyama · Horin-ji · 13 Mar to 13 May
Flower Ceiling Spring Opening at Hiraoka HachimanguKinkakuji · Hiraoka Hachimangu · 13 Mar to 6 May
Spring Night Viewing at Kodai-jiGion · Kodai-ji · 13 Mar to 6 MayUsual dates
Camellia Viewing at Hiraoka HachimanguKinkakuji · Hiraoka Hachimangu · 13 Mar to 12 AprFree
Cherry Blossom Light-up at To-jiKyoto Station · To-ji · 14 Mar to 12 AprUsual dates
Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom FestivalNijo · Nijo Castle · 19 Mar to 19 AprUsual dates
To-ji Treasure Hall Spring OpeningKyoto Station · To-ji · 20 Mar to 25 MayUsual dates
Daigo-ji Reihokan Spring ExhibitionDaigo · Daigo-ji Reihokan · 20 Mar to 6 MayUsual dates
Ginkaku-ji Spring Special Viewing of the TogudoGinkakuji · Ginkaku-ji · 20 Mar to 6 MayUsual dates
Okazaki Sakura Kairo Jikkokubune cherry blossom boatsOkazaki · Nanzenji Funatamari boarding point · 20 Mar to 15 Apr
Kitano OdoriKitano · Kamishichiken Kaburenjo · 20 Mar to 2 AprUsual dates
Shokoku-ji Spring Special OpeningImperial Palace · Shokoku-ji · 25 Mar to 2 JunUsual dates
Gion Shirakawa Cherry Blossom Light-upGion · Gion Shinbashi and Shirakawa Minami-dori · 26 Mar to 4 AprFreeUsual dates
Omuro Flower Festival at Ninna-jiKinkakuji · Ninna-ji · 27 Mar to 6 MayUsual dates
Cherry Blossom Light-up at Hirano ShrineKinkakuji · Hirano Shrine · 27 Mar to 11 Apr
Cherry Blossom Tea Gathering at Heian JinguOkazaki · Heian Jingu Shinen Garden · 27 Mar to 7 Apr
Kiyomizu-dera Spring Night ViewingHigashiyama · Kiyomizu-dera · 27 Mar to 5 AprUsual dates
Cherry Festival at the Old Kyoto Prefectural OfficeImperial Palace · Kyoto Prefectural Government Old Main Building · 28 Mar to 12 AprUsual dates
Miyako OdoriGion · Gion Kobu Kaburenjo · 1 to 30 Apr
Kyo OdoriGion · Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Mitsuwaza · 4 to 19 AprUsual dates
Hanakuyo Flower Offering at Kurama-deraKurama and Kibune · Kurama-dera · 5 to 12 AprUsual dates
Cherry Blossom Festival at Hosen-jiUkyo · Hosen-ji · 7 to 18 Apr
Azalea Gardens at Mimuroto-jiUji · Mimuroto-ji · 10 Apr to 9 May
Ruriko-in Spring OpeningYase · Ruriko-in · 15 Apr to 31 MayUsual dates
Fudo Taisai at Sanzen-inOhara · Sanzen-in · 17 Apr to 16 MayUsual dates
KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival 2027Shijo-Karasuma · Venues across Kyoto · 17 Apr to 16 May
Gyoki Daie and Midnight Nembutsu at Chion-inGion · Chion-in · 18 to 25 AprUsual dates
Nijo Castle Wall Paintings Original Display (Spring)Nijo · Nijo Castle Shoheki-ga Exhibition and Storage Hall · 20 Apr to 31 MayUsual dates
Spring Special Opening at Mibu-deraNijo · Mibu-dera · 24 Apr to 5 May
To-ji Pagoda First Floor OpeningKyoto Station · To-ji · 25 Apr to 25 MayUsual dates
Matsuo MatsuriArashiyama · Matsuo Taisha · 25 Apr to 16 MayFreeUsual dates
Fresh Green Light-up at To-jiKyoto Station · To-ji · 28 Apr to 10 MayUsual dates
Planning a trip in April
National holidays in April 2027:
- Thursday 29 April Showa Day (昭和の日)
Holidays from the Cabinet Office's list of national holidays.
The calendar above lists 145 events in April 2027, and it's updated every week. Where to stay in Kyoto compares the main areas.
More things to do in Kyoto in April
Beyond the dated events, here's what the season brings and which guides cover April.
At their best in April
Also worth a look
- 4 gigs are listed for April: See the live music listings
- Free Things to Do in Kyoto
Good to know
What is on in Kyoto in April 2027?
There are 145 events listed for April 2027 (74 festivals, 24 exhibitions, 17 performances, 12 gardens, 6 illuminations, 6 sports events, 4 markets and 2 anime and games events). The big dates are Sakura Night Light-up and Weeping Cherry Concert at Heian Jingu (1 to 5 Apr), Miyako Odori (1 to 30 Apr), Cherry Walk at Kyoto Botanical Garden (9 to 11 Apr), Genbu Yasurai Festival (11 Apr), Yasurai Festival at Kawakami Daijingu (11 Apr) and Fresh Green Light-up at To-ji (28 Apr to 10 May, dates to be confirmed). 101 have confirmed dates and 44 are annual events whose exact 2027 dates are still to be announced, shown with the usual window. Every listing links to the interactive map.
Which temple light-ups are on in Kyoto in April 2027?
6 light-ups are listed for April 2027, among them Spring Night Viewing at Kodai-ji (13 Mar to 6 May, dates to be confirmed), Cherry Blossom Light-up at To-ji (14 Mar to 12 Apr, dates to be confirmed), Gion Shirakawa Cherry Blossom Light-up (26 Mar to 4 Apr, dates to be confirmed), Cherry Blossom Light-up at Hirano Shrine (27 Mar to 11 Apr) and Fresh Green Light-up at To-ji (28 Apr to 10 May, dates to be confirmed).
Where are the cherry blossom festivals and light-ups in Kyoto in April 2027?
13 cherry blossom events are listed for April 2027, among them Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (19 Mar to 19 Apr, dates to be confirmed), Okazaki Sakura Kairo Jikkokubune cherry blossom boats (20 Mar to 15 Apr), Cherry Blossom Light-up at Hirano Shrine (27 Mar to 11 Apr), Cherry Blossom Tea Gathering at Heian Jingu (27 Mar to 7 Apr) and Cherry Blossom Festival at Hosen-ji (7 to 18 Apr). Bloom moves with the weather, so the cherry blossom page has the spots.
What's on in Kyoto during Golden Week 2027?
Golden Week is the run of national holidays from Showa Day (29 April) to Children's Day (5 May). 26 listed events are on during it, among them Miyako Odori (1 to 30 Apr), Azalea Gardens at Mimuroto-ji (10 Apr to 9 May), Spring Special Opening at Mibu-dera (24 Apr to 5 May), Fresh Green Light-up at To-ji (28 Apr to 10 May, dates to be confirmed) and Fresh Green Tour of Mt Hiei (29 Apr to 5 May).
What's the weather like in Kyoto in April?
In April Kyoto averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 9°C (49°F), with 117 mm of rain on about 9 days. Those are the Japan Meteorological Agency's averages for 1991 to 2020 at its Kyoto station, counting days with at least 1 mm of rain.
What festivals are on in Kyoto in April 2027?
23 festivals are listed for April 2027, among them Okazaki Sakura Kairo Jikkokubune cherry blossom boats (20 Mar to 15 Apr), Cherry Blossom Festival at Hosen-ji (7 to 18 Apr), Genbu Yasurai Festival (11 Apr), Yasurai Festival at Kawakami Daijingu (11 Apr) and Yasurai Matsuri at Imamiya Shrine (11 Apr, dates to be confirmed). Smaller local festivals are under Around the neighbourhoods, further down the page.
Are there free events in Kyoto in April 2027?
Yes. 17 of the 145 events listed for April 2027 are free to attend, including Fujino Yumiko (15 Jan to 18 Apr), Gion Shirakawa Cherry Blossom Light-up (26 Mar to 4 Apr, dates to be confirmed) and Yasurai Matsuri at Imamiya Shrine (11 Apr, dates to be confirmed).
Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?
Cherry blossom season. Kyoto's trees reach full bloom around 4 April on average, and Ninna-ji's late Omuro cherries peak around the middle of the month. Gion's geiko and maiko dance the Miyako Odori in April, and it's one of the two busiest times of year, so book early.
How current is this list?
Dated events are checked against the organiser's own page, and finished events drop off the page on their own. Annual events further out carry their usual dates until the official ones are published.
Running an event? Add your event and it's checked for the next weekly update.