Popular Weekend Events in Kyoto (September Updated)

In autumn 2026, the “Zen and Ghibli” , which explores the spirit of Zen through the works of Studio Ghibli, will be held at the Higashiyama Cube, New Wing of the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.Inspired by the book Zen and Ghibli, a collection of conversations between Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki and Zen monks, this immersive exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Studio Ghibli’s works through the lens of Zen.Studio Ghibli films often embrace ambiguity rather than drawing clear lines between good and evil, leave space instead of rushing to provide answers, and encourage audiences to accept things even when they cannot be fully understood. These qualities resonate deeply with the core principles of Zen: avoiding rigid distinctions, refraining from fixed judgments, and observing the world as it is.Centered around Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film The Boy and the Heron (2023) — the Studio Ghibli film that attracted the largest overseas audience in the studio’s history—the exhibition explores a worldview that intentionally leaves questions unanswered, creating a lasting impression on viewers. Through iconic quotes, memorable scene photographs, and Toshio Suzuki’s calligraphy, the exhibition brings to life the Zen-inspired perspective that runs throughout Studio Ghibli’s body of work, offering visitors a rich and multidimensional experience.

The Kasuga Matsuri is an autumn festival held at Saiin Kasuga Shrine on the second Saturday and Sunday of October each year, dedicated to praying for good health and a good harvest. Two mikoshi (portable shrines) and five decorative halberds (sword blades), all crafted during the early Edo period, are paraded through the festival. The Tomoe-kaikan ("tomo-kaikan") at the Nishioji-Shijo intersection is a major attraction. The section of Kasuga-dori between Sanjo and Shijo is a pedestrian zone, lined with approximately 200 stalls and bustling with activity from morning till night.

Legend has it that the Kannon (Avalokitesvara) of Kiyomizu-dera Temple transforms into a blue dragon, and drinks water from the waterfall within the temple grounds at night. Therefore, the Yaksha (demon) is also worshipped there. This event is held specifically because of this legend, and also to pray for the well-being of those who come to worship. This dancing blue dragon parades from Okuno to the cobblestone streets surrounding Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The blue dragon is considered one of the four sacred guardians of Kyoto. Besides the giant blue dragon, there are men dressed in traditional samurai attire, and the streets are filled with music and spectacular dances. It's truly amazing! Lunar New Year is on March 15th and April 3rd. Autumn is on October 15th, starting at 2:00 PM (2 PM).

What does that title signify— Is it "Substitute" or "The Chosen One"? The answer remains unclear. Yet, in this long-run tour starting in Japan, I can distinctly feel something different from before—an unwavering presence that belongs to ayu.

KYOTO EXPERIMENT is a festival dedicated to creating and disseminating experimental performing arts both domestically and internationally, connecting artistic expression with society through new forms of dialogue. This year, the festival will present four projects based on the key words from Matsuo Basho's haiku, "Matsutake mushrooms cling to unknown leaves," providing a forum for encounters and dialogue between diverse individuals and performing arts. As an international performing arts festival originating in Kyoto, this project aims to gain a deep understanding of the region in which it is based and to explore this through field research. Led by artists, they will collaborate with local residents, producers, and researchers to continuously research the culture of Kyoto and the Kansai region. The ideas and processes emerging from these activities will be compiled on a dedicated website and made available to the public as an online library. The project aims to serve as a repository of knowledge, a testing ground, and a source of inspiration for future creators and project planners.

Centered around Kyoto's renowned hotels and bakeries, known as the "City of Bread," approximately 20 shops from across the region gather here. Please enjoy this special two-day bread festival, held exclusively at Kamigamo Shrine. In 2015, Kamigamo Shrine hosted its first "Shikinen Sengu" celebration, held every 21 years. This culinary event, a prayer for bountiful harvests, focuses on bread, an indispensable element of modern food culture. The event aims to promote Kyoto's unique bread culture as a top "City of Bread" in the country, while also providing an opportunity for visitors to connect with and enjoy the history of Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto. This is Kyoto's largest bread event.

The Kyoto Student Festival, organized by Kyoto University student organizations, has been held annually in October since 2003, attracting over 100,000 visitors to Heian Shrine and the Okazaki Trail. Kyoto is known as a "university city," home to over 30 universities, making the festival entirely driven by student solidarity. The 24th Kyoto Inter-University Cultural Festival will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This year's festival, themed "Today, I Love Kyoto Even More," aims to create opportunities for visitors and Kyoto residents to express and experience "Kyoto" from their own perspectives. Based on a deeper understanding and love for Kyoto, and a desire to help others fall in love with Kyoto, the festival encourages everyone to reflect deeply on Kyoto.

The Kyoto American Food Festival is an international food and culture festival held twice a year in Kyoto, Japan. It will be held in the fall of October 17-18, 2026 at the Kyoto International Community House (kokoka). Admission is free and the festival brings together authentic American street food, cultural and artistic performances and international exchange experiences, presenting an authentic American cultural feast for Kyoto residents and tourists.