Kyoto is well known for holding lots of festivals and events in the summertime, with the Gion Matsuri lasting the whole month of July, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do when the summer heat eventually starts to die down. As Kyoto’s landscapes turn from beautiful pinks and greens to deep reds and oranges, the city comes alive in a whole new way as people make the most of the last of the warmer weather and begin moving activities indoors. Whether you’re looking for crowded fairs or calming exhibits on folk crafts, we’ve got you covered! Let’s jump into some of the best things you can do in Kyoto throughout September!
The full moon over the trees – Photo Credit: Daikakuji Temple Official Website
Kangetsu Kai (Moon Viewing)
With the moon appearing in many different Japanese folktales and symbolism, and anticipation of the autumn harvest moon, it’s common to find lots of Kangestsu Kai or ‘moon viewing’ events all across Japan in September and October, but merging the experience with the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto creates something really special. This tradition actually dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185 CE) and encompasses a wide range of activities, including tea ceremonies, theatre, and simply gazing upon the full moon in awe. While the harvest moon is a little later than usual this year, expected to take place in early October, September is still full of amazing times you can bask in the moon’s beauty. So, here are some of the top places we recommend to view both the moon itself and the beautiful atmosphere it casts upon the ancient shrines of Kyoto.
Kodai-ji Temple
Location: Kodai-ji Temple – Google Maps
Website: 鷲峰山 高台寺
Daikakuji Temple
Location: Daikaku-ji Temple – Google Maps
Website: 秋の行事 – 旧嵯峨御所 大本山 大覚寺
Yasaksa Shrine
Location: Yasaka Shrine – Google Maps
Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
Kamigamo Shrine
Location: Kamigamo Shrine – Google Maps
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/
Outdoor dining geisha garden – Photo credit: Kamishichiken Kabukai Official Website
Kamishichiken Geisha Beer Garden
If you’re looking to enjoy some outdoor dining in the last of the summer weather but you also want to see some geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices) whilst in Kyoto, then look no further than Kamishichiken Kabukai, who are hosting an outdoor beer garden where you can be served by geisha! This is a great way to experience some of Japan’s rich culture and history whilst also taking time to relax during your stay, so why not give it a try?
Date: 1st July – 6th September (5:30 pm – 10 pm)
Price: 2,500 yen (reserve in advance)
Website: ビアガーデン｜上七軒歌舞会｜公式ウェブサイト
Location: Google Maps – Kamishichiken Kabukai
Chrysanthemums at the choyo no sekku – Photo Credit: SHUNGATE
Chōyō no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival)
If you’re coming in the early stage of autumn and worried you’ve missed the vibrant flora Japan has to offer, don’t fret! The Kyoto chrysanthemum festival has got you covered! Appreciating nature in a different way from the nighttime moonviewings, this daytime festival includes chrysanthemum sake tasting, ritual dances that the crowd can join in with, and even an appearance from the Saiō-dai!
Date: 9th September (10 am – 5 pm)
Price: Free
Website: Chōyō no Sekku | Discover Kyoto
Location: Kamigamo Shrine – Google Maps
Mingei examples – Photo Credit: What Is Mingei? 5 Things to Know About Japanese Folk Crafts
100th Anniversary of Mingei Exhibit
Refining the methods over an entire century, Mingei is a style of Japanese folk craft that can be applied to many different mediums and originated in Kyoto itself. To celebrate this lasting art form, the Kyoto City Museum of Art is holding a special exhibit displaying lots of different Mingei artefacts, statues, and ceramics from across the years to give you an insight into this unique regional style.
Date: 13th September – 7th December
Price: 2,000 yen (adult), 1,500 yen (university and high school students), free for junior high students and younger
Website: The 100th Anniversary of Mingei: Kyoto’s Legacy of Everyday Life | Official Website
Location: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art – Google Maps
Aikidō performance at Yoshitsune-sai – Photo credit: Discover Kyoto
Yoshitsune-sai
In memory and celebration of Minamoto Yoshitsune, a famous general and warrior from Japanese legend, an annual festival is held at Kurama-dera, where he trained as a young boy. With displays of Aikido, a type of martial arts, traditional dances, and a portrait of the noble warrior on display, this is the perfect opportunity to delve into a specific part of Japanese history whilst also enjoying the Kurama-dera temple itself.
Date: 15th September (starts at 10 am)
Price: 200 yen
Website: Yoshitsune-sai | Discover Kyoto
Location: Kuramadera Temple – Google Maps
Crowds at the anime and manga fair – Photo credit: KYOMAF Official Website
Kyoto International Anime and Manga Fair
Perhaps one of the most well-known events in Kyoto, this event is perfect for anyone who has come to Japan to find rare merchandise for their favourite anime or connect with other people who love that one specific manga. Spanning across 2 whole days, the Kyoto International Anime and Manga Fair (or KYOMAF for short) includes everything you could want from a convention, including anime screenings, themed food, and special guests!
Date: 20th – 21st September (10 am – 7 pm)
Price: 2,300 yen (elementary school and below are free!)
Website: Event Outline | 京都国際マンガ・アニメフェア（京まふ）2025
Location: Kyoto International Manga Museum – Google Maps
Poster for Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary – Photo Credit: leafkyoto
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Exhibit
Perhaps one of the most well-known characters to come out of Japan, in the year of 2025, Hello Kitty celebrates its 50th anniversary by holding an exhibit in Kyoto all about the cat herself! This exhibit, with its artist collaborations, merchandise displays, and exclusive video content, is a must-visit for any fans or nostalgia-seekers! Plus, there’s even a ticket option that includes limited goods, making this the perfect event for anyone looking to expand their collection!
Date: 25th September – 7th December 2025 (10 am – 6 pm)
Price: 2,000 yen (general, same-day), 800 yen (child, same-day), 1,800 yen (general, advanced), 600 yen (child, advanced), 3,000 yen (limited goods included ticket)
Location: Higashiyama Cube – Google Maps
Traditional hair combs – Photo credit: The Kansai Guide
Kushi Matsuri
The ‘Kushi’, or comb, festival is an annual festival held at Yasui Konpiragu dedicated to the memorial of old used combs and hairpins and expressing gratitude for beauty. Around 1 pm, a ritual is held where people come forward to deposit their combs onto the Kushizuka (comb mound) whilst a dance takes place in the shrine hall. Not only is this festival steeped in interesting culture and tradition, but it is also a great way to appreciate the beauty of geisha makeup and hairstyles, a little bit away from the crowds of the Gion district.
Date: 22nd September (1 pm start)
Price: Free
Website: Annual events｜Yasui Konpiragu
Location: Yasui Kompiragū Shrine – Google Maps
Beer garden set – Photo Credit: https://hotelfauchonkyoto.com/post-3207/
Fauchon Hotel Beer Garden
If you’re looking for a good beer to enjoy outside before the weather gets too cold, then September is the perfect month to explore some beer gardens and outdoor restaurants! A lot of outdoor dining in Japan is seasonal only, so if you want to enjoy something like the Fauchon Hotel beer garden, and the variety of things it has on offer, then September is not only your last chance before it closes for the winter, but also the perfect weather to enjoy a peaceful drink outside.
Date: 7th May – 30th September 2025
Price: 6,000 yen (beer garden set), 8,000 yen (with main course of your choice)
Website: Hotel Fauchon Kyoto I Spring Valley Brewery
Location: Fauchon Hotel Kyoto – Google Maps
And there you have it! Good food, displays of some of the finest traditional arts, and a variety of character merchandise to stuff your suitcase with before you head home! Kyoto is well known for being the traditional, slightly quieter city, but hopefully by incorporating one (or more!) of these events into your itinerary, you can really enjoy this beautiful city and everything it has to offer. We can’t wait to see you there!
Featured Photo Credit: Kyle Kroeger
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