10 Things to Do in Kyoto in October

In October, Kyoto takes on a special charm. The city is transformed into a magical setting where history intertwines with the beauty of autumn. Ancient temples, exquisite gardens and cobblestone streets invite you to discover the cultural essence of Kyoto, which you can experience in the local cuisine, picturesque landscapes and the serenity of its ancient temples.

Kyoto is a perfect fusion of ancient and contemporary. Throughout the year there are plenty of things to do in Kyoto, but October is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is very pleasant, there are a variety of events, and autumn will greet you with the best colours. Below you will find a list of all the things to do in Kyoto in October, so you can enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Nuit Blanche in Kyoto is a contemporary art event held on the first Friday of October. Inspired by the original Nuit Blanche in Paris, this annual event attracts both local and international visitors. During this unique night, Kyoto's finest temples, gardens and public spaces display stunning art installations and incredible performances.

It is truly a memorable experience in the magical atmosphere of Kyoto. The artworks are captivatingly illuminated, creating a surreal atmosphere that transports viewers into a dreamlike world. It is a festival that showcases the contrast between the history and tradition of Kyoto and the creativity of contemporary art.

NuitBlanche invites you to discover the city from a completely new perspective. It is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy art in a historical and culturally significant environment. If you are looking for an exciting and stimulating experience for your senses, Nuit Blanche in Kyoto is not to be missed.

Zuiki Matsuri is a five-day festival held in Kyoto from 1 to 5 October. The festival was inspired by a procession linked to the deity Kitano Tenmangū, to whom gratitude was expressed for bountiful harvests, and includes a procession, rituals and the return of mobile shrines to Kitano Tenmangū.

During Zuiki Matsuri the mobile shrines, called omikoshi, are decorated with vegetables and dried goods, such as taro stalks and strings of aubergine and citrus fruit. These colourful omikoshi depict legendary scenes and creatures, and are one of the most striking features of the festival.

Geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha) from the Kamishichiken district grace the festival with their elegance, as they take to the streets to watch the procession dressed in their traditional costumes. Don't miss the chance to wear a kimono and feel part of the celebration. The Zuiki Matsuri is considered one of the most emblematic festivals of autumn in Kyoto, and one of the most representative of its culture.

The Shūki Konpira Taisai is a lively annual festival that takes place from 1-10 October at Kyoto's Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine. During the festival, an exciting mikoshi parade takes place, carrying sacred structures on their shoulders through the streets near the shrine. Purification and prayer events are also held, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in rituals and receive blessings and good fortune.

The festive and vibrant atmosphere of the Shūki Konpira Taisai attracts many visitors, both locals and tourists, who wish to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and traditions. The festival offers a spiritual and joyful experience with colourful decorations and traditional activities.

The Shūki Konpira Taisai is a unique opportunity for you to experience Kyoto's rich religious and cultural tradition. Whether watching the bustling mikoshi parade, participating in purification rituals, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, you can experience the spiritual essence of this important festival at Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine.

More information about the festival

• Location: 70, Shimobentencho, Higashio-ji Matsubara Agaru, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0823, Japan
• Opening hours: The shrine is open to the public all day.
• Admission fee: free of charge

Every year in mid-October, the Saigū Gyōretsu or Saigū Procession is held at Nonomiya Shrine in Kyoto. This historical re-enactment depicts the Saigū priestesses of the imperial family who served at Ise Shrine during the Heian period. In the procession, participants wear traditional costumes, carry palanquins and share cultural and religious practices.

During the Saigū Procession at Nonomiya Shrine, you can immerse yourself in Japan's historical past by watching the empress and her court being depicted, complete with elegant costumes, music and dance. It is an ideal event for you to take a tour of Kyoto on a rickshaw accompanying the procession.

You can watch the city fill with enchantment as the participants parade through the streets, displaying the elegance of ancient cultural practices. It is a breathtaking spectacle that allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and witness its historical legacy that has endured through the centuries.

Read more about it

• Location: Nonomiya Japan Shrine, 〒616-8393 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Ukyō-ku, Saganonomiyachō, 1.
• Opening hours: from 10:00.
• Admission: free of charge.

During several weeks in October and November in Kyoto, you can enjoy various dance performances by maikos and geikos, the apprentice geisha, which take place in theatres located in the five geisha quarters or hanamachi. Here are the main events in October.

Onshukai dances

The Onshukai dances are the autumn dance shows performed by the geisha of Gion-Kobu in the Gion district, during the first week of October (from 3 to 8 October), starting at 4 pm. Admission costs between €27 and €57 approximately. After enjoying this show, you can take an evening walking tour of Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha quarter.

The Mizuekai dances

The Mizuekai dances are the autumn dance shows performed by the Miyagawacho geisha, held in the second week of October. The shows start at 4pm and the ticket price ranges from about €27 to €54.

Kotobukikai dances

These are the autumn dance performances of the Kamishichiken geisha, which are held from 8-12 October, also at the Miyagawuacho theatre, starting at 4pm. The ticket price is around €54. Kamishichiken is one of the oldest geisha quarters in Kyoto.

Suimeikai dances

The Suimeikai dances are the autumn dance performances of the geisha of Pontocho, and are held in the last days of October. Pontocho is situated on the banks of the Kamo River, and is known for its narrow alleys lined with restaurants and teahouses. Dances start at around 4pm and tickets cost between 20 and 54 euros approximately.

The Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) is a fascinating historical festival that takes you back through the centuries. From the morning to the evening of 22 October, a procession with more than 2,000 participants recreates the history of Japan and commemorates the anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the capital in 794. You will see musicians, traditional costumes and authentic samurai armour.

During the Jidai Matsuri, one of the city's three major festivals, you'll find street food stalls where you can savour delicious local dishes that are a must on a food tour of Kyoto, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Don't miss matcha, a special green tea served in traditional ceremonies. You can also explore nearby temples and shrines, such as the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Whether you are a history buff or simply want to learn about new cultures, this festival will leave you in awe. Jidai Matsuri is a great opportunity to discover the essence of Kyoto, as it is a celebration that captivates all visitors and is not to be missed!

Funaoka Taisai is a festival that pays tribute to Oda Nobunaga, a prominent feudal lord and hero of 16th century Japan. It is held every year on 19 October at Kenkun Shrine, located on Mount Funaoka in western Kyoto. During this event, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Japan while enjoying medieval art performances and participating in various activities.

The festival showcases a variety of medieval crafts, including falconry and demonstrations of traditional weaponry, such as the use of mecha rifles. Men in Muromachi-period armour provide an authentic visual experience. In addition, you can view the exhibits of historical treasures presented during the festival.

Each year, Funaoka Taisai offers a unique experience, as the demonstrations and exhibits may vary. It is certainly an extraordinary opportunity to explore the history of Oda Nobunaga and the unification period of Japan, as well as an interesting combination of art, history and culture.

More information about the event

• Location: 〒603-8227 49 Murasakino Kitafunaokacho, Kita district, Kyoto City.
• Hours: 9 am to 5 pm.
• Admission: free of charge.

Kasagake Shinji, which is an authentic representation of mounted archery, takes place in October at Kamigamo Shrine. Kasagake is one of the three original styles of archery that used to be performed to entertain shrine deities. It is undoubtedly one of the best samurai activities you can see in Kyoto.

Unlike other archery rituals, in Kasagake archers aim at five targets, simulating military manoeuvres on the battlefield. The best participants advance to subsequent rounds, where the targets become smaller until a winner is crowned. The skill and ability of the archers will leave you in awe.

This event starts at noon, around 12.30pm, and the archery part of the event starts at 1pm. It is a good idea to arrive earlier and visit Kamigamo Shrine, one of the most important Shinto centres and one of the best temples in Kyoto.

More information

• Location: Kamigamo Shrine. 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu.
• Hours: from 12:30 pm.
• Admission fee: free of charge.

When you visit Kyoto in October, you can't miss the exciting Kurama no Hi Matsuri festival. During this annual event in the picturesque village of Kurama, located in the mountains north of the city, you can enjoy an impressive procession, where participants walk with lit torches through the streets to the Yuki-Jinja shrine.

The Kurama no Hi Matsuri festival offers an unforgettable experience in Kyoto. In addition to the torchlight procession, you can enjoy traditional dances, music and religious rituals performed in honour of the fox spirit Kurama no Oyama no Kitsune. You can also dress up in traditional costumes, join in the celebration and enjoy the festive atmosphere as you explore the historic streets of the charming village of Kurama.

This festival attracts numerous visitors from all over the world, who marvel at the natural beauty of the mountains and the Yuki-jinja shrine. Without a doubt, the Kurama no Hi Matsuri festival offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Japanese traditions and enjoy a truly memorable spectacle.

Read more about the festival

• Location: 1073 Kurama-Honmachi Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.
• Hours: The festival starts at around 6pm.
• Admission fee: free of charge.

In October, the Mibu Kyogen awaits you with its unique charm. At this festival, you can enjoy traditional silent theatre performances, in which the actors wear masks and dance to the rhythm of the ancestral music. The skill and elegance with which they execute their movements is truly impressive.

This festival is held during the second half of October, when Mibu Kyogen comes alive with a special atmosphere. The absence of dialogue in this kind of theatre is not an obstacle, as the expressiveness of the actors transcends words and transports you into their world.

This experience takes place between 1pm and 5.30pm at the Mibu-Dera temple in Kyoto. Don't worry if you don't understand the language, as traditional silent theatre allows you to connect with the story and be moved without the need for words.

More information

• Location: Mibu-Dera Temple. Japan, 〒604-8821 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Mibunaginomiyacho, ３１.
• Hours: from 1pm to approximately 5.30pm.
• Ticket price: five 50-minute plays from €6.50 each.