August is a wonderful time to be in Kyoto, despite being one of the hottest months and the occasional rain shower. Kyoto celebrates summer with events such as Gozan no Okuribi and other fun activities scattered throughout the city. So whether you’re looking for that perfect way to cool down, a bit of cultural fun, or a great way to spend your time, you’ll find it this month in Japan’s former capital. Here’s a brief glimpse of what you can look forward to doing in August 2024 if you are visiting Kyoto.
Go fishing with the cormorants and burning torches in the still of the night – Photo Credit: Photoerngo
Ukai
Ukai, or cormorant fishing, is a traditional fishing activity carried out in Kyoto and other parts of Japan, for over 1000 years. In this unique fishing technique, expert fishermen use trained special aquatic birds to catch river fish at night, with the only source of light being the flames of burning torches. In principle, every fisherman takes out a group of cormorants on a leash, as the boat travels out into the river the birds swim alongside the boat and catch the fish underwater with their mouths. A special pouch on the throats of the birds prevents the fish from being swallowed, which are later collected. Although this practice was quite common many centuries ago, today it is practiced only in a few places, and mainly as a way to highlight this traditional method of fishing. August is a good time to experience it first-hand on the Uji River in Kyoto prefecture, as visitors can join special boat tours that can take them deep into the river to view this spectacle up close.
Dates: Throughout August
Location: Near the Kisen Bridge, Nakanoshima Island, Uji (in Uji City, around 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station)
Website: https://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/ukai-en.html
For more details, please check the website
Enjoy the Kyo no Tanabata festivities – Photo Credit: Kyono Tanabata
Kyo no Tanabata
The popular Tanabata Matsuri, which celebrates the love between two star-crossed lovers, is generally celebrated on July 7th, across Japan. During this festival, people write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches praying for them to come true. However, in Kyoto, the Tanabata celebrations take place in August, as well as July. Visitors can enjoy the Tanabata Star Festival illuminations at various locations across the Kamogawa and Horikawa rivers in Kyoto. It’s also a great time to rent a yukata, a casual, summer-version of the kimono, and visit some of the shrines in Kyoto. One particular spot to visit is the Kifune Shrine, which is beautifully lit up by sparkling lanterns, creating a magical ambiance that is sure to take your breath away.
Dates: Generally, Tanabata-related events are held between August 1st to 7th
Location: Kifune Shrine and other locations across Kyoto
Website: https://kyonotanabata.kyoto.travel/
A bonfire to wish the departing spirits goodbye – Photo Credit: Gozan No Okuribi website
Gozan no Okuribi (Mountain Bonfire)
One of the most visually striking events in Kyoto, the Gozan no Okuribi is a traditional festival that celebrates the Obon season, a time when the spirits of the ancestors are believed to visit the living. The biggest highlight of this festival is five massive bonfires that are lit in the mountains surrounding Kyoto, which can be seen from various spots across the city. Each of the five fires has a specific shape and significance, as they are meant to guide the souls of the ancestors who are visiting the mortal world back to the spiritual realm. The fires are lit sequentially and the first fire is lit around 8.00 pm on Diamonji, the main mountain in the festival. The remaining four fires are set on each mountain in order every five minutes and last for about 40 minutes. The best time to view all fires at the same time is about 8.30 pm.
Dates: 16th August
Location: Different mountains near Kyoto; For the best views to see the first fire lighting up, head to the banks of the Kamo River, near Kyoto Gyoen
Website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/okuribi/
The monthly Toji Temple Flea Markets – Photo Credit: Maarten Heerlien
Toji Temple Flea Markets
The Toji Temple is most famous for its five-story pagoda, which adorns the cover of almost every Kyoto-bound travel brochure. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit for first-time travelers to the region. In addition to being one of the most culturally important spots to visit in Kyoto, this temple is also famous for its two flea markets. The first market, the smaller of the two, happens on the first Sunday of each month. The bigger flea market, which has hundreds of vendors lined up outside the temple from early in the morning, takes place on the 21st of each month. If you are around Kyoto in August on these days, do try and plan a visit to these spectacular markets, for an awesome experience. You can find anything and everything, ranging from ceramic vases to seeds and even pre-owned clothing items, including inexpensive yukatas and kimonos. There is a pretty good chance that you will find some really good antiques here as well. And most importantly, there will be lots of food stalls to try some amazing and locally loved yatai!
Dates: August 4th & August 21st
Location: Toji Temple, Kyoto City
Website: https://toji.or.jp/en/index.html
For more information, please check the website
Chill out with a beer, at Kamishichiken Beer Garden – Photo Credit: Maiko3
Kamishichiken Beer Garden
Held at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo, this beer festival is one of the best ways to enjoy a chilled beer and escape from the rush of the city. The Kamishichiken Theatre is converted into a beer garden for this festival, where traditional geisha and maiko wearing matching yukatas add to the charm. This is a must-visit event for beer enthusiasts
Dates: August 4th; August 13th to 16th; August 25th
Location: 〒602-8381 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Shinseicho, 742
Website: https://maiko3.com/beer-garden/
For more information, please check the official website
Enjoy the culinary delights of Kyoto at Nishiki Market – Photo Credit: marcobrivio.photography
Nishiki Market
Any trip to Kyoto is incomplete without a trip to the 400-year-old Nishiki Market. This gourmet wonderland is home to over a hundred shops and restaurants and takes its title of ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ very seriously. Spanning over five blocks, Nishiki offers a wide range of local foods, ranging from fresh seafood to seasonal produce like tofu skin (yuba) and pickled vegetables (tsukemono). In August, foodies can try one of Kyoto’s local specialties hamo (pike conger eel), or enjoy yudofu, a simple tofu preparation. If raw oysters are your thing, you can find them here at Nishiki Market. For something more conventional, try the matcha-flavored treats and maybe the sake ice cream. In addition to great food, Nishiki Market is a great spot to pick up some really cool chef’s knives as well. The market is open daily from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, but the best time to visit is generally early in the morning for breakfast before the rush of customers.
Dates: Open every day, but certain stores are closed on Wednesdays or Sundays.
Location: 742, Imadegawa-Dori Shichihonmatsu Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City 602-8381
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/
For more information, please check the official website
Kyoto in August offers a vibrant array of activities, from the mesmerizing Mountain Bonfire to midnight fishing, and beer gardens to buzzing markets. Whether you are on the lookout for cultural activities, culinary delights, or traditional experiences, there’s always something happening around Kyoto. When you’re visiting the former capital, remember to relax and soak up the lively atmosphere in Japan’s cultural heart. And if you find yourself short of ideas on what to do, do check out our list of Kyoto activities and we will be happy to help you plan a perfect time in Kyoto. Arigato!
Feature photo credit: FiledIMAGE
If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
