Latest Events in Kyoto Prefecture(October Updated)

The Jidai Matsuri, a historical festival commemorating Emperor Kanmu's establishment of Kyoto as the capital in 794, is a must-see for history buffs. This grand parade features over 2,000 participants dressed in costumes representing various eras of Japanese history. It departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace early in the morning and stretches for several kilometers before arriving at Heian Shrine.

In autumn 2026, the “Zen and Ghibli” , which explores the spirit of Zen through the works of Studio Ghibli, will be held at the Higashiyama Cube, New Wing of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.Inspired by the book Zen and Ghibli, a collection of conversations between Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks, this immersive exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Studio Ghibli’s works through the lens of Zen.Studio Ghibli films often embrace ambiguity rather than drawing clear lines between good and evil, leave space instead of rushing to provide answers, and encourage audiences to accept things even when they cannot be fully understood. These qualities resonate deeply with the core principles of Zen: avoiding rigid distinctions, refraining from fixed judgments, and observing the world as it is.Centered around Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film The Boy and the Heron (2023) — the Studio Ghibli film that attracted the largest overseas audience in the studio’s history—the exhibition explores a worldview that intentionally leaves questions unanswered, creating a lasting impression on viewers. Through iconic quotes, memorable scene photographs, and Toshio Suzuki’s calligraphy, the exhibition brings to life the Zen-inspired perspective that runs throughout Studio Ghibli’s body of work, offering visitors a rich and multidimensional experience.

Legend has it that the Kannon (Avalokitesvara) of Kiyomizu-dera Temple transforms into a blue dragon, and drinks water from the waterfall within the temple grounds at night. Therefore, the Yaksha (demon) is also worshipped there. This event is held specifically because of this legend, and also to pray for the well-being of those who come to worship. This dancing blue dragon parades from Okuno to the cobblestone streets surrounding Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The blue dragon is considered one of the four sacred guardians of Kyoto. Besides the giant blue dragon, there are men dressed in traditional samurai attire, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dances. It's truly amazing! Lunar New Year is on March 15th and April 3rd. Autumn is on October 15th, starting at 2:00 PM (2 PM).

It is one of Kyoto's three major festivals, held annually on October 22nd. Its origin is said to date back to 940 AD, when the local deity Yasho Myojin, enshrined in the Imperial Palace, was invited by Kurama. Villagers welcomed the deity at the shrine's altar with countless torches. The festival takes place around Yuki Shrine and the Kurama road leading to it, filling Kurama village with the roar of torches and the brave cry of "Saireya, Sairyo!"

This festival has a thousand-year history and includes the display of sword-shaped spears at the Shinko Matsuri, which is said to be the model for the Yamaboko of the Gion Matsuri. During the Reiken Matsuri, brightly colored Awata lanterns are paraded through the parish. During the annual festival, a sacrificial sword is offered as a sacrifice.

The Kiyomizu-yaki no Gosai is a large-scale pottery festival showcasing pottery from local and national sources, with a particular focus on Kyoto's famous Kyo-yaki/Kiyomizu-yaki. Held annually on the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of October, the festival is a great opportunity to browse dozens of shops and stalls, admire the exquisite wares, learn about Japanese ceramics, and find great deals you can't find anywhere else! Hardcore pottery enthusiasts and those simply looking for a unique Kyoto souvenir will love this market. The area where the festival takes place is known as the Kiyomizu-yaki Danchi, a gathering place for potters, clay suppliers, wholesalers, artists, as well as woodworkers, doll makers, and other artisans who relocated from their original locations on Gojo-zaka and Kiyomizu-zaka around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, giving rise to the name "Kiyomizu-yaki."

What does that title signify— Is it "Substitute" or "The Chosen One"? The answer remains unclear. Yet, in this long-run tour starting in Japan, I can distinctly feel something different from before—an unwavering presence that belongs to ayu.

To celebrate the museum's 30th anniversary, a circular gallery designed by Tadao Ando, ​​located at the end of the underground passage of the century-old main building—the Oyamazaki Villa—is dedicated to exhibiting Claude Monet's "Water Lilies." This "underground jewel box" (underground gallery) will display all of Monet's works during the museum's 30th anniversary celebrations; these works are among the museum's core collections. This is also the first time in ten years that all eight of the museum's Monet works have been exhibited, including five "Water Lilies" paintings and three Japanese arched bridge paintings. Immerse yourself in Monet's masterpieces, experience the tranquility of this space that blends perfectly with the garden and the surrounding natural environment, and feel the charm of art.

KYOTO EXPERIMENT is a festival dedicated to creating and disseminating experimental performing arts both domestically and internationally, connecting artistic expression with society through new forms of dialogue. This year, the festival will present four projects based on the key words from Matsuo Basho's haiku, "Matsutake mushrooms cling to unknown leaves," providing a forum for encounters and dialogue between diverse individuals and performing arts. As an international performing arts festival originating in Kyoto, this project aims to gain a deep understanding of the region in which it is based and to explore this through field research. Led by artists, they will collaborate with local residents, producers, and researchers to continuously research the culture of Kyoto and the Kansai region. The ideas and processes emerging from these activities will be compiled on a dedicated website and made available to the public as an online library. The project aims to serve as a repository of knowledge, a testing ground, and a source of inspiration for future creators and project planners.