August is one of the most exciting times to visit Kyoto. Summer is in full swing, and the city comes alive with colorful festivals, beautiful traditions, and magical evening events. From watching spectacular fireworks and joining local celebrations to exploring peaceful temples and enjoying seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, here are some of the best things to do in Kyoto this August to make your visit unforgettable.
Geiko and maiko attending customers at Kamishichiken Beer Garden – Photo Credit: Navi
Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater Beer Garden
The Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater, famous for the “Kitano Odori” dance, transforms into a lively beer garden during the summer months. The garden is filled with a festive atmosphere, where geiko and maiko in matching yukata serve guests. They may hand you a small traditional business card called a sensha-fuda. This card has their name on it, and people believe that receiving one brings good fortune. Regulars, first-time visitors, and travelers alike are welcome to enjoy the pleasantly tinted evenings in this traditional geisha district.
Date: July 1st – September 5th
Time: 5:30 pm – 10 pm (2-hour limit, last order 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: ¥2,500 for the first set
Address: 〒602-8381 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Shinseicho, 742
Website: https://www.maiko3.com/beer-garden/
Tanabata celebration – Photo Credit: Kyo no Tanabata
Kyo no Tanabata
This is Kyoto’s unique celebration of Japan’s traditional Tanabata (Star Festival), held throughout July and August at temples, shrines, and cultural sites across the city. Inspired by the legend of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, visitors are invited to write their wishes on colorful paper strips (tanzaku) and hang them on bamboo branches, creating a beautiful display of hopes and dreams. Wishes collected during the festival are later ceremonially burned at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, symbolically sending them to the heavens. Combining centuries-old customs with Kyoto’s historic atmosphere, Kyo no Tanabata offers a memorable way to experience one of Japan’s most cherished summer traditions.
Date: July 1st – August 31st
Time: Whenever the temples and shrines are open
Admission: Free
Address: Multiple shrines and temples across Kyoto *Check here
Website: https://kyonotanabata.kyoto.travel/
Men waiting for the battle to begin – Photo Credit: Kyoto Tabiya
Yatori Shinji Festival
Every August at Kyoto’s Shimogamo Shrine, the Yatori Shinji festival turns a peaceful pond, the beautiful Mitarashi Pond, into a battleground for good fortune. Sixty brave men gather around where fifty sacred arrow-shaped talismans float in the water, each one promising health and protection from illness for the coming year. When the signal is given, chaos erupts as the men rush into the pond, splashing and scrambling to grab one of the prized arrows. Only the fastest fifty will secure their luck, while the remaining ten go home empty-handed but still earn respect for their efforts in warding off evil. It’s a wild, wet, and wonderfully ancient summer tradition that’s equally sacred and funny to see.
Date: August 6th
Time: 6:30 pm
Admission: Free
Address: 〒606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, ５９
Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/saiji
Pottery vendors on the streets of Kyoto – Photo Credit: Kyoto Shinbun
Gojo Wakamiya Pottery Festival
This vibrant summer festival that brings the historic pottery tradition of Kyoto back to life was revived in 2023 after a century-long history. This lively market transforms the streets of Gojozaka into a treasure hunter’s paradise. Over 130 pottery studios and artists from all over Japan gather to showcase and sell their unique creations, ranging from the famous Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics to works by up-and-coming young potters. Beyond shopping for beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, visitors can enjoy a true festival atmosphere with delicious street food stalls, refreshing shaved ice, and fun activities like taiko drum performances, pottery painting experiences, and even a children’s mikoshi (portable shrine) parade. It’s a four-day celebration where you can eat, play, and discover the perfect ceramic treasure to take home.
Date: August 7th – 10th
Time: 10 am – 9 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Yugyomaecho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0864
Website: https://toukimatsuri.com/
Ayu Sweetfish festival – Photo Credit: Miyama Navi
Ayu Festival
Get ready for a splashing good time in the beautiful mountain village of Miyama. This is a summer favorite that’s been running since 1984, and it’s packed with fun for everyone. The main attraction? Catching live sweetfish with your bare hands! You get to jump into a special shallow river area and chase these slippery little fish; it’s super exciting for kids and grown-ups too! Just make sure to book your spot online ahead of time, because spaces fill up quickly. Don’t want to get wet? No problem! You can enjoy delicious food from local stalls, think grilled fish, yakisoba, and other tasty treats. There are also bingo games and a big raffle with lots of prizes to win. And when evening comes, everyone joins in for a traditional Bon dance; you can dance along or just sit back and watch the fun!
Date: August 9th
Time: 9 am – 6:30 pm
Admission: ¥4,000 (junior high and up), ¥3,000 (elementary school) *Click here to make a reservation
Address: Miyamachokita, Nantan, Kyoto 601-0712
Website: https://miyamanavi.com/event/detail/ayumatsuri
Fukuchiyama Fireworks display – Photo Credit: TimeOut
Fukuchiyama Fireworks
This is more than just a fireworks display; it’s a powerful symbol of community spirit and resilience. Relit after 13 long years, this spectacular event represents the accumulated time, effort, and countless memories of a city coming together. It’s a celebration where people gather, hearts connect, and smiles are shared, creating new stories that light up the future. As the night sky bursts with color, the festival serves as a proud local tradition, passing joy and hope from person to person. More than just a show, it’s a moment that brightens lives and forges lasting bonds, illuminating not only the sky but also the path ahead for everyone who witnesses it.
Date: August 11th
Time: 8 pm – 8:45 pm
Admission: ¥10,000 Seat (5 -7 people) / ¥2,000 step seating (per person, elementary age or older)
Address: Fukuchiyama, Kyoto 620-0026 (Riverside)
Website: https://www.fukuchiyama-hanabi.com/
Potato with butter and various toppings (squid in salted guts, salmon roe and mentaiko) – Photo Credit: The Westin
Summer Premium Buffet
This summer, The Westin Miyako Kyoto invites families to create unforgettable memories at its Summer Festival: Summer Premium Buffet 2026, a special event transforming the hotel into a vibrant festival square on August 14th and 15th. For one evening, guests can indulge in a lavish premium buffet featuring a diverse array of Japanese and Western dishes, from live cooking stations and succulent roasted beef to a dedicated children’s corner and delightful desserts. Beyond the culinary feast, the excitement continues with nostalgic festival games in the lobby, a fun raffle for luxurious prizes, and captivating stage performances by the popular entertainer Yamachi, whose magic, juggling, and face-changing acts will delight guests of all ages, ensuring a summer evening filled with smiles and shared joy.
Date: August 14th and 15th
Time: 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Admission: ¥7,150 – ¥15,400
Address: 〒1 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Awadaguchi Kachocho, JP 605-0052, Keage Sanjo, Higashiyaman-Ku
Website: https://en.miyakohotels.ne.jp/westinkyoto/topic/event/4076/
Giant bonfire depicting Kanji character – Photo Credit: Genji Kyoto
Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi
As the sun goes down, the city goes dark, and everyone looks to the hills. Then, one by one, giant shapes of fire light up the mountains: a huge “Dai” (Big), the holy “Myo” and “Ho”, a grand ship, and a tall torii gate! This is Gozan no Okuribi, Kyoto’s most famous summer sight, but locals just call it “Daimonji”, which means “Big Letter”. Why? Because the very first and biggest fire is that enormous 大 (“Dai”). It’s so well-known that its name stuck for the whole event! For over 500 years, this beautiful ritual has lit the way for ancestral spirits to go home. So, find a spot by the Kamo River, look up, and watch Kyoto’s mountains shine in the night.
Wondering where to get the best views of the giant bonfires? We’ve got you! The Kamo River is best for the “Dai”. For the other letters, head to Kitayama-dori (Myo-Ho), Nishioji-dori (Left Dai), or Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge (Torii Gate). Want to see multiple at once? Try Funaokayama Park (you should be able to see four fires!) or Kyoto Tower (where you can see all five, just make sure to book ahead!). Just remember: no hiking on August 16th due to the bonfires, so stick to these city spots and enjoy the show!
Date: August 16th
Time: 8 pm – 8:20 pm
Admission: Free
Address: Multiple spots across Kyoto (see above)
Website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/okuribi/
Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, family fun, or simply want to enjoy Kyoto’s summer atmosphere, August offers plenty of memorable moments. Take your time, explore beyond the main attractions, and don’t be afraid to join in the local festivities. No matter how you spend your days, Kyoto in August is sure to leave you with wonderful memories, and maybe even inspire you to come back again.
Featured Photo Credit: PR Image Factory
