What's on in Kyoto

Kyoto events in January 2027

167 events in January 2027: 94 festivals, 39 exhibitions, 15 performances, 5 markets, 4 anime and games events, 3 illuminations, 3 food events, 3 sports events and 1 garden, from headline festivals to neighbourhood fairs. 21 of them are annual events whose 2027 dates are still to be confirmed, listed with their usual window.

The year's coldest weeks, with mornings averaging under 2°C. The first days of January fill the shrines for hatsumode, the first visit of the year. The Tenjin-san market at Kitano Tenmangu on the 25th is one of the two biggest of the year. More on the season in Things to do in Kyoto.

Map

Kyoto weather in January

Average high: 9°C (48°F)
Average low: 2°C (35°F)
Rain: 53 mm
Rainy days: about 6

You'll want a warm coat, with a hat and gloves for evenings near 2°C (35°F).

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 January 2027

The huge wooden main hall of Chion-in across its stone-paved courtyard

Festival Shusho-e New Year Service at Chion-in 1 Jan · Gion Chion-in opens the year with a prayer service for peace in the Mieido hall at 6:00 on 1 January. Photo: Christian Kadluba, CC BY-SA 2.0

The red torii and stone name pillar of Jonangu, with the shrine gate at the end of the paved approach

Festival Harae Kagura at Jonangu 1 to 3 Jan · Fushimi Jonangu performs Harae Kagura on the Kagura-den stage about every 30 minutes on January 1 to 3, free to watch. Photo: 663highland, CC BY 2.5

The lawn, stream and stepping stones of the Murin-an villa garden in Okazaki, Kyoto

Garden New Year Garden Guide and Special Tea Sweets at Murin-an 1 to 3 Jan · Okazaki A 15-minute garden tour at five past and half past each hour, with New Year sweets and matcha available. Photo: Daderot, Public domain

Exhibition Gafuten small bonsai fair 8 to 10 Jan · Okazaki Small bonsai fair at Miyako Messe from 8 to 10 January, 9:30 to 16:30 (15:30 on the last day).

Performance Quartet Integra String Quartet Concert 17 Jan · Kitayama String quartet concert with Mozart's Quartet No. 14, Berio's Notturno and Mendelssohn in the Ensemble Hall Murata. All seats reserved.

Illumination Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival 18 to 22 Jan · Nantan Alley lanterns and LED lights illuminate the thatched farmhouses of Miyama's Kayabuki no Sato on five winter evenings (a day trip in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture). Dates are provisional.

Calendar

116Shusho-e New Year Service at Chion-inHarae Kagura at JonanguNew Year Garden Guide and Special Tea Sweets at Murin-an+13 more+31 on for weeks 28Harae Kagura at JonanguNew Year Garden Guide and Special Tea Sweets at Murin-anNew Year Service (Shushoe) at Bishamon-do+5 more+32 on for weeks 315Karuta Hajime at Yasaka ShrineNew Year First Climb of Mt KanabiHarae Kagura at Jonangu+12 more+32 on for weeks 44Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo Shrine+3 more+32 on for weeks 57Hatsu Agata Matsuri at Agata Shrine+6 more+33 on for weeks 65Zenshinza Kyoto New Year Special Performance+4 more+33 on for weeks 77Zenshinza Kyoto New Year Special Performance+6 more+33 on for weeks2 gigs 89Gafuten small bonsai fairToka Ebisu at Kyoto Ebisu ShrineZenshinza Kyoto New Year Special Performance+6 more+33 on for weeks1 gig 99Hatsu Enma-mairi and New Year treasure opening at Rokudo Chinno-jiZenshinza Kyoto New Year Special PerformanceGafuten small bonsai fair+6 more+34 on for weeks3 gigs 1015Hatsutora-e First Tiger Day Fair at Bishamon-doZenshinza Kyoto New Year Special PerformanceGafuten small bonsai fair+12 more+34 on for weeks4 gigs 118Seijin-sai Coming-of-Age Rite at Fushimi InariSenzan Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage at Sennyu-jiZenshinza Kyoto New Year Special Performance+5 more+34 on for weeks1 gig 126Toka Ebisu at Kyoto Ebisu ShrineHatsutora-e First Tiger Day Fair at Bishamon-do+4 more+29 on for weeks1 gig 134+4 more+29 on for weeks1 gig 144Hadaka Odori naked dance at Hokai-ji+3 more+29 on for weeks 1512First Rokuamida Pilgrimage of the YearSagicho Fire Rite at Imakumano ShrineTondo Fire Festival at Hiraoka Hachimangu+9 more+34 on for weeks2 gigs 165+5 more+33 on for weeks5 gigs 1710Japan Century Symphony Orchestra Kyoto ConcertNational Prefectural Women's Ekiden (Empress's Cup)Quartet Integra String Quartet Concert+7 more+32 on for weeks3 gigs 187Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival+6 more+26 on for weeks1 gig 194Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival+3 more+26 on for weeks1 gig 204Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival+3 more+25 on for weeks 216Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern FestivalKobo-ichi Market at To-jiKobo-san Market at To-ji+3 more+25 on for weeks2 gigs 226Co-program 2026: Yuka Uchida, Respect People zKayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival+4 more+25 on for weeks 235Senri Oe Trio Premium Jazz Concert 2027: HOMEWORKCo-program 2026: Yuka Uchida, Respect People z+3 more+26 on for weeks3 gigs 248Kamigamo Handmade Market+7 more+26 on for weeks1 gig 258Honen Memorial Month Service at Chion-inTenjin-ichi Market at Kitano TenmanguTenjin-san Market at Kitano Tenmangu+5 more+23 on for weeks1 gig 262+2 more+23 on for weeks1 gig 271+1 more+23 on for weeks 289Hatsu Fudo Goma Fire Rite at Bishamon-doHatsu-Fudo first Fudo day at Tanukidani FudoinKitayama Classic Club 2026: Sebastien Jacot (Flute) and Naoko Yoshino (Harp)+6 more+22 on for weeks2 gigs 293+3 more+22 on for weeks 30+23 on for weeks1 gig 316Ikkyu Zenzai Day at Ikkyu-jiOniyarai Shinji demon-driving rite at Iwashimizu HachimanguRecomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons+3 more+23 on for weeks4 gigs

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.

Fri 1 Jan 6 events

Shusho-e New Year Service at Chion-inGion · Chion-in · 1 Jan

Harae Kagura at JonanguFushimi · Jonangu · 1 to 3 JanFree

New Year Garden Guide and Special Tea Sweets at Murin-anOkazaki · Murin-an · 1 to 3 Jan

New Year Service (Shushoe) at Bishamon-doYamashina · Bishamon-do · 1 to 3 JanUsual dates

Obuku-cha New Year Tea at Rokuharamitsu-jiHigashiyama · Rokuharamitsu-ji · 1 to 3 Jan

Three-Storey Pagoda Opening at Joruri-ji (New Year)Kizugawa · Joruri-ji · 1 to 3 Jan

Sun 3 Jan 3 events

Karuta Hajime at Yasaka ShrineGion · Yasaka Shrine · 3 JanFreeUsual dates

New Year First Climb of Mt KanabiKyotanabe · Mt Kanabi, Kyotanabe · 3 Jan

Garakuta-ichi at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market

Mon 4 Jan 1 event

Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo ShrineDemachiyanagi · Shimogamo Shrine · 4 JanFreeUsual dates

Tue 5 Jan 1 event

Hatsu Agata Matsuri at Agata ShrineUji · Agata Shrine · 5 Jan

Wed 6 Jan 1 event

Zenshinza Kyoto New Year Special PerformanceKyoto Station · Kyoto Theatre · 6 to 11 Jan

Fri 8 Jan 2 events · 1 gig

Gafuten small bonsai fairOkazaki · Miyako Messe (Kyoto City Kangyokan) · 8 to 10 Jan

Toka Ebisu at Kyoto Ebisu ShrineGion · Kyoto Ebisu Shrine · 8 to 12 JanFreeUsual dates

Sat 9 Jan 1 event · 3 gigs

Hatsu Enma-mairi and New Year treasure opening at Rokudo Chinno-jiHigashiyama · Rokudo Chinno-ji · 9 to 11 Jan

Sun 10 Jan 1 event · 4 gigs

Hatsutora-e First Tiger Day Fair at Bishamon-doYamashina · Bishamon-do · 10 to 12 JanUsual dates

Mon 11 Jan 2 events · 1 gig

Seijin-sai Coming-of-Age Rite at Fushimi InariFushimi · Fushimi Inari Taisha · 11 JanUsual dates

Senzan Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage at Sennyu-jiSennyu-ji · Sennyu-ji precinct · 11 Jan

Thu 14 Jan 1 event

Hadaka Odori naked dance at Hokai-jiFushimi · Hokai-ji (Hino Yakushi) · 14 Jan

Fri 15 Jan 4 events · 2 gigs

First Rokuamida Pilgrimage of the YearOkazaki · Shinnyo-do and other temples · 15 Jan

Sagicho Fire Rite at Imakumano ShrineHigashiyama · Shin-Kumano Shrine · 15 Jan

Tondo Fire Festival at Hiraoka HachimanguKinkakuji · Hiraoka Hachimangu · 15 Jan

Hyakumanben Handmade Market at Chion-jiDemachiyanagi · Hyakumanben Chion-jiFreeRegular market

Sun 17 Jan 4 events · 3 gigs

Japan Century Symphony Orchestra Kyoto ConcertKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Main Hall) · 17 Jan

National Prefectural Women's Ekiden (Empress's Cup)Ukyo · Takebishi Stadium Kyoto (Nishikyogoku) and Kyoto streets · 17 Jan

Quartet Integra String Quartet ConcertKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) · 17 Jan

Yanagi no Okaji Willow Blessing at SanjusangendoHigashiyama · Sanjusangendo · 17 Jan

Mon 18 Jan 1 event · 1 gig

Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern FestivalNantan · Kayabuki no Sato, Miyama · 18 to 22 Jan

Thu 21 Jan 2 events · 2 gigs

Kobo-ichi Market at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market

Kobo-san Market at To-jiKyoto Station · To-jiFreeRegular market

Fri 22 Jan 1 event

Co-program 2026: Yuka Uchida, Respect People zShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto Art Center, Auditorium · 22 to 23 Jan

Sat 23 Jan 1 event · 3 gigs

Senri Oe Trio Premium Jazz Concert 2027: HOMEWORKKitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) · 23 Jan

Sun 24 Jan 1 event · 1 gig

Kamigamo Handmade MarketDemachiyanagi · Kamigamo ShrineFreeRegular market

Mon 25 Jan 3 events · 1 gig

Honen Memorial Month Service at Chion-inGion · Chion-in · 25 Jan

Tenjin-ichi Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market

Tenjin-san Market at Kitano TenmanguKitano · Kitano TenmanguFreeRegular market

Thu 28 Jan 4 events · 2 gigs

Hatsu Fudo Goma Fire Rite at Bishamon-doYamashina · Bishamon-do · 28 JanUsual dates

Hatsu-Fudo first Fudo day at Tanukidani FudoinSakyo · Tanukidani-yama Fudoin · 28 Jan

Kitayama Classic Club 2026: Sebastien Jacot (Flute) and Naoko Yoshino (Harp)Kitayama · Kyoto Concert Hall (Ensemble Hall Murata) · 28 Jan

1000market at Kiyomizu-deraHigashiyama · Kiyomizu-deraFreeRegular market

Sun 31 Jan 4 events · 4 gigs

Ikkyu Zenzai Day at Ikkyu-jiKyotanabe · Shuon-an Ikkyu-ji · 31 Jan

Oniyarai Shinji demon-driving rite at Iwashimizu HachimanguYawata · Iwashimizu Hachimangu · 31 Jan

Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four SeasonsOkazaki · ROHM Theatre Kyoto (South Hall) · 31 Jan

Science Festival of Kyoto Science MuseumsFushimi · Kyoto City Youth Science Center · 31 Jan

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

41 long runs, such as exhibitions and illuminations: on for more than a week, so shown once instead of every day.

Kodai-ji Museum: Hideyoshi's Daizuigu Bosatsu on ShowGion · Kodai-ji Museum (Shobijutsukan) · 5 Sept to 27 Jan

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

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

Shapes of Love: The Lost Shunga Scroll Chigo no SoshiArashiyama · Fukuda Art Museum · 19 Sept to 17 Jan

Keihan x Nijusseiki Denki Mokuroku Collaboration at Nidec Kyoto TowerKyoto Station · Nidec Kyoto Tower (observation deck) · 9 Oct to 11 Jan

Manpuku-ji Night Opening and Light Art: The Crimson Dragon Holding a National TreasureUji · Manpuku-ji · 11 Oct to 21 Feb

Maruyama Okyo and Ito JakuchuImperial Palace · Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum · 17 Oct to 20 Jun

To-ji Jikido Autumn Event: 20th Kanransai ExhibitionKyoto Station · To-ji · 18 Oct to 24 JanFree

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

Nijo Castle and the Opening of the Edo ShogunateImperial Palace · Kyoto City Historical Archives · 31 Oct to 17 JanFree

Heian court dress and maiko dress-up experience at Nishijin Textile CenterNijo · Nishijin Textile Center · 1 Nov to 31 Mar

FOCUS #7: Koki Tanaka, No Time to Sleep / Time to SleepShijo-Karasuma · Kyoto Art Center, Gallery North and South · 6 Nov to 11 JanFree

Nijo Castle Wall Paintings Original Display: Scene of a Splendid Banquet (Winter)Nijo · Nijo Castle Shoheki-ga Exhibition and Storage Hall · 19 Nov to 17 Jan

The Indomitable Power of Go NagaiShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 28 Nov to 11 Jan

Exhibition: Celebrating with Folding ScreensUji · Uji City Genji Monogatari Museum · 2 Dec to 14 Feb

Ike no Taiga and Kyoto Literati PaintingShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 5 Dec to 14 Feb

Masterpieces of the Paleological Association of JapanShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 5 Dec to 14 Feb

Jimmy Onishi: Hometown, Kyoto ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 5 Dec to 7 Feb

Bambio Illumination 2026Nagaokakyo · JR Nagaokakyo Station west exit and Bambio Square Park · 11 Dec to 11 Jan

Keichoen Exhibition (title to be announced)Kyoto Station · Kyoto City University of Arts Art Gallery @KCUA · 12 Dec to 14 Feb

Studio Ghibli Presents Hakuin's ZenOkazaki · Higashiyama Cube, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art · 17 Dec to 11 Jan

Moto Hagio Exhibition: Longing for Europe (manga original art)Oyamazaki · Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art · 19 Dec to 11 Apr

Nitten Kyoto ExhibitionOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art · 19 Dec to 16 Jan

Layered Histories: Renowned Tea Utensils and Their BoxesHigashiyama · Kyoto National Museum · 22 Dec to 22 Mar

New Year Feature: All About SheepHigashiyama · Kyoto National Museum · 22 Dec to 7 Feb

800 Years Since the Karoku Persecution (Meihin Gallery, picture scrolls)Higashiyama · Kyoto National Museum · 22 Dec to 24 Jan

Nishioji Seven Lucky Shrines Stamp Walk (Hirano Shrine)Kitano · Hirano Shrine · 1 Jan to 28 FebUsual dates

Kichijoten Statue Unveiling at Joruri-jiKizugawa · Joruri-ji · 1 to 15 Jan

Pioneers of Wazuka Valley: The Person Buried in Harayama KofunHigashiyama · Kyoto National Museum · 2 Jan to 22 Mar

Shaft 50th Anniversary ExhibitionShijo-Karasuma · Daimaru Museum Kyoto (Daimaru Kyoto, 6F) · 5 to 17 Jan

Ryukoku Museum: Indian Miniature Paintings, Gods and Buddhas (Hatakenaka Collection)Kyoto Station · Ryukoku Museum · 9 Jan to 21 Feb

Fujino YumikoOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (The Triangle) · 15 Jan to 18 AprFree

KYOCERA Museum Collection Room Winter: Painting Time, Modern Kyoto LacquerOkazaki · Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building South Corridor 1F · 15 Jan to 14 Mar

Yobanashi evening tea gathering at Kodai-jiHigashiyama · Kodai-ji · 15 Jan to 28 Feb

New Year red bean porridge gathering at Torin-inUkyo · Torin-in, Myoshin-ji · 15 to 31 Jan

Kyoto Botanical Garden Botanical Art Exhibition (2nd Botanical Art Contest)Demachiyanagi · Kyoto Botanical Garden (Botanical Garden Hall exhibition room) · 15 to 24 Jan

Kyoto Art for Tomorrow 2027: Kyoto Prefecture Emerging Artists SelectionShijo-Karasuma · Museum of Kyoto · 23 Jan to 7 Feb

Timeless Code: Contemporary and EdoArashiyama · Fukuda Art Museum · 30 Jan to 6 Jun

Planning a trip in January

National holidays in January 2027:

Friday 1 January New Year's Day (元日)
Monday 11 January Coming of Age Day (成人の日)

Holidays from the Cabinet Office's list of national holidays.

The calendar above lists 167 events in January 2027, and it's updated every week. Where to stay in Kyoto compares the main areas.

More things to do in Kyoto in January

Beyond the dated events, here's what the season brings and which guides cover January.

At their best in January

Kyoto Ebisu ShrineGion, 8 to 12 January

Also worth a look

40 gigs are listed for January: See the live music listings
Free Things to Do in Kyoto

Good to know

What is on in Kyoto in January 2027?

There are 167 events listed for January 2027 (94 festivals, 39 exhibitions, 15 performances, 5 markets, 4 anime and games events, 3 illuminations, 3 food events, 3 sports events and 1 garden). The big dates are Shusho-e New Year Service at Chion-in (1 Jan), Harae Kagura at Jonangu (1 to 3 Jan), New Year Garden Guide and Special Tea Sweets at Murin-an (1 to 3 Jan), Gafuten small bonsai fair (8 to 10 Jan), Quartet Integra String Quartet Concert (17 Jan) and Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival (18 to 22 Jan). 146 have confirmed dates and 21 are annual events whose exact 2027 dates are still to be announced, shown with the usual window. Every listing links to the interactive map.

What's the weather like in Kyoto in January?

In January Kyoto averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F), with 53 mm of rain on about 6 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 January 2027?

27 festivals are listed for January 2027, among them Shusho-e New Year Service at Chion-in (1 Jan), Harae Kagura at Jonangu (1 to 3 Jan), New Year First Climb of Mt Kanabi (3 Jan), First Rokuamida Pilgrimage of the Year (15 Jan) and Honen Memorial Month Service at Chion-in (25 Jan). Smaller local festivals are under Around the neighbourhoods, further down the page.

Are there free events in Kyoto in January 2027?

Yes. 18 of the 167 events listed for January 2027 are free to attend, including Harae Kagura at Jonangu (1 to 3 Jan), Karuta Hajime at Yasaka Shrine (3 Jan, dates to be confirmed) and Fujino Yumiko (15 Jan to 18 Apr).

Is January a good time to visit Kyoto?

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.