Kyoto in October 2026 โ Festivals & Events
3 events happening in Kyoto during October. Book hotels 2-3 months ahead for peak dates โ this month's highlights fill up fastest for the best-known matsuri and fireworks.
๐จ Book hotels for these dates๐ช Matsuri Festivals
Jidai Matsuri
October 22
One of Kyoto's three great festivals. A 2km procession of ~2,000 costumed participants recreates 1,200 years of Japanese history, moving from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.
Access: Marutamachi Station (Karasuma Subway) for start; Higashiyama Station for arrival
See details โKurama Fire Festival
October 22 (evening)
One of Kyoto's most dramatic festivals. Villagers carry massive torches โ some 5m tall โ through the mountain village of Kurama, north of Kyoto. Same night as Jidai Matsuri.
Access: Kurama Station (Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi) โ expect crowded return trains after event
See details โZuiki Matsuri (Kitano Tenmangu)
October 1-5
Autumn harvest festival at Kitano Tenmangu where the mikoshi shrine is decorated entirely with seasonal vegetables including the namesake 'zuiki' (taro stems). A rare vegetable-themed festival with 1,000-year roots.
Access: Kitano-Tenmangu-mae bus stop (from Kyoto Station, bus 50 or 101)
See details โ