Exciting events and experiences happening this month in Kyoto.
Witness Kyoto's most iconic summer spectacle! On the night of August 16th, five massive bonfires, shaped into kanji characters and symbols, are lit on the mountains surrounding Kyoto. This breathtaking tradition is a poignant send-off for ancestral spirits during the Obon period, creating a truly unforgettable illuminated cityscape.
This is the crowning event of Kyoto's summer, a visually stunning and deeply spiritual experience that beautifully illuminates the night sky.
Plan your trip to Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji Fire Festival) with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Experience a magical evening as countless lanterns gently float down the Katsura River, reflecting the moon and the surrounding scenery. Held concurrently with the Gozan no Okuribi, this serene ceremony in Arashiyama offers a moment of quiet reflection and a beautiful spectacle as wishes are sent adrift.
The ethereal glow of floating lanterns against the backdrop of Arashiyama is a truly enchanting and photogenic sight.
Plan your trip to Arashiyama Toro Nagashi (Lantern Floating Ceremony) with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Dive into the kaleidoscopic world of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama through a captivating exhibition of her print works. Featuring her signature polka dots and net patterns, this display showcases a selection of woodblock and silkscreen prints from her personal collection and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
An unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant and distinctive artistic vision of one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary artists.
Plan your trip to Yayoi Kusama Print Works: Repetition & Proliferation with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Book tickets through our platform.
Enjoy a delightful summer evening at Kyoto's traditional Kamishichiken Beer Garden, offering a rare chance to interact with geiko and maiko in a relaxed setting. Savor refreshing drinks and local specialties while experiencing Kyoto's unique 'Noryo' (cooling off) culture.
This is a unique and intimate cultural experience to enjoy Kyoto's summer nights in the company of traditional Japanese performers.
Plan your trip to Kamishichiken Beer Garden with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Discover the magical transformation of Kodai-ji Temple after dark during its special summer illumination. The beautifully lit bamboo grove and projection mapping create an otherworldly atmosphere, making this historic temple even more enchanting.
Step into a dreamlike world as ancient temple grounds and a mystical bamboo forest come alive with stunning nighttime illuminations.
Plan your trip to Kodai-ji Temple Special Night Time Opening with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Book tickets through our platform.
Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese ceramics at the massive Gojo-zaka Pottery Festival, one of Japan's largest. Hundreds of vendors line the streets, offering everything from traditional Kyo-yaki pottery to modern designs, making it the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or a treasure for your home.
A fantastic opportunity to explore the rich pottery tradition of Kyoto and snag some amazing deals directly from artisans.
Plan your trip to Gojo-zaka Pottery Festival with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Bibliophiles rejoice! The Kyoto Antiquarian Book Fair is a major annual event for book collectors and enthusiasts. Browse through a vast collection of used books, including rare finds, old postcards, and diverse Japanalia, set within the beautiful grounds of a historic shrine.
A charming and unique cultural event for discovering hidden literary gems and fascinating historical prints.
Plan your trip to Kyoto Antiquarian Book Fair with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Experience an ethereal and deeply spiritual event at Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple, where thousands of Buddhist images are illuminated by countless candles. This moving memorial is held to pray for the souls of the departed, creating an otherworldly and profoundly serene atmosphere.
An incredibly atmospheric and moving spiritual event, perfect for quiet contemplation amidst flickering candlelight and ancient statues.
Plan your trip to Sento Kuyo Memorial with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Step into a world of artistic wonder at Nijo Castle, transformed by the NAKED art collective's multi-sensory light, sound, and scent experience. This festival brings Kyoto's summer 'Noryo' culture to life with projection mappings, illuminations, and traditional games within the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.
A modern, immersive art experience that brilliantly merges historical grandeur with cutting-edge digital technology.
Plan your trip to Nijo Castle NAKED Summer Festival with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Attend the sacred Daigo-ji Lantern Festival, a memorial service on August 5th to honor ancestors and the preciousness of life. Thousands of lanterns light up the temple grounds, and the national treasure Golden Hall and five-story pagoda are specially illuminated, creating a truly dreamy ambiance.
A rare opportunity to see the World Heritage Daigo-ji Temple bathed in the mystical glow of countless lanterns.
Plan your trip to Daigo-ji Lantern Festival (Manrankai Festival) with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Enjoy a captivating evening of brass music at the historic Mibu-dera Temple as part of the Kyoto Music Caravan series. This free concert offers a unique blend of traditional temple atmosphere and the vibrant sounds of a brass quintet, promising an intimate and memorable cultural experience.
Experience beautiful classical music in the serene and historic setting of a Kyoto temple, a truly unique cultural fusion.
Plan your trip to Kyoto Music Caravan: Brass Quintet Concert with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Find and compare ticket prices for this event.
Delve into rich Buddhist narratives with this special feature exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum, commemorating the completion of conservation on illustrated handscrolls. Explore the fascinating legends associated with the Shakyamuni Hall through ancient artworks and artifacts.
A deep dive into historical Japanese art and Buddhist folklore, perfect for those seeking cultural and historical insights.
Plan your trip to Collection Exhibition: Legends of the Shakyamuni Hall (Shakadō Engi) with our AI-powered travel planner. Get personalized itineraries and recommendations for your visit to Kyoto. Book tickets through our platform.
Plan your perfect itinerary around these amazing events
Use our AI planner to create a personalized Kyoto itinerary for August 2025. Chat with our AI assistant to get recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and activities that complement these events. Our intelligent trip planner considers your preferences, budget, and travel dates to create the perfect Kyoto travel plan. Features include real-time weather updates, interactive maps, and local insider tips.