Kyoto 2025 Festival Guide: Top Events

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is renowned for its stunning temples, tranquil gardens, and rich traditions. In 2025, the city will come alive with an array of festivals that showcase its unique blend of history, spirituality, and artistry. From vibrant processions to tranquil tea ceremonies, Kyoto’s festivals offer a deep dive into Japanese culture. Here’s your guide to the top festivals in Kyoto for 2025 that you won’t want to miss.

1. Aoi Matsuri (May 15, 2025)

Aoi Matsuri, also known as the Hollyhock Festival, is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered festivals, dating back over a thousand years. The festival features a grand procession from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines, with participants dressed in exquisite Heian-period costumes. The 2025 edition promises to be especially spectacular, with traditional music and dance performances along the route, and the inclusion of rare artifacts from Kyoto’s ancient temples.

How to Get There: The procession starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, easily accessible by subway or bus. The main route runs along Kyoto’s main streets, making it accessible from various points in the city.

Tickets: Free to watch the procession, but seats in the reserved areas can be purchased in advance for better views.

Must-See: The grand procession with its elegantly dressed participants and traditional ox-drawn carts.

Local Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot, and consider exploring the Kamo Shrines after the procession to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s spiritual atmosphere.

2. Gion Matsuri (July 1 - 31, 2025)

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto’s most famous festival, celebrated throughout the entire month of July. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko, a grand parade of elaborately decorated floats on July 17th and 24th. These floats, known as "yama" and "hoko," are massive, intricately crafted structures that tell the story of Kyoto’s rich history. The 2025 festival will also feature traditional musical performances, food stalls, and night-time illuminations.

How to Get There: The parade route runs through the central streets of Kyoto, accessible by subway or bus. The floats are on display in the Gion district leading up to the main event.

Tickets: Viewing the parade is free, but special seating is available for purchase.

Must-See: The Yamaboko Junko parade, especially during the evening when the floats are illuminated.

Local Tips: Visit the Gion district in the days leading up to the parade to see the floats up close and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

3. Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (August 16, 2025)

Daimonji Gozan Okuribi, also known as the "Gozan no Okuribi" or "Bonfire of the Five Mountains," is a spectacular event that marks the end of the Obon festival, a time when spirits of ancestors are believed to return to the world. On the evening of August 16th, giant bonfires are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto, each forming a different kanji character or shape. The 2025 event will continue this ancient tradition, with the fires visible from various points throughout the city.

How to Get There: The best views are from the banks of the Kamo River or from higher vantage points like Kyoto Station’s rooftop or Mount Daimonji.

Tickets: Free; no tickets required.

Must-See: The moment the kanji characters light up the night sky, symbolizing the spirits’ return to the afterlife.

Local Tips: Bring a mat and arrive early to secure a good spot along the river. It’s also a good idea to bring a flashlight, as it gets quite dark after the fires go out.

4. Jidai Matsuri (October 22, 2025)

Jidai Matsuri, or the Festival of the Ages, is a historical pageant that celebrates Kyoto’s illustrious past. The festival features a grand procession of over 2,000 participants dressed in costumes representing various periods in Japanese history, from ancient warriors to Edo-period courtiers. The 2025 edition will highlight the Meiji Restoration, marking an important chapter in Japan’s modernization.

How to Get There: The procession begins at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at Heian Shrine, both of which are accessible by subway or bus.

Tickets: Free to watch the procession; reserved seating available for purchase.

Must-See: The diverse costumes and the ceremonial rituals performed at Heian Shrine.

Local Tips: Visit the Kyoto Costume Museum beforehand to gain a deeper appreciation of the historical garments featured in the procession.

5. Arashiyama Hanatouro (December 8 - 17, 2025)

Arashiyama Hanatouro is a stunning illumination event that transforms the scenic Arashiyama district into a magical wonderland. During the festival, the famous bamboo groves and historic temples are lit up with thousands of lanterns, creating a breathtaking night-time spectacle. In 2025, the festival will also feature traditional tea ceremonies and live performances of Japanese music.

How to Get There: Arashiyama is a short train ride from central Kyoto, easily accessible by the JR Sagano Line or Hankyu Arashiyama Line.

Tickets: Free entry, but some temple events may require a small fee.

Must-See: The illuminated bamboo groves and the Togetsukyo Bridge, beautifully lit against the night sky.

Local Tips: Arrive just before sunset to enjoy the transition from day to night, and take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated pathways.

6. Setsubun Mantoro at Kasuga Taisha Shrine (February 3, 2025)

Setsubun Mantoro is a lantern festival held at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, a short trip from Kyoto. The festival marks the beginning of spring, where thousands of lanterns, some dating back centuries, are lit throughout the shrine grounds. The 2025 celebration will include traditional bean-throwing ceremonies and performances meant to ward off evil spirits.

How to Get There: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara, then a bus to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Tickets: Free to enter the shrine grounds; small fees for participating in the bean-throwing ceremony.

Must-See: The ancient stone and bronze lanterns glowing in the night, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Local Tips: Combine your visit with a day trip to Nara Park to see the famous deer and enjoy the historic temples of the area.

7. Kitano Tenmangu Flea Market (Every 25th of the Month)

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine hosts one of Kyoto’s largest flea markets, known locally as "Tenjin-san," on the 25th of every month. This bustling market offers a chance to browse a wide array of antiques, crafts, and local foods. The January 25th, 2025 edition is expected to be particularly lively, as it coincides with the shrine’s New Year celebrations.

How to Get There: Take the bus from Kyoto Station directly to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Tickets: Free entry; bring cash for purchases.

Must-See: The antiques and handmade crafts unique to Kyoto.

Local Tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and don’t miss the local street food stalls offering delicious Kyoto specialties.

8. Kurama no Hi Matsuri (October 22, 2025)

Kurama no Hi Matsuri, or the Fire Festival of Kurama, is one of Kyoto’s most dramatic events. Held in the village of Kurama, north of the city, this festival involves massive torches being carried through the streets in a fiery procession. The 2025 festival will continue the tradition of celebrating the gods of fire, with the villagers donning traditional costumes and chanting ancient prayers.

How to Get There: Take the Eizan Electric Railway from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto to Kurama.

Tickets: Free to watch the procession; donations are encouraged.

Must-See: The spectacle of hundreds of torches illuminating the night as they make their way to the shrine.

Local Tips: Dress warmly as the event takes place in late October, and be prepared for large crowds in the small village.

9. Toji Temple Flea Market (First Sunday of the Month)

The flea market at Toji Temple, known as "Kobo-san," is one of Kyoto’s most popular markets, held on the first Sunday of every month. The market features a vast selection of antiques, textiles, pottery, and street food. The February 2, 2025 edition will be particularly special, as it marks the temple’s 1,200th anniversary.

How to Get There: Toji Temple is a short walk from Kyoto Station, easily accessible by train.

Tickets: Free entry; bring cash for purchases.

Must-See: The temple’s five-story pagoda, the tallest in Japan, providing a stunning backdrop to the market.

Local Tips: Take your time exploring the market, and don’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies like takoyaki and taiyaki.

10. Kyotographie International Photography Festival (April 13 - May 13, 2025)

Kyotographie is a unique photography festival that takes place across various historical and contemporary venues in Kyoto. The festival features exhibitions by international and Japanese photographers, transforming traditional spaces into galleries. The 2025 edition will explore the theme of "Resilience," showcasing works that highlight the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

How to Get There: Exhibitions are held in multiple locations around Kyoto, most of which are accessible by subway or bus.

Tickets: Entry fees vary by venue; festival passes are available for purchase.

Must-See: The exhibitions set in traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouses) and temples, where modern art meets ancient architecture.

Local Tips: Plan your route ahead of time to make the most of your visit, and consider joining one of the guided tours for deeper insights into the artworks.

Kyoto’s festivals in 2025 offer a rich tapestry of experiences that blend the old and the new, the sacred and the secular. From ancient rituals to modern art, there’s something for everyone in this historic city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these festivals will give you a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s unique culture and traditions.

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