Festivals & Events

September Festivals & Events

September 15Kyoto

Ishiyama-temmangu (Ishiyama Hachiman Grand Shrine)・Ishizumi Matsuri (Ishizumi Festival)

One of the three great imperial festivals of Japan, alongside the Aoi Matsuri and Kasuga Matsuri.

See details on the official site ›

Around the Autumn Equinox (September)Kyoto

Seimei Shrine・Seimei-sai (Seimei Festival)

The annual grand festival of Seimei Shrine, featuring the Yudanuki kagura and a mikoshi procession.

See details on the official site ›

September, 4th MondayKyoto

Yasui Konpira-gu・Kushi Matsuri (Comb Festival)

Old combs are offered in a rite of gratitude, followed by a period costume procession through Gion.

October Festivals & Events

October 1-5Kyoto

Kitano Tenmangu・Zuikei-sai (Zuikei Festival)

An autumn annual grand festival where mikoshi decorated with vegetables and grains are paraded.

See details on the official site ›

October 11Mie

Tsubaki-Otaisha (Tsubaki-O Grand Shrine)・Reidaisai (annual grand festival)

The most important festival at Tsubaki Daijinja.

See details on the official site ›

October 15-16Mie

Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Outer Shrine)・Niinamesai (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival)

The most historically significant festival at the Grand Shrine, offering new rice to Toyuke-Ooyakami.

See details on the official site ›

October 16-17Mie

Kotohoku-gu (Ise Jingu Naiku)・Shinnosai (New Rice Harvest Festival)

The most historic festival at the Grand Shrine, offering new rice to Amaterasu Omikami.

See details on the official site ›

October 22Kyoto

Heian Jingu (Heian Grand Shrine)・Jidai-sai (Festival of the Ages)

One of the three great festivals of Kyoto. A historical procession of approximately 2,000 participants in costumes from various eras.

See details on the official site ›

November Festivals & Events

November 7Kyoto

Kifune Shrine・Go-honbi-sai (Fire-Burning Festival)

An ancient Shinto rite involving fire.

See details on the official site ›

November 8Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine)・Hiburi-sai (Fire-Burning Festival)

A Shinto rite of gratitude for the harvest. Hundreds of thousands of Hiburi skewers are burned.

See details on the official site ›

November 21-28Kyoto

Higashi Hongan-ji (East Hongan-ji Temple)・Hobon-ko (Gratitude Lecture)

The most important annual Buddhist rite commemorating the founder, Saint Shonin.

See details on the official site ›

We're gradually expanding coverage starting with major shrines and temples. Dates may vary slightly from year to year, so please check official information before visiting.