Happy New Year! As we step into the Year of the Snake, let’s take a moment to reflect on its symbolism. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is often associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation. It’s a time to shed the old, like snake skin, and welcome growth and renewal in the year 2025. In Japanese, we say 新年あけましておめでとうございます (Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) to wish someone a Happy New Year. If you can’t remember the thing, simply あけおめ (Aka ome) would work!
Kyoto, rich in history and tradition, offers an array of events and activities to welcome the new year. Let’s explore some of the must-see events and cultural treasures awaiting you in January 2025!
Shinshun Hounou – Photo Credit: Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
Heian Shrine New Year Dances
Celebrate the New Year at the historic Heian Shrine with elegant traditional dances that pay homage to the deities. The Shinshun Hounou (新春奉納) performances are a beautiful way to experience the cultural and spiritual ambiance of Kyoto. Experience a unique blend of artistry and reverence that marks the start of a promising year. The Kyoto Nohgaku Association will present Noh (能) and Kyogen (狂言) performances at the shrine’s Kagura Hall every New Year’s Day. These traditional art forms are offered as a tribute and are open for everyone to freely attend and enjoy.
Date: January 1, 2025
Time: Performance starts at 1 PM
Location: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341
Official Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/
A float fight, one of the activities at the Sagicho Festival – Photo Credit: JoshuaDaniel
Sagicho Festival
Head to Sanzen-in Temple to witness the Sagicho Festival, where bonfires light up the winter skies and competing floats have contests of strength. This traditional event involves burning New Year decorations and old talismans in a ritual fire. It is believed that eating rice cakes roasted over this sacred fire can ward off illness for the year. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary servings of Fukumochi Zenzai (福餅ぜんざい), a sweet red bean soup with lucky rice cakes, adding a delicious and meaningful touch to the experience.
Date: January 15, 2025
Time: Ritual starts at 10 AM
Location: 540 Ohararaikoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1242
Official Website: http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/
Wakana Festival – Photo Credit – Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
Wakana Porridge – Photo Credit – Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
Wakana Sekkusai
On January 7th, the Wakana Sekkusai (若菜祭) celebrates early spring greens and wishes for health and longevity. This festival dates back to the Tencho Era when the Emperor enshrined the deities from Nara as the guardian spirits of his residence. During the festival, young greens (wakana) are offered to the gods to pray for good health. Following the ritual, attendees can enjoy Wakana porridge (a limited and paid offering for 300 yen), made from fresh greens. This porridge, a tradition among Heian aristocrats, was believed to restore energy after New Year’s celebrations. Additionally, visitors can view the White Horse (Aouma) Decoration, an auspicious symbol said to bring good health if seen on this day. Special charms, such as the Katsukuri (Victory Chestnut) Charm, are also available to ward off sicknesses.
Date: January 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 615-0015, Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Saiinkasugacho, 61
Website: http://www.kasuga.or.jp/
New Year’s tea – Photo Credit – Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
Imperial Tea Ceremony
From January 1st to 3rd, visit Rokuharamitsu Temple for the Imperial Tea Ceremony (皇服茶), a centuries-old tradition. The tea, brewed from sacred “young water” drawn on New Year’s Day, was first offered to the emperor during the Heian period to ward off illness. Attendees can partake in this special tea while reflecting on its historical significance. The first 2,000 visitors receive a free rice ear charm, with additional decorative items available for purchase.
Date: January 1–3, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: 81-1 Rokurocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0813
Website: https://rokuhara.or.jp/
New Year ball kicking event (Kemari Hajime) – Photo Credit: Central Japan Railway Souda Kyoto Tourism Website
Kemari Hajime
On January 4th, visit Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered shrines, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine hosts Kemari Hajime (蹴鞠始め), a traditional ball-kicking event that recreates an elegant Heian aristocratic pastime. Members of the Kemari Preservation Society perform this ritual, drawing crowds eager to witness their graceful footwork and historical costumes.
Date: January 4, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, 59
Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/
Shohin Bonsai Exhibition – Photo Credit – Shohin Bonsai Association of Japan
New Year’s Bonsai Exhibition
Celebrate the artistry of miniature trees at Japan’s largest Shōhin Bonsai Exhibition held at the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall. This event showcases bonsai of all sizes, from palm-sized creations to those exuding the majesty of ancient trees. Bonsai enthusiasts can also shop for high-quality plants, pots, and tools, making it a paradise for hobbyists and collectors alike.
Date: January 10–12, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 9-1 Okazaki Seishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8343
Official Website: https://shohin-bonsai.or.jp/en/
Special Collaboration providing Japanese sweets with craft beer – Photo Credit: Nishijin Craft Beer Town Official Website
Guided tour through the Nishijin Craft Beer Town – Photo Credit: Nishijin Craft Beer Town Official Website
Nishijin Craft Beer Town
Combine craft beer with Kyoto charm at the Nishijin Craft Beer Town. Sip on locally brewed beer while exploring the Nishijin area, famed for its textile heritage. The area is also home to three craft beer breweries and a sake shop famously dubbed the “Holy Land of Craft Beer.” This year, these four establishments are joining forces to host Nishijin Craft Beer Town, aiming to establish Nishijin as a hub for craft beer culture. This exciting event will feature a stamp rally, allowing participants to explore Nishijin’s breweries and enjoy beer tastings at discounted prices. Additional activities include a guided tour through the world of craft beer, visiting all four breweries and pairing experiences with traditional Japanese sweets from long-established confectioneries. This unique event is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing start to the year.
Date: Throughout January and ending at the end of February
Time: Varies according to the opening hours of each brewery
Location: At participating breweries throughout Nishijin District (full list on the official website)
Official Website: https://nishijin-craft-beer-town.com/
Uttoco Marche Handmade Market – Photo Credit: Official Instagram of Uttoco Marche
UTTOCO MARCHE Handmade Market at a Shrine
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through a 30-booth handmade market hosted along a shrine’s approach. Each booth features unique crafts such as handmade chopsticks, burnt wood art, and handmade Japanese bags, and light snacks lovingly prepared by local artisans. Take the opportunity to meet the creators and learn about the stories behind their work, making this more than just a shopping trip!
Date: January 24 and 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uttoco_marche
Hozugawa River Boat Ride – Photo Credit: Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Reopened after the winter season, now it’s the time to experience the thrill of Hozugawa River Boat Rides (保津川下り), a 400-year-old tradition that takes you through the 16-kilometer stretch of the Hozugawa Gorge from Kameoka to Arashiyama. Known as Japan’s oldest river cruise, this 2-hour journey offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, unique rock formations, and the serene beauty of the gorge. Skilled boatmen showcase impressive navigation techniques through the rapids while entertaining guests with witty commentary.
Date: Reopening January 5, 2025, daily through March 9
Time: Four departures daily (schedule subject to river conditions)
Location: 2 Shimo-Nakajima Hozu-cho Kameoka, 6210005, Kyoto
Official Website and Reservations: https://ars-hozugawa.triplabo.jp/home
Roasted Sweet Potato – Photo Credit: Yakiimo Festival
DIY Roasted Sweet Potato Event
Warm up this winter at Keihanna Commemorative Park with their seasonal Roasted Sweet Potato (Yakiimo) event. For 600 yen, this hands-on experience allows participants to light their own fires and roast delicious sweet potatoes, a classic Japanese winter treat. You can even bring your own food items to roast alongside the sweet potatoes for a personalized roasting adventure. Reservations open on December 21st at 9:00 AM, with a capacity of 70 participants per session, so be sure to secure your spot early for this delightful family-friendly activity!
Date: January 18–19, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 6-1 Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-0238
Official Website and Reservation: https://keihanna-park.net/event/takibi_de_yakiimo/
Toka Ebisu Festival is celebrated with bamboo charms – Photo Credit: Discover Kyoto
Food stalls at the Toka Ebisu Festival – Photo Credit: Discover Kyoto
Tōka Ebisu Festival (十日ゑびす大祭)
The Tōka Ebisu Festival at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine is the first major festival of the new year, and definitely a yummy one! Held over five days from January 8th to 12th, the festival honors Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods and the deity of fishermen and commerce. Locals and tourists gather to pray for prosperity, purchase lucky charms, and indulge in festival treats while the uplifting strains of Ebisu’s song fill the air. Various food stalls selling classic Japanese treats and hot food will be set up outside of the shrine, so after a good luck prayer you can enjoy the endless food selection to warm up!
A highlight of the event is the sacred kagura dances performed by shrine maidens who bless leafy green bamboo branches (fukuzasa) for parishioners. Visitors can customize their bamboo with lucky charms such as red sea bream, money boxes, and rice granary symbols. Depending on the day, you may also witness special rituals like mochi pounding, a palanquin procession, or the distribution of lucky bamboo by actresses or maiko (apprentice geisha).
Date: January 8 – 12, 2025
Time: Varies each day (check the official website for details)
Location: Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, 125 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Website: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=3869
January in Kyoto is a perfect time to reflect on the past and welcome new beginnings, Japanese style. The city’s winter charm pairs beautifully with its rich traditions, offering moments of serenity and inspiration. Whether it’s through cultural rituals, historical performances, or seasonal delights, Kyoto invites you to embrace the wisdom and renewal that the Year of the Snake symbolizes. Start your year with Kyoto’s timeless traditions, and let its unique spirit guide you toward growth and happiness. 新年あけましておめでとうございます – Happy New Year!
Feature photo credit: Official Kyoto Tourism Navigation
