Seasonal Festival Guide in Kyoto

Kyoto is the city where Japanese tradition and culture are best preserved. Diverse festivals are held throughout the four seasons, each with unique charm. Here's a guide to must-visit seasonal festivals in Kyoto as of 2025!

🎌 The Charm of Kyoto Festivals

Festivals in the thousand-year-old capital aren't just events—they're living history!

🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Cherry Blossom Season (Late March - Early April)

Bloom Forecast: March 25 - April 5

Night Illumination: 18:00~21:00

Crowd Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Crowded

Best Time: Weekday mornings 7-9am

📍 Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Spots TOP 4

Philosopher's Path (哲学の道)

Famous for 2km cherry blossom tunnel! Perfect for walking

Admission: Free | Location: Near Ginkaku-ji

Maruyama Park (円山公園)

Massive weeping cherry tree! Night illumination is a must-see

Admission: Free | Location: Near Gion

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)

Beautiful night view! Photo spot extraordinaire

Admission: ¥400 | Night special ¥400

Arashiyama (嵐山)

Riverside cherry blossoms + bamboo forest combo!

Admission: Free | JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)

🎇 Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) - All of July

⛩️ One of Japan's Three Great Festivals! ⛩️

Kyoto's largest festival with over a thousand years of history

📅 Main Schedule

Jul 14-16

Yoiyama (宵山) - Pre-festival

Streets become festival grounds! Food stalls everywhere

Jul 17

Yamaboko Parade (前祭) ⭐ Main Event!

Parade of 23 massive floats

🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)

🍂 Autumn Leaves Season (Mid-Nov - Early Dec)

Peak: Around November 20

Night Illumination: 18:00~21:00

Admission: ¥600~1,000

Best Time: Morning or Night

📍 Best Autumn Spots

Tofuku-ji (東福寺)

Autumn leaves from Tsutenkyo Bridge are spectacular!

Eikando (永観堂)

Famous enough to be called "Eikando of Autumn Leaves"

Arashiyama

Sagano Bamboo Forest + Autumn leaves combo!

❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)

🔔 New Year's Eve Bell (除夜の鐘) - Dec 31

Traditional event of ringing the bell 108 times. A special New Year experience! First-come-first-served for general public to ring the bell.

Recommended Temples

• Chion-in (知恩院) - Japan's largest bell
• Kiyomizu-dera - Beautiful night view

Complete Festival Participation Guide

🚃 Transportation

Subway/bus day pass ¥900 recommended

👘 Attire

Yukata rental ¥3,000~5,000

🏨 Reservations

Book 3 months ahead for peak seasons!

📸 Photography

Tripods banned in many areas

💰 Budget Guide

Transportation (day pass):¥900

Admission (average):¥600

Meals:¥2,000

Souvenirs:¥1,500

Daily Total:¥5,000~10,000

Enjoy Kyoto's Four Seasons!

Especially Gion Matsuri (July) and
Autumn Leaves Season (November) are must-experiences! 🎌