Nov. 14, 2022 UPDATE

Recommended autumn events in Kyoto!

5 autumn events in Kyoto recommended by Sharing Kyoto’s writer Erika!
autumn events

The hot summer is almost over, and autumn is coming to Kyoto. Many events take place in Kyoto all through the year, but this time we have some great autumn events in store for you. So, here are the five events for autumn, from moon viewing and autumn leaves events to festivals for the whole family:

1Kangetsu no Yube

Kangetsu no Yube

Every year, at the time of the harvest moon, when the Moon is at its prettiest, there is an event called Kangetsu no Yube held in Arashiyama’s Daikaku-ji Temple. The event takes place in September or October. 


Osawa Pond

During the elegant event, you get to see the moon from a boat on Osawa Pond. The summer hotness has passed, and this event is just perfect for the long, cool autumn nights.


Daikaku-ji

On the day of the event the temple buildings are also illuminated, and you can enjoy their reflection in the ponds, making the event feel even more mysterious. Daikaku-ji is a bit far from Arashiyama Station, but you can enjoy an experience that you couldn’t normally have, so I think it’s worth it. 


Address 4 Saga-Osawamachi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi 616-8411
Event time 5:30 pm - 9pm




2Okazaki Harebutai

Okazaki Harebutai

Okazaki Harebutaii is  a big event that takes place in the Okazaki area of Kyoto famous for Heian Shrine for a period of two days. During these two days there are all kinds of fun events at the area. 


Heian Shrine

During the event there is a red carpet that leads to Heian Shrine, and there are many events with music, dance, and other performances. Besides this, they also have a 3D projection mapping show and gourmet events too. 


Miyako-Messe

And at Miyako-Messe one of the biggest anime and manga events of Kansai, Kyomaf, takes place. This is a great event for those who want to learn more about “Cool Japan.” These events can be enjoyed by both families and groups of friends. 



3Jidai Matsuri

Jidai Matsuri

In autumn, you can’t forget about Jidai Matsuri. This is one of the three great festivals in Kyoto, and in this festival you get to see a historic procession in which people of different time periods go past you. 


procession

The clothes and items of the participants are authentic replicas of the ones worn and used by the real people of old. The procession is also a chance to admire the skill of the artisans of Kyoto. 


ticket

You can also sit down if you pay a small fee. If you want to see the whole procession, this is a nice way to do it. Of course the procession can also be enjoyed for free if you do not want to sit down on a chair. 


Address Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8341
Event time The procession leaves the Imperial Palace at 12 p.m. and arrives at the Heian Jingu Shrine at 2:30 p.m.




4Kyokusui no Utage

Kyokusui no Utage

Kyokusui no Utage is an event that takes place at Jonangu Shrine in Kyoto’s Fushimi District in April and November. In this elegant event poets dress up as Heian period court nobles and write poems in the garden by the river. 


Jonangu Shrine

This event is a revival of a court ritual that started around a thousand years ago. This event gives you a chance to enjoy graceful, Kyoto-like atmosphere. 


Kyoto-like

On the day of the event there is also a dance performance you can see. This event is really popular so it can get crowded at Jonangu, but still, I want to recommend the event to all those who want to experience something very Kyoto-like. 


Address 7 Tobarikyucho, Nakajima, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City 612-8459
Event time From 2 p.m. until about 3 p.m.




5Kibune Momiji Toro

Kibune Momiji Toro

Autumn in Kyoto also means autumn leaves. Kifune Shrine is northern Kyoto is one of the best places to sea autumn leaves, and during the autumn leaves season they hold an illumination event at the shrine called Kibune Momiji Toro


Kibune area

The Kibune area is famous for its beautiful nature, and during this event the ryokan area down below and the path up to the shrine and the autumn leaves lining it are all illuminated. I would like you to add this event to your itinerary; it’s a great chance to enjoy the Kyoto-like romantic atmosphere and Japanese beauty. 


Eizan Electric Railway

During the same time, the train line connecting Demachiyanagi to Kibune, Eizan Electric Railway, also hold an autumn leaves illumination event. So you can enjoy two illumination events at the same time! 


Address Kibune-cho, Kurama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Event time Sunset ~ 9pm (Until 8:30 PM in the Kibune area)
Erika[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ]
Talking of autumn in Kyoto, many people must think of the autumn leaves for which the peak time is in November, but there are also interesting events that take place in September and October. If you found an event you like, it would make me happy if you joined it.
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