Need to get some inspiration for what to do this week in Tokyo? Say no more and check out this week’s Highlights of Kyoto.
Updated Weekly!
- Fire Festival of Kurama Temple
- Ohitaki Fire Festival at Kifune Shrine 2024
- Kyoto USA Food Fest 2024
- Special Autumn Light-Up at Higashi Honganji Temple
- Pure Land Buddhism Special Exhibition
- Modern Japanese Painting Exhibition
- GUCCI COSMOS Exhibition
- Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River
- Nidec Kyoto Tower
- Toei Kyoto Studio Park
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
Fire Festival of Kurama Temple
On the evening of October 22nd, Kurama town is illuminated by torchlight for the annual fire festival one of Kyoto’s three largest festivals. Thousands of visitors gather to watch the parade and religious ceremonies which begins at 6 pm after sunset. Participants dressed in traditional clothing carry pine torches through the village shouting “festival, good festival!” Children hold smaller torches while adults carry massive ones up to three meters long. It is believed the torch fire guides spirits from hell through the human realm.
| Location | Yuki Shrine |
| Start/End Dates | Oct 22nd |
Ohitaki Fire Festival at Kifune Shrine 2024
The annual Ohitaki Fire Festival will be held on November 7th and is believed to banish bad spirits and cleanse the impurities of attendees. Taking place at Kifune Shrine north of Kyoto the festival is known for its intense energy, fire rituals and unforgettable atmosphere. Visitors can reach the shrine by bus from Kyoto Station or via train, followed by a short walk or bus ride. The event is a powerful spiritual experience leaving lasting memories for those who witness it.
| Location | Kifune Shrine |
| Start/End Dates | Nov 7th |
Kyoto USA Food Fest 2024
Get a taste of the United States right in Kyoto at this food festival featuring authentic American cuisine! Enjoy favorites like burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs from food trucks and street vendors, just like those you’d find in the U.S. The festival is set in Kyoto’s cultural hub, surrounded by landmarks like Heian Jingu Shrine, Eikando and Nanzenji Temple. It’s the perfect mix of delicious American bites and a day of sightseeing. Don’t miss this fun culinary experience while exploring Kyoto!
| Website | Kyoto USA Food Fest Official Website |
| Location | Kyoto USA Food Fest |
| Start/End Dates | Oct 26th – 27th, 10am ~ 5pm |
Special Autumn Light-Up at Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji Temple is hosting its first-ever autumn light-up event, illuminating its historic wooden halls like the Goei-do and Amida Hall. You can enjoy the beautiful light art displays alongside ikebana flower arrangements by the Ikenobo school. Regular tickets start at ¥1,000 for adults, while premium tickets, which include a kaiseki meal and Noh performance, cost ¥80,000. Located near Kyoto Station, this enchanting event offers a unique way to experience the temple’s architecture and Kyoto’s traditional arts.
| Location | Higashi Hongan-ji Temple |
| Start/End Dates | Oct 26th and 27th, 6:30pm – 9pm |
| Tickets | Autumn Visit to Higashi Honganji Temple |
Pure Land Buddhism Special Exhibition
Discover the life and legacy of the Japanese priest Hōnen, founder of Japan’s first Pure Land school of Buddhism Jōdo Shū! Kyotos National Museum is celebrating the 850th anniversary of Jōdo Shū and highlighting Hōnen’s message that anyone can achieve salvation. This exhibition features rare national treasures and important cultural properties, offering a look at the history of Pure Land Buddhism. Don’t miss out on this event of history and spiritual awareness!
| Website | Hōnen and Pure Land Buddhism |
| Location | Heisei Chishinkan Wing at Kyoto National Museum |
| Start/End Dates | Part 1: Oct 8th – Nov 4 Part 2: Nov 6 – Dec 1 |
| Admission | Same day ticket: 1,800 yen Advanced ticket: 1,600 yen |
| Flier | Honen_Kyoto |
Modern Japanese Painting Exhibition
This is for all art lovers! If you want to learn more about Kyoto’s art history and their renowned painters, this exhibition is for you! Kyoto City University of Arts has a rich legacy shaped by renowned painters like Takeuchi Seiho and Yamamoto Shunkyo, who helped build the future of Japanese painting. Their students, including famous names like Tsuchida Bakusen and Murakami Kagaku contributed to the city’s vibrant art scene as well. This exhibition reflects on the university’s evolution from its early days as the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting highlighting the struggles of young artists who later became art masters.
| Location | Main Building (South Wing, 1F) at Kyoto City University of Arts |
| Start/End Dates | Part 1: October 11th － November 17th Part 2: November 19th － December 22nd |
| Admission | Admission: 1,800 yen |
GUCCI COSMOS Exhibition
Do you love buying things from renowned brands like Gucci but never thought about their history and development? In honor of Gucci’s 60th anniversary of their official introduction in Japan, the Gucci Cosmos exhibition at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art showcases the brand’s 100-year journey. This special exhibition celebrates the connection between Kyoto and Florence, where Gucci was founded in 1921, while highlighting the brand’s innovation and creativity.
| Location | Main Building (North Wing, 1F) at Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Arts |
| Start/End Dates | Oct 1st – Dec 1st |
| Admission | Admission: 2,200 yen |
Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River
For those looking for a unique dining experience, Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River offers a chance to enjoy a meal while sitting on platforms built over the water, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. It’s a quintessential Kyoto experience that combines nature and cuisine.
| Website | Kawadoko dining |
| Location | Restaurants along the River |
| Date | Check out the Restaurants |
Nidec Kyoto Tower
Enjoy the highest view in all of Kyoto. Over 100 meters above the ground, this is one of the best night views in all of Japan.
| Website | Nidec Kyoto Tower |
| Location | Maps |
| Start/End Dates | Daily |
| Time | 10:00 – 20:30 |
| Tickets | ¥900 |
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Japan’s Jidaigeki Theme Park feels like a perfectly themed set of historical Japan. Enjoy shows and attractions based around Ninja for both adults and children.
| Website | Toei Kyoto Studio Park |
| Location | Maps |
| Start/End Dates | Daily |
| Time | 9:00 – 16:30 |
| Tickets | ¥2400 |
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Kyoto Arashiyama Best Spots 4h Private Tour with Licensed Guide
If you only have a day or two in Kyoto, we offer a half-day tour combined with must-visit spots in one of the most popular areas in Kyoto – Arashiyama. A knowledgeable bilingual guide will make sure that you can get the full experience in just a half-day!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Happy traveling!
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