Kyoto is a wonderful and magical city where modernity dances alongside traditions. Walking through the city will make you feel as if you have time traveled, with modern-style architecture on one side, and historical shrines and alleyways on the other. In other words, whenever you go to Kyoto, there will always be some interesting activity to do. You are sure to never get bored! That I can personally guarantee. However, did you know that some events and ventures that take place in this beautiful city, are only offered during a particular time? Well, you are in luck, because as the lovely month of July approaches, this article will list all the fun activities that you can specifically do during this period.
Float Parade during Gion Matsuri in Kyoto – Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf
Gion Matsuri
The first thing you will notice in Kyoto when you arrive in July is the festive ambiance of Gion Matsuri. Indeed, for a whole month, the city will be adorned with rituals, parades, music, delicious stalls, and many more entertainments! It starts from the 1st of July and lasts until the 31st of July.
The Matsuri, historically, originated in 869, when the emperor ordered festivities and rituals to be performed at the Yasaka Shrine as a way to appease the gods and prevent further propagation of the plague that was ravaging the city at that time. Every year, a child is chosen as a “chigo,” a sacred messenger to the gods. This year, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the “chigo” as he will be visiting the Yasaka Shrine on the 13th of July. Despite the name having Gion in it, the main events usually take place on each side of the Kamogawa River, on Shijo and Karasuma streets.
Dancers wearing heron birds headpieces – Photo Credit: kqlsm
Some important dates:
- 10th of July :
- From 16:30 – A Lantern procession to welcome the purified mikoshis
- From 19:00 – The mikoshis (portable shrines) will be carried all over the neighborhood and be purified with water from the Kamogawa River.
You can enjoy various dances, such as the Sagi Odori (Heron Dance), the Komachi Odori (Young Ladies’ Dance), and the Ondo Odori.
- 16th of July: There will be a series of dances and performances held on the stage of the Yasaka Shrine (for instance: Shoki, the demon dweller; Yamata no Orochi, etc.)
- 17th and 24th of July – The most important dates:
- The grand parade of floats (Yamaboko Junko) will take place from 9:00 to 13:00 on the 17th and from 9:30 to 11:50 on the 24th.
- The procession of portable shrines (Mikoshi Togyo) starts at around 18:00.
- The Flower Umbrella Procession (Hanagasa Junkō), starts at 10:00 on the 24th, where Maikos and Geishas will be sitting on colorful umbrella floats. Various dances will also be performed.
Dates: 1st – 31st of July 2024
Location: Yasaka Shrine; Shijo Street
Websites: Yasaka Jinja; Gion Matsuri Festival
For more details, please visit the websites
A Geisha performing – Photo Credit: Jayson_Photography
Kamishichiken Beer Garden at Kaburenjō Theater
Not only is Kyoto famous for being a beautiful city where traditionality merges with modernity but it is also known to be the epicenter of Geisha and Maiko culture. I’m sure that coming all the way to Japan, it must be on your bucket list to meet at least one of them. Nevertheless, you may realize sooner or later that encountering a Geisha or a Maiko will prove to be quite the task. Do not worry, however, for I’ve found a way!
Between the 1st of July and the 7th of September, the Kamishichiken district gracefully opens its Kaburenjō Theater as a beer garden, where Maikos and Geisha will take your orders, happily chat with you, and even perform!
Make sure to reserve (call or book online), as walk-ins are only possible if there are any free seats available.
Dates: 1st of July 2024 – 7th of September 2024
Location: Kaburenjō Theater
Website: ビアガーデン｜上七軒歌舞会｜公式ウェブサイト (maiko3.com)
For more details, please visit their website
Lovely Lotus flowers in front of Mimuroto-ji Temple – Photo Credit: skywhale000
Hasuzake wo Tanoshimu-kai
In the lovely city of Uji, in the southern part of Kyoto, lies a historical Buddhist temple, Mimuroto-ji, with one of the prettiest gardens that you will ever see. The garden is filled with outstanding flowers, each more beautiful than the last. It comprises hydrangeas, azaleas, and around 250 lotus pots. From early July to August, you can witness the blossoming of the Lotus flowers, grading in variants of pink and white. Lotus flowers have a deep connection with Buddhism, as they are seen as a symbol of beauty and purity. Moreover, it is said that under each of Buddha Siddhārtha’s steps, a lotus flower sprouted.
On top of the ethereal garden, if by any chance, you happen to be in the area on the 13th of July, you can attend an event called Hasuzake wo Tanoshimu-kai, aka “Meeting to Enjoy Lotus Sake.” It is believed that drinking from a Lotus leaf steam is beneficial for both long life and good health. Each year, the first 300 people to arrive get served with Sake in a large Lotus leaf.
Dates: 13th of July 2024
Location: Mimuroto-ji Temple
Website: https://mimurotoji.com
For more details, please visit their website
Different types of yokai – Photo Credit: Cube29
The Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons (Hyakki Yagyo Ten)
From July 15th to August 31st, if you are perhaps near the lovely Buddhist temple of Kōdai-ji, in Higashiyama, firstly, please visit the monastery. But also, do not forget to visit the special Yokai-themed exhibition that they will set up, specifically during this period.
During this event, you may enjoy looking at the numerous illustrated scrolls depicting different yokai (Japanese spirits), scenes representing Buddhist Heaven and Hell, and more. Not only is it a fun way to scare yourself and learn more about Japanese folklore, but you can also admire the detailed work behind each art piece.
Dates: 15th of July – 31st of August 2024
Location : Kōdai-ji Temple
Website : Kodai-ji Zen Temple (kodaiji.com)
For more details, please visit their website
Start your day with some grilled eel for Ushi no hi – Photo Credit: jazz3311
Doyō no Ushi no Hi
There is a tradition originating in the Edo period that involves eating eel during the Midsummer Day of the Ox (Doyō no Ushi no Hi). A day meant to commemorate the Ox sign from the traditional Japanese calendar. Another tradition is that in Sanbō-ji Temple, in the northwestern part of Kyoto, they hold numerous rituals to bring good fortune, business and finances, and good health.
The temple offers three kinds of rituals in which you can participate:
- Kyuri fūji, aka the cucumber sealing service: meant to protect against misfortune and illnesses, especially those due to the heat.
- Hōroku kyūkitō, aka the ceramic moxibustion prayer: meant to protect against illnesses such as a headache, heat stroke, palsy, etc. – A ceramic parching pan (Hōroku) which bears protective incantations on it as well as three piles of mogusa (dried mugwort), is placed on your head.
- Ajisai kitō, aka the hydrangea service: meant to invite financial prosperity.
Once the services are completed, you can head to the guest hall, where some delicious kurogoma ohagi (black sesame-covered sweet rice balls) will be waiting for you!
Dates: 24th of July 2024
Location: Sanbō-ji Temple
Website: sanbouji-kyoto.or.jp
For more details, please visit their website
Tanabata Matsuri – Photo Credit: tkworks
Lots of Other Fun Matsuri!
Now you are in luck, July and Kyoto have paired up to offer you a ton of fun-filled Matsuri! Festivals are a big part of Japanese culture and each one of them is unique in its own way, so you are sure to never get bored or tired of them. From the 1st of July to August 15th 2024, you can enjoy the Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival). The myth behind this festival is quite romantic as it celebrates the love story between Hikoboshi, the cow herd (Altair star in English) and Orihime, the weaver (known as Vega in English).
Handmade dolls of Orihime and Hikoboshi – Photo Credit: rumo777
Once upon a time, a hardworking weaver named Orihime started to feel saddened, as her workload would never allow her to meet true love. Her father, Tentei, the Sky King, arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi, the cow herd. Upon meeting, they immediately fell in love with each other. And as the days went by, their love never ceased to intensify, so much so that they began neglecting their heavenly duties. Angered by their carelessness, Tentei decides to split them on either side of the River known as the Milky Way. But he would quickly lessen his anger, as he would witness the sorrow in his beloved daughter’s eyes. As a compromise, he allowed for both of our lovers to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month if she worked hard and completed her weaving.
Beautiful lanterns leading to Kifune Shrine – Photo Credit: Sobashikakatan
During this festival, you can enjoy looking at all the illuminations, lanterns, bamboo spheres filled with light, wind chimes, maiko performances, a yuzen dyeing exhibition, and more. You can also write a wish or a skill that you would like to master on a piece of paper and then hang it on a bamboo branch.
Dates: 1st of July – 15th August 2024
Location: Along the Kamogawa River
Website: kyoto.travel
For more details, please visit their website
Please also visit the Kifune Shrine during this period, as it not only offers a beautiful view during the day, with its maple trees, and colorful pieces of wish-filled papers hanging on the bamboo branches. But in the evening, starting from dusk to 20:00 (21:00 on holidays and weekends), the shrine celebrates the matsuri with illuminations made out of bamboo lamps.
Dates: 1st of July – 15th August 2024
Location: Kifune Shrine
Website: http://kifunejinja.jp/
For more details, please visit the website
Branches decorated with colorful pieces of wish-filled papers in front of Kōdai-ji Temple – Photo Credit: MarinaSkyf
On the 6th and 7th of July, if you visit Kōdai-ji, you may be able to see some bamboo branches specifically decorated by children leading the way to the shrine. The surrounding gardens also get illuminated (from 5:00 to 21:00)
Dates: 6th – 7th of July 2024
Location : Kōdai-ji Temple
Website : Kodai-ji Zen Temple (kodaiji.com)
For more details, please visit the website
On the 7th of July, the Mizu Matsuri (Water festival) is held at the Kifune Shrine. It was originally a festival meant to pray for rainfall. The things you can see during this event: attend a tea ceremony, watching a traditional dance, and witnessing a cooking ritual (shikibōchō) demonstrated by a chef from the prestigious Ikama school.
Dates: 7th of July 2024
Location: Kifune Shrine
Website: http://kifunejinja.jp/
For more details, please visit their website
A candle being held during the Mitarashi Festival – Photo Credit: Jasonyan
From the 19th to the 28th, Shimogamo Shrine holds the Mitarashi Matsuri. The rituals in this Matsuri are said to guarantee good health for the year to come. In exchange for a fee, you receive a candle that you light up and enter the water (taking off your shoes before that), before accessing the Shrine where you can pray and offer your candle to the deity. Afterwards, you are offered a cup of spring water. It is believed that the water here can cure any problems that you have, especially those related to your legs.
Dates: 19th – 28th of July 2024
Location: Shimogamo Shrine
Website : shimogamo-jinja.or.jp
For more details, please visit their website
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine illumined with red lanterns during Motomiya – Photo Credit: EvergreenPlanet
On the 20th and 21st of July, you can partake in two consecutive matsuris. The first one is Yomiya-ya and the second one is Motomiya-sai. Both are held on the grounds of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. This festival is meant to express gratitude towards the Inari god. The highlight of this matsuri is the thousands of lanterns illuminating all over the shrine and over Mt. Inari. You will also be able to enjoy numerous performances, such as traditional dances and Taiko concerts.
Dates: 20th – 21st of July 2024
Location: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Website : 伏見稲荷大社 (inari.jp)
For more details, please visit the website
On the 28th of July, you can attend the Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire walking festival) at the Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple. The highlight of this festival is watching the temple’s followers walk barefoot over a pile of hot coals. The bonus point is that you can also challenge yourself and participate! That is if you are brave enough…
Dates: 28th of July 2024
Location: Tanukidani-san Fudō-in temple
Website : tanukidani.com
For more details, please visit their website
A vendor preparing Kakigori in Kyoto – Photo Credit: Ciga
Kyoto has a lot to offer and you will never have a dull moment! From Matsuri to social events, and visiting shrines and temples, you will always have something great to do. July has a ton of events, so be sure not to miss any of them. You won’t regret it! And to top it off, why not cool down your system from the heat of the summer with a delicious Kakigori from the city?
Feature photo credit: Shawn.ccf
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?
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