In summer, Kyoto comes alive with magical festivals that blend tradition and nature. From historic events like the Gion Festival to illuminated riverside evenings and seaside fireworks displays, here’s a roundup of Kyoto’s unique summer traditions.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
🚅Book your Shinkansen ticket with NAVITIME Travel! 👉 Click here
Summer Festivals in Central Kyoto – From Traditional Celebrations to Tanabata
Gion Festival
The Gion Festival is one of Japan’s three major festivals and the largest in Kyoto, with over a thousand years of history. Spanning an entire month, various sacred rituals and events take place, but the highlight is the "Yamaboko Junko" procession. Lavishly decorated floats parade through the streets, earning the nickname "moving art museum," and attracting visitors from around the world. During the "Yoiyama" evenings, the neighborhoods with the floats become pedestrian zones, lit with lanterns and lined with food stalls and traditional performances—another major draw of the event.
Location: Central Kyoto (around Shijo and Karasuma Streets)
- 2025 Event Dates: Monday, July 1 – Thursday, July 31, 2025
［kkday]👉Kyoto "Gion Matsuri" Reserved Seats – July 17, 2025 | Best View of Japan’s Grandest Parade!
［kkday]👉Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour
Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire)
Held on August 16, the final day of Obon, this is one of Kyoto’s most iconic traditional events. To send off the spirits of ancestors back to the afterlife, giant Chinese characters made of fire such as "大" (Dai), "妙・法" (Myo-Ho), "舟形" (Boat Shape), "左大文字" (Left Dai), and "鳥居形" (Torii Gate Shape) are lit on five mountains surrounding the city. The most famous is the Daimonji bonfire on Mount Nyoi, whose flames stand out boldly against the summer night sky, creating a solemn and mystical atmosphere. Since the fires can be seen from many places around the city, it’s a beloved tradition watched in quiet reverence by large crowds.
- Location: Various sites in Kyoto (Mount Nyoi, Matsugasaki, Nishigamo, Kinugasa, and Okitayama)
- 2025 Event Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
🏨 Reserve hotels, ryokan, and inns in Kyoto with JTB
Hiwatari Festival (Tanetani-san Fudoin Temple)
At Tanetani-san Fudoin Temple, known for warding off evil and curing illness, the Hiwatari Festival is held every July. Participants walk barefoot over burning embers in a ritual meant to purify both body and spirit. Since anyone can take part, it draws tourists and the devout alike. The temple grounds, surrounded by lush greenery, offer a cool and calming setting even in mid-summer. This sacred experience also provides a sense of healing through nature.
- Location: Tanetani-san Fudoin Temple, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
- 2025 Event Date: Scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025
［kkday]👉Recommended Leisure, Experience-Based Activities, and Sightseeing in Kyoto
Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Light-Up (Kifune Shrine)
Kifune Shrine, known as a spiritual spot for love and romance, is adorned with colorful bamboo decorations and illuminated lights during the Tanabata season. The mystical atmosphere at night is completely different from the daytime. The sight of tanzaku (small paper strips with wishes) fluttering in the wind creates a calming and heartwarming scene. The approach to the shrine is lined with fresh green maple trees and softly glowing lanterns, forming a beautiful path that makes this a popular summer tradition for couples and families alike.
- Location: Kifune Shrine, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City
- 2025 Event Period: Tuesday, July 1 – Friday, August 15, 2025
Mitarashi Festival & Kitano Tanabata Festival (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine)
At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, known as the deity of learning, both the Mitarashi Festival and the Kitano Tanabata Festival are held during summer. The shrine grounds are enveloped in a cool and mystical atmosphere. During the Mitarashi Festival, participants soak their feet in the sacred Mitarashi River, which flows with divine water, to pray for good health and purification of mind and body.
At the same time, the Tanabata Festival decorates the shrine with countless bamboo displays, and visitors can be seen writing their wishes on tanzaku. The gentle light of the lanterns creates a soothing and serene experience, making this a truly healing summer event.
- Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
- 2025 Event Period: Late July to Early August 2025 (Scheduled)
🏨 Reserve hotels, ryokan, or inns around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine with JTB
Riverside Events in Kyoto (Takao & Uji)
Takao Kawadoko Dining & Light-Up
In the mountainous Takao area just outside Kyoto’s city center, special riverside platforms known as "kawadoko" are set up during summer. Guests can enjoy meals right next to the murmuring waters of the Kiyotaki River, wrapped in the natural coolness that provides relief from the humid summer heat. At night, the area around the stores are illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
The cuisine mainly features Kyoto-style kaiseki meals, offering a luxurious experience that allows you to escape from everyday life. Why not enjoy a cool summer evening in the refreshing depths of "Oku-Kyoto" that can’t be experienced in the city center?
- Event Location: Takao (along the Kiyotaki River), Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City
- 2025 Event Period: Scheduled from early May to around the end of September 2025 (Illuminations will be available only at night during the summer season, the period may vary by store)
Cormorant Fishing in Uji (Ukai)
The summer tradition of "ukai" (cormorant fishing) takes place on the Uji River in Uji City. This traditional fishing method, using cormorants to catch fish, offers a rare and close-up viewing experience. It begins at dusk, and the skilled techniques of the cormorant fishermen, combined with the river illuminated by burning torches, create a magical and atmospheric scene. Watching from a viewing boat, you can enjoy the cool breeze as you drift along the quiet night river, immersing yourself in a moment of escape from the ordinary. This uniquely Kyoto summer experience is especially popular with couples and families.
- Location: Uji River, Uji City
- 2025 Event Period: Tuesday, July 1 – Tuesday, September 30, 2025 (Scheduled)
［kkday]👉Popular Activities, Tours, Sightseeing, and Guided Experiences in Uji
Seaside Fireworks & Light Events in Kyoto (Tango, Miyazu, and More)
Miyazu Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival
The "Lantern Floating and Fireworks Festival" held over Miyazu Bay is a breathtaking event where countless lanterns float on the sea, paired with dazzling fireworks in the night sky. Originally started as a way to honor ancestors during Obon, the quiet glow of lanterns drifting on the water creates a solemn and moving atmosphere. The fireworks that follow light up the sky, making it an unforgettable summer night for both locals and tourists.
- Location: Miyazu Bay area, Miyazu City
- 2025 Dates: Saturday, August 16, 2025 (Scheduled)
Amanohashidate: Bridge of Flame
Held at Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, the "Bridge of Flame" is a magical event where countless torches are lit along the pine-lined beach, forming what looks like a bridge of fire across the shoreline. The romantic setting is enhanced by fireworks and performances by local children, making for a dreamy summer evening. It’s a definite highlight for any summer trip to Kyoto.
- Location: Amanohashidate Coast, Miyazu City
- 2025 Dates: Several days in late July to early August (Exact dates TBD)
［kkday]👉Amanohashidate Sightseeing Boat Trip + Cable Car/Lift Round Trip Ticket | Kyoto
Dragon Canoe Championship
This lively sports event takes place on the Yura River and features teams of around 20 paddlers racing in canoes shaped like dragons. The energetic races send water splashing everywhere, drawing in enthusiastic spectators. Between races, visitors can enjoy local food stalls and festive vibes. It's a fun event for families as well.
- Location: Yura River area, Maizuru City
- 2025 Dates: Mid-August 2025 (Held annually around Obon)
Fireworks & Light Festivals in Kyoto’s Mountain Areas
Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival
Set along the scenic Hozugawa River, this fireworks show is known for its powerful displays echoing through the mountains. Easily accessible from both Arashiyama and Kameoka, it’s a popular event that pairs well with local sightseeing. The fireworks reflecting on the river and the cool mountain breeze offer a peaceful escape from the city. The event also features food stalls and local festivities, drawing many visitors each year.
All seats require a fee in 2025, so be sure to reserve in advance.
- Location: Hozugawa River area, Kameoka City
- 2025 Date: Monday (Holiday), August 11, 2025 (Scheduled)
Yantan Lantern Festival
The Yantan Lantern Festival is a heartwarming summer event held in the Iwataki area of Yosano Town. Handmade lanterns line the streets and venues, casting a gentle glow over the town. While there are no major performances, its simple and nostalgic charm draws many visitors each year. Lanterns decorated by local children and family-friendly food stalls create a welcoming and communal summer evening.
- Location: Iwataki area, Yosano Town
- 2025 Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 (Scheduled)
Comments