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.

This city is a perfect fusion of the ancient and the contemporary. Throughout the year there are plenty of things to do in Kyoto, but the month of October is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is very pleasant, there are a variety of events, and autumn will welcome you with the best colors. Below, you will find a list of everything you can 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 amazing art installations and incredible performances take place.

It is truly a memorable experience in the magical atmosphere of Kyoto. The artworks are captivatingly illuminated, creating a surreal atmosphere that transports viewers to 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, you cannot miss Nuit Blanche in Kyoto.

The Zuiki Matsuri is a five-day festival held in Kyoto from October 1 to 5. The festival has been 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 eggplant and citrus fruits. These colorful 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 witness the procession dressed in their traditional attire. You cannot miss the opportunity 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 October 1-10 at Kyoto's Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine. During the festival, an exciting parade of mikoshi is held, 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 numerous visitors, both locals and tourists, who wish to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and traditions. The festival offers a spiritual and joyful experience with colorful 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
• 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 reenactment depicts the Saigu priestesses, from 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 re-enactment of the empress and her court, complete with elegant costumes, music and dance. It is an ideal event for you to take a tour of Kyoto aboard a rickshaw accompanying the procession.

You can see how the city is filled with charm 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.

More information about this event

• Location: Nonomiya Japan Shrine, 〒616-8393 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Ukyō-ku, Saganonomiyachō, 1.
• Hours: from 10:00.
• Admission fee: 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, held in theaters located in the five geisha quarters or hanamachi. Here are the main events in October.

The 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), starting at 4 pm. Admission costs between 27 and 57 € approximately. After enjoying this show, you can take the opportunity to take an evening walking tour of Gion, which is the most famous geisha district of Kyoto.

The Mizuekai dances

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

Kotobukikai dances

These are the autumn dance performances of the Kamishichiken geisha, which are held from October 8 to 12, also at the Miyagawuacho theater, starting at 4 pm. 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 on the last days of October. Pontocho is located on the banks of the Kamo River, and is known for its narrow alleys lined with restaurants and teahouses. The dances start around 4 pm and the entrance fee is between 20 and 54 euros approximately.

The Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) is a fascinating historical festival that transports you through the centuries. From the morning to the evening of October 22, 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 armor.

During the Jidai Matsuri, one of the three most important festivals in the city, you will find street food stalls where you can taste the delicious local dishes that are a must on a gastronomic tour of Kyoto, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. You can't miss matcha, a special green tea served in traditional ceremonies. In addition, you can 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 honoring Oda Nobunaga, a prominent feudal lord and hero of 16th century Japan. It is held every year on October 19 at Kenkun Shrine, located on Mount Funaoka west of 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, such as falconry and demonstrations of traditional weaponry, including the use of mecha rifles. Men dressed in Muromachi-period armor provide an authentic visual experience. In addition, you can view exhibits of historical treasures presented during the festival.

Each year, the 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 fee: 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 maneuvers performed on the battlefield. The best participants advance to subsequent rounds, where the targets become smaller until a winner is crowned. In this activity the skill and ability of the archers will leave you in awe.

This event starts at noon, around 12:30 pm, and the archery part of the event starts at 1 pm. It is a good idea to arrive earlier and tour Kamigamo Shrine, one of the most important Shinto centers and one of the best temples in Kyoto.

More information about Kamigamo Shrine

• 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 lighted 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 honor of the fox spirit Kurama no Oyama no Kitsune. You can also dress up in traditional costumes, join 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.

More information 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 theater performances, in which the actors wear masks and dance to the rhythm of 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 theater 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 Mibu-Dera Temple in Kyoto. Don't worry if you don't understand the language, as traditional silent theater allows you to connect with the story and be moved without the need for words.

More information about the performance

• Location: Mibu-Dera Temple. Japan, 〒604-8821 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Mibunaginomiyacho, ３１.
• Hours: from 1 pm to approximately 5:30 pm.
• Ticket price: five plays of 50 minutes each from €6.50.