Popular Weekend Events in Kyoto (September Updated)

As the largest anime, manga, and gaming event in western Japan, the Kyoto International Manga · Anime Fair (Kyomaf) will be held in September 2026 at Kyoto's cultural landmarks—Kyoto Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyotoand Kyoto International Manga Museum. This two-day annual celebration is not only a carnival for anime and manga fans but also a bridge that connects Japan's traditional ancient capital culture with modern pop imagination. This fair is a tailor-made carnival for every soul who loves manga, anime, and games. Whether you dream of witnessing your favorite voice actors shine on stage in person or want to get your hands on the latest original merchandise as soon as possible, this event will fulfill your expectations. What's more, while immersing yourself in the world of anime and manga, you can also experience Kyoto's profound traditional cultural heritage. This is a journey that connects passion and imagination, waiting for you to join. [Main Venue] Miyako Messe / ROHM Theatre Kyoto September 19, 2026, 9:00-17:00 JST (Last admission 16:30) September 20, 2026, 9:00-16:00 JST (Last admission 15:30) [Sub Venue] Kyoto International Manga Museum September 19, 2026, 10:00-19:00 JST (Last admission 18:30) September 20, 2026, 10:00-19:00 JST (Last admission 18:30)

The Hachisaku Festival is Kyoto's last summer festival, held annually on the first Sunday of September. In 2026, it will be held on September 5th and 6th. At this time of year, crops often suffer from typhoons and pests, so people pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace in their homes. Sumo wrestling matches are also held, and baby dohyo (a form of Buddhist ritual for children) are offered as a prayer for their healthy growth (advance registration is required). The Sagano Rokusai Reincarnation Festival takes place around 4 PM on the 7th. The Yamabuki-kai "Goddess Boy" parade departs from the shrine at 8 AM, proceeds by boat near Togetsukyo Bridge, and returns to the shrine around 2 PM. The night before, after sunset, 3,000 lanterns are lit at the temple, and the city's final Bon Odori dance is performed.

The Kasuga Matsuri is an autumn festival held at Saiin Kasuga Shrine on the second Saturday and Sunday of October each year, dedicated to praying for good health and a good harvest. Two mikoshi (portable shrines) and five decorative halberds (sword blades), all crafted during the early Edo period, are paraded through the festival. The Tomoe-kaikan ("tomo-kaikan") at the Nishioji-Shijo intersection is a major attraction. The section of Kasuga-dori between Sanjo and Shijo is a pedestrian zone, lined with approximately 200 stalls and bustling with activity from morning till night.

This festival celebrates the bushes clover, known as "Hagi no Miya," on the shrine grounds. Approximately 500 bushes bloom on the grounds, and poems written on the bushes are hung. Various traditional performances are also held, including archery demonstrations, dances, and the Iaido martial art. A tea ceremony is also held during the festival.

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.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) was a prominent ukiyo-e artist active in the late Edo period. Known as the "Master of the Bizarre," he was also called "Samurai Painter Kuniyoshi," "Master of Cats," and "Full of Satire and Humor." He displayed multifaceted talent, creating numerous works, including portraits of beautiful and vibrant women, portraits of actors depicting distinct features, and unique landscape paintings that blended Western painting techniques. He dedicated himself to bringing entertainment to the people of the Edo period, and his ability to create top-notch works in any subject matter made him a true master of ukiyo-e! This exhibition showcases approximately 200 works by Kuniyoshi, including masterpieces such as "The Old Imperial Palace of Soma," "He Looks Terrifying, But He's Actually Kind," and "Fifty-Three Playful Cats," as well as other works that fully demonstrate his exceptional talent. These works are divided into six categories to facilitate viewers' understanding of Kuniyoshi's diverse artistic activities. Through guided tours, we will guide you through the essence of Kuniyoshi's works, allowing you to experience his unique artistic personality and the diverse world depicted in his art, as well as the various aspects of life in that era. You can also experience Kuniyoshi's rich and colorful artistic world through immersive art videos. Kuniyoshi's top-notch entertainment works are sure to excite you, making you feel as joyful as a resident of Edo!

In autumn 2026, the “Zen and Ghibli” Kyoto Exhibition, 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.