Kyoto in December 2026 — Festivals & Events

4 events in Kyoto during December. Rooms near the biggest events go first, so book your stay as soon as your dates are set.

🎪 Matsuri Festivals

Shimai-Tenjin at Kitano Tenmangu

December 25, 2026

Shimai-Tenjin is the last Tenjin-ichi market of the year at Kitano Tenmangu, held on December 25. The shrine holds a Tenjin market on the 25th of every month, and on this day there are more stalls than usual and many worshippers come to close the year.

Access: Kitano-Hakubaicho Station (Keifuku Randen), about 5 minutes on foot; City Bus 50 from JR Kyoto Station (about 35 minutes) to Kitano Tenmangu-mae

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🗓 Dates filled in: Fri, Dec 25 → Sat, Dec 26 (1 night)

Shimai-Kobo at Toji Temple

December 21, 2026

Toji holds its Kobo-ichi market on the 21st of every month, when nearly 1,000 stalls fill the temple grounds, and the December 21 market is the last of the year, known as Shimai-Kobo. The market grew over more than 700 years around the monthly Mieku service for Kobo Daishi, which began in 910.

Access: Toji Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line), about 10 minutes on foot; JR Kyoto Station Hachijo exit, about 15 minutes

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🗓 Dates filled in: Mon, Dec 21 → Tue, Dec 22 (1 night)

Joya-sai and Okera Fire at Yasaka Shrine

December 31, 2026 (Joya-sai at 19:00)

On New Year's Eve Yasaka Shrine holds Joya-sai at 19:00. After the ceremony, the sacred okera fire is moved into the okera lanterns at three places in the shrine grounds. Okera-sai, a prayer to ward off illness and misfortune, follows at 5:00 on January 1.

Access: Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line), about 5 minutes on foot; Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu), about 8 minutes

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🗓 Dates filled in: Thu, Dec 31 → Fri, Jan 1 (1 night)

🍁 Autumn Foliage

Arashiyama

November 15 – December 1

Kyoto's scenic western district blazes with autumn color. The hillsides along the Hozu River turn deep red and orange, complementing the bamboo groves and temples.

Access: Arashiyama Station (Hankyu or Keifuku Line)

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