This is it! Autumn is finally in full swing, there’s a slight chill in the air, and the leaves are turning beautiful reds and oranges. Quieter than spring and cooler than summer, autumn is one of the best times to travel to and around Japan, with the ancient capital itself having a particularly charming atmosphere during these months. Today, we’ll be going over some of the top things to do and see in October if you’re traveling to Kyoto next month.
Different Japanese Yokai. Photo Credit: GaijinPot
Kanji Yokai: Night Parade of 100 Demons Exhibit
For most of us, when we think of October, we think of Halloween, so if you’re looking for something to give you the chills this autumn, then the Kanji Yokai exhibit is a great addition to your itinerary. A type of supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, Yokai come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making this exhibit a great chance to indulge in interesting art and traditional tales.
Date: 29th May – 13th October
Price: 800 JPY (adults), 500 JPY (university and high school students), 300 JPY (middle school/ junior high students), free for preschool and under
Website: https://www.kanjimuseum.kyoto/kanji-yokai-chimi-moryo.html
Location: Japan Kanji Museum & Library – Google Maps
Zuiki vegetable shrine. Photo Credit: Nipponderful.com
Zuiki Festival
Said to have a history dating back over 1000 years, Zuiki Matsuri is a 5-day festival to give gratitude for the bountiful harvest. This particular festival includes rituals, tea offerings, and a portable vegetable shrine filled with offerings. Seeped in history and undeniably seasonal, this is a great addition to your ancient capital itinerary this autumn.
Date: 1st – 5th October
Price: Free
Website: Zuiki Matsuri | Discover Kyoto
Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – Google Maps
Maiko performing with fans. Photo Credit: Miyako Odori
Onshukai Maiko and Geiko Performance
If you’re fascinated by the Maiko and Geiko that you can see wandering the streets of Kyoto and want to watch a full performance of their carefully practiced craft, then look no further than the six-day Gion Kobe Onshukai! Known as the largest geisha district in Kyoto, you can be sure that a range of traditions and talents will be on display, including theatre, music, and dance!
Date: 1st – 6th October
Price: 6,000 yen (standard seat)
Website: Review meeting|Gion Kobe Kabukai official website
Location: Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō – Google Maps
Handmade jewelry and clay figures. Photo Credit – Tedukuri Ichi
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Located in the same park as the Kyoto Railway Museum and the Kyoto Aquarium, on the first Saturday of October, the Umekoji handicrafts market presents a wide variety of handmade goods with everything from jams to ceramics. This is a great opportunity to support some smaller, local businesses whilst also exploring central Kyoto and finding some unique souvenirs to take home!
Date: 4th October
Price: Free
Website: tedukuri-ichi.com
Location: Umekōji Park – Google Maps
Bread stand at the festival. Photo credit: Kyoto Bread Festival Official Website
Kyoto Bread Festival
Japanese bread is famous around the world for its fluffiness and sweeter taste, with items like melonpan often appearing on ‘must-try’ lists, so why not knock out a classic in the funnest way possible – the Kyoto Bread Festival! This is the ideal way to stock up for your adventures, whilst also getting to experience the great atmosphere of artisan markets and try lots of different varieties of bread and pastries!
Date: 4th – 5th October
Price: Free Admission
Website: https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/panfes/
Location: Kamigamo Shrine – Google Maps
The full moon over the horizon. Photo credit: Daikaku-ji Temple Official Website
Kangetsu Moon Viewing
As mentioned in the September things to do blog, early autumn is a time dedicated to moon viewing in Japan; however, since the harvest moon is slightly later this year, some of the key events have been moved to early October, including the infamous Kangetsu Moon Viewing Festival. This tranquil and beautiful event will make your trip to Japan truly unforgettable and make you appreciate the quieter things in life.
Date: 4th – 6th October
Price: 500 JPY
Website: 秋の行事 – 旧嵯峨御所 大本山 大覚寺
Location: Daikaku-ji Temple – Google Maps
Dragon parade at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Photo Credit: Kiyomizu-Dera Temple Official Website
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival
Visiting Kiyomizu-Dera is on a lot of people’s itineraries already when looking at traveling to Kyoto, so why not go at a time where you can experience a unique tradition steeped in interesting lore? Three times a year, a festival is held in honor of the dragon said to drink from the waterfall beneath the main hall of the temple. The festival includes a procession with an impressive dragon figure carried through the temple grounds.
Date: 15th October
Price: Free
Website: SEIRYU-E | VISIT | KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE
Location: Kiyomizu-Dera – Google Maps
Shrine and torches at Kurama Fire Festival. Photo Credit: Into Japan
Kurama Fire Festival
One of the most lively events, and considered one of the biggest festivals in Kyoto, the Kurama Fire Festival is a must-see. Recreating scenes from hundreds of years ago, Kurama is lit up by firelight that’s said to guide spirits through the human realm as the people of Kurama partake in chanting, dancing, and prayers whilst dressed in traditional clothing, making this a sight to behold!
Date: 22nd October
Price: Free
Website: Kurama Fire Festival | Japan National Tourism Organization
Location: Yuki Shrine – Google Maps
Maple leaves around Kiyomizu-dera. Photo Credit: Lorenzo Castellino
Maple Leaves/Autumn Foliage Viewing
Japan is well known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, but equally as beautiful and widespread, but without quite so many crowds, are the autumn maple leaves that blend seamlessly with the reds and golds of Japanese shrines and architecture. You can see these all over Japan, but below are some of the best viewing spots while in Kyoto.
Philosopher’s Path
Location: Tetsugaku No Michi – Google Maps
Nijo Castle
Website: 世界遺産・元離宮二条城
Location: Nijō Castle – Google Maps
Zenrin-ji (Eikando)
Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/
Location: Eikandō Temple – Google Maps
And that’s it for another month! With a blend of night and daytime festivals, indoor and outdoor activities, and everything from quietly strolling markets to full-blown festivals with live fire, there’s surely something for every person. Kyoto in the height of autumn is truly a spectacular experience with lots of festivals and the stunning natural landscapes only serving to enhance the city’s charm, and hopefully, by including some of these things in your itinerary, you’ll now be able to enjoy it to the fullest! So enjoy autumn with style, tradition, and history in the former capital, we hope to see you there!
Featured Photo Credit: Han Sen
Looking for more unique adventures in Kyoto, but unsure of where to start? Our Tailored Travel team is more than ready to help you create the trip of a lifetime. All you need to do is enjoy your holiday!
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