Kyoto’s summer festivals! Top traditional festivals in July

Kyoto is a veritable hot pot of all kinds of events and festivals all year round, but in July some of the most important ones take place, chief among them Gion Matsuri. There are also other traditional summer festivals which you cannot overlook. But look no further, here are some of the greatest festivals taking place in July in Kyoto, so let’s starts planning our trip to Kyoto!

1Arashiyama Ukai (Cormorant fishing) ukai

Dates: July 2 to September 23

Place: Arashiyama, close to the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Highlight: The skill of the fishermen fishing in this traditional way.

2Mizu Matsuri

Dates: July 7

Place: Kifune Shrine

Highlight: The traditional Shinto ritual praying for the water god to give Kyoto fine weather and moderate rain.

3Mitarashi Festival kids

Dates: July 22 to 31.

Place: Shimogamo Shrine

Highlight: Steep your feet in the river of Shimogamo Shrine and pray for good health.

4Gion Matsuri gion festival

Dates: July 1 to 31.

Place: Gion, Shijo Street, Yasaka Shrine

Highlight: The purifying and protecting rituals and the eye-catching floats.

5Motomiya Festival

Dates: The next Sunday or national holiday after the Day of the Ox

Place: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Highlight: The thousand vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine look mysterious when illuminated at night.

	Vanessa[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ]

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Kyoto, and although it’s both hot and humid, these traditional festivals make the atmosphere feel very Japanese. The streets are full of people, and a festive spirit takes over Kyoto. There is also something moving about how you can see a glimpse of the past days of Kyoto through these festivals. So come join these summer festivities in July!

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