Kyoto Cherry Blossom Festival
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📍 Maruyama Park
Over 40,000 visitors expected at Maruyama Park. Try the €15 “hanami” picnic packages at local ryokan.
⚡ This Weekend — Don't Miss
📰 Latest Event News
- 3 best cherry blossom events and illuminations in Kyoto for 2026 - Time Out — Sun, 12 Apr 2026
- Milky Subway ‘Kimono’ Themed Pop Up Store in Kyoto 2026 - Essential Japan — Fri, 10 Apr 2026
- DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO opens today, April 9, 2026 (Thursday) - Rutland Herald — Thu, 09 Apr 2026
- UC San Diego Hosts 25th Annual Kyoto Prize Symposium March 11-12 - UC San Diego Today — Tue, 10 Feb 2026
- Kyotographie 2026 - PhMuseum — Mon, 05 Jan 2026
April 2026 🟢 HAPPENING NOW
Daimonji Fire Festival
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📍 Daimonji Yama
2,000 people light giant fire wheels on Daimonji Yama. Arrive before 6pm to secure a free viewing spot.
Kyoto International Jazz Festival
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📍 Kyoto Tower
Jazz musicians from 12 countries perform at Kyoto Tower. Tickets start at €15.
January 2026
Nishiki Market New Year's Sale
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📍 Nishiki Market
Start 2026 with Japan's oldest market offering discounted sake, pickles, and fresh seafood. Prices start at €2 for a kohada (gizzard shad).
Kamo no Daiko Festival
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📍 Kamo Riverbanks
Drummers and dancers perform in the Kamo River to ward off evil spirits; expect crowds at Higashiyama. Arrive early to avoid €10 street food markups.
Kyoto Yōkai Matsuri (Ghost Festival)
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📍 Gion
Lantern-lit parade of yokai (supernatural creatures) through Gion. Best views from Shijo Street; street vendors sell €4 yakitori.
February 2026
Kyoto Camellia Festival
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📍 Daimonji Yama
Over 10,000 camellias bloom at Daimonji Yama. Peak viewing is February 11–14. Entry is free, but €10 parking is charged.
Heian Shrine Lantern Lighting
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📍 Heian Shrine
1,000 paper lanterns glow at Heian Shrine during Setsubun. Best photos after 6pm when crowds disperse. Entry is €7.50.
Kyoto Nishiki Street Food Fair
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📍 Nishiki Market
50+ vendors offer limited-time ramen, mochi, and matcha sweets. Try the €4 “Yuba” tofu skin at Gion Saryo.
March 2026
Hachijyuhakkei (88 Views) Opening Day
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📍 Multiple venues
Annual pilgrimage of Kyoto’s 88 sacred spots reopens to the public. Most shrines charge €3–€5 entry.
Kyoto Cherry Blossom Forecast Launch
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📍 Maruyama Park
Official bloom prediction at Maruyama Park. Best to book a €25 private viewing tour in advance.
Philosopher’s Path Lantern Installation
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📍 Philosopher’s Path
200 lanterns line the canal to celebrate spring. Best viewed at dusk. Entry is free, but €10 tours include tea ceremonies.
May 2026
Gozan No Okuribi (Mountain Fire Festival)
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📍 Mount Uji
200 torchbearers light fire wheels at Mount Uji. Spectators can watch from the Ujigami Shrine.
Kyoto Noh Festival
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📍 Heian Shrine
Traditional Noh theater performed at Heian Shrine. Best seats are €20.
Kyoto Food & Wine Festival
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📍 Kyoto Station Hall
40+ chefs demonstrate kaiseki techniques. Try the €45 tasting menu at Kikunoi.
June 2026
Gion Matsuri (July Start Event)
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📍 Gion
First of 16 Gion Matsuri processions. Best viewing from Shijo Street.
Kyoto Dragon Boat Festival
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📍 Kamo River
50 teams race in the Kamo River. Entry is free, but €10 food tickets are sold.
Kyoto Summer Market
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📍 Shijo Street
100+ vendors sell handmade crafts, kimono, and seasonal snacks. Try the €6 grilled corn at Asakusa Market.
July 2026
Gion Matsuri (July 17–25 Processions)
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📍 Gion
32 floats (yamaboko) parade through Gion. Book €30 express tickets 3 months in advance.
Kyoto Fireworks Festival
📅
📍 Kamo River
3,000 fireworks over the Kamo River. Best views from Higashiyama. Entry is free.
Kyoto Summer Bazaar
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📍 Kyoto Station
Night market at Kyoto Station with over 50 food stalls. Try the €4 grilled squid.