Kyoto Festivals in May｜Complete Event List for Your Trip

May is one of the best months to visit Kyoto, with fresh greenery, comfortable temperatures, and relatively low humidity, making it ideal for city walks and day trips.

During this season, shrines and temples across Kyoto host a variety of traditional festivals and performances almost every day, from the famous “Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Festival)” to energetic local events like Imamiya Festival and Fujinomori Festival.

The table below summarizes the main festivals held in Kyoto in May, including dates, themes, and locations, so you can easily match them with your travel schedule and plan transportation, accommodations, and sightseeing routes around the events you are most interested in.

date	festival	Theme	Location
April 1st to 30th	all dance	The spring performances of maiko and geisha in Gion showcase the elegant arts of Kyoto's geisha district.	Gion Kobe Song and Dance Training Center
early April	Cherry Blossom Tea Party	A tea ceremony is held in the sacred garden where cherry blossoms are in full bloom, with the theme of cherry blossom appreciation and tea tasting.	Heian Shrine
early April	Bow Festival	A spring festival that uses traditional archery rituals to pray for a year free from disasters and a bountiful harvest.	Shikiji Shrine
early April	Cherry Blossom Viewing Party	Enjoy cherry blossoms and pay homage in the temple gardens, experiencing the spring scenery of the mountain temple.	Bishamonto
April 1st	Zhongyou Festival	The spring festival, held on the day of the Rooster, is themed around praying for blessings for sake breweries and families.	Matsuo Taisha Shrine, Umenomiya Taisha Shrine
The first Saturday to the third Sunday of April	Beijing dance	The spring dance performance of Miyagawa town maiko and geisha shows the style of Kyoto.	Miyagawa Town Song and Dance Training Center
The first Sunday of April	Cherry Blossom Festival	The religious ceremonies and worship services held during the cherry blossom season have a serene atmosphere.	Kumano Wakaoji Shrine
April 2	Matsuo Taisha Shrine Regular Festival	The customary offering of hymns and ballads is used to pray for the success of brewing and agriculture.	Matsuo Taisha Shrine
April 3	Green Dragon Society	The procession of the blue dragon and its historical costumes symbolizes the protection of Kyoto and the warding off of evil.	Kiyomizudera Temple
April 4	King Protector Festival	The commemoration of Heqi Qingmalu focuses on praying for health and peace in the legs and waist.	Goo Shrine
April 7th and 8th	flower festival	The Buddha-pouring ceremony, held to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni, involves pouring sweet tea on the Buddha statue as a prayer for blessings.	Nishi Honganji Temple
April 8	flower festival	The Buddha-pouring ceremony, held to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni, involves pouring sweet tea on the Buddha statue as a prayer for blessings.	Chion-in
April 8	flower festival	The Buddha-pouring ceremony, held to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni, involves pouring sweet tea on the Buddha statue as a prayer for blessings.	Imyoji Temple
April 8	flower festival	The Buddha-pouring ceremony, held to celebrate the birth of Shakyamuni, involves pouring sweet tea on the Buddha statue as a prayer for blessings.	Lingshan Guanyin
April 9	Cherry Blossom Tea Party	Enjoy cherry blossoms and tea in the city's garden.	Nijo Castle
April 10	Cherry Blossom Festival	The procession, combined with famous cherry blossom viewing spots, is themed around spring blessings and cherry blossom appreciation.	Hirano Shrine
April 10	Ashyu Wasabi Festival	A traditional festival themed around wasabi, praying for a bountiful wasabi harvest and peace in the mountain village.	Ashikumano Gongen Shrine
Starting April 10th	Yamabuki Festival	A late spring festival themed around the blooming of Yamabuki flowers.	Matsuo Taisha Shrine
The second Saturday and Sunday of April, and the third Sunday.	Saga Dai-chan's mad pronouncements on reciting Buddha's name	The silent Buddhist drama performed by masked actors combines education and entertainment.	Qingliang Temple
The second Sunday of April	Kamo Qu Shui Banquet	Recreate the elegant banquet of the Ping'an nobility, where they would float wine cups on a winding stream, compose poems, and drink wine.	Kamigamo Shrine
The second Sunday of April	Anle Festival	The procession of flower umbrellas and basilica balls to pray for the expulsion of plagues is a famous flower festival.	Imamiya Shrine
The second Sunday of April	Xuanwu Anle Festival	A small-scale town flower festival themed around warding off epidemics and praying for freedom from disease and disaster.	Genbu Shrine
The second Sunday of April	Yoshino Taifu flower offering	A grand procession and flower offerings were held to commemorate the famous courtesan Yoshino Tayu.	Changzhao Temple
Mid-April 15th	Flower offerings	A Buddhist activity involving offering prayers and blessings to flowers and all things in nature.	Kurama Temple
April 13	Thirteen visits to China and Japan	Pray for wisdom and academic success for the thirteen-year-old child.	Falun Temple
April 14	spring festival	The rituals were combined with the offering of Cuju (ancient Chinese football) to pray for progress in sports and arts.	Shirakine Shrine
mid-April	Flower Arrangement Festival	The flower arrangement was presented to commemorate Emperor Saga, with the theme of nature and beauty.	Dajue Temple
mid-April	Kyoto Central Market Spring Festival	A spring festival to pray for the prosperity of markets and businesses.	Ichihime Shrine
April 15	regular festival	The important spring festival at Heian Shrine is a prayer for peace and prosperity for Kyoto and the nation.	Heian Shrine
The third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of April	Fangchu Grand Sacrifice	The famous rituals for dispelling misfortune and directional misfortune are suitable for praying for good fortune when moving.	Chengnan Palace
The third Sunday of April	Toyota House Flower Viewing Tour	Recreate the magnificent historical procession of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his cherry blossom viewing at Daigo.	Daigoji Temple
The third Sunday of April	Sakura Festival	The festival held around the famous cherry blossoms is also known for its prayers for good marriage.	Landlord Shrine
April 17	Ryodaisai	An important shrine festival in the Fushimi area, praying for peace and prosperity in the region.	Mikanomiya Shrine
April 18	Flower Festival	They prayed for the disease to stay away and for a peaceful spring with graceful flower dances.	Izumo Grand Shrine
April 18	Imperial Death Ceremony	The large-scale memorial service held for Honen Shonin was themed around reciting the Buddha's name and making offerings.	Chion-in
April 18	Ryodaisai	An important annual festival at the shrine, where people pray for peace and protection from misfortune.	Yoshida Shrine
April 18-25	Imperial Death Ceremony	The atmosphere was solemn during the days-long Dharma assembly and chanting activities.	Chion-in
April 19	body wiping style	Gently wiping a Buddha statue symbolizes washing away dirt and seeking purification of body and mind.	Qingliang Temple
April 20	open festival	The spring festival, associated with Sugawara no Michizane, is a prayer for success in studies and the arts.	Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
April 20	Four-Headed Tea Party	The tea ceremony commemorating the founder of the sect was themed around the offering of tea.	Jianren Temple
Sunday around April 20	Inari Festival (Sacred Festival)	During the spring festival of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a procession of shrine vehicles is held to pray for prosperous commerce and a bountiful harvest.	Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Sundays after April 20	Matsuo Matsuri (Sacred Festival)	The spring festival, during which Dionysus goes on a procession, is most notable for its chariot and boat procession.	Matsuo Taisha Shrine
April 21	Zheng Yuyinggong	The Dharma assembly commemorating the Great Master Kobo Daishi had the theme of gratitude and blessings.	Toji Temple
April 23	Honen Shonin Memorial Ceremony	A memorial service for Honen Shonin, including chanting of Buddha's name and other religious practices.	One million times at Chionji Temple
Late April	Ohara Women's Generation Parade	A parade recreating the ancient costumes of women from Ohara and the charm of mountain village life.	Ohara
April 25	Jixiangyuan Rokusai Buddhist Dance	Folk arts that use chanting Buddhist prayers, taiko drumming, and dance to ward off evil spirits and pray for blessings.	Kichijoin Tenmangu Shrine
April 28	Fudo Festival	The focus of the homa prayer, with Acala as the main deity, is to eliminate disasters and resolve difficulties.	Sanzenin
April 29	Banquet by the Winding Stream	Recreate the elegant spring banquet of the nobility, where wine cups float on a winding stream.	Chengnan Palace
April 29	wisteria festival	With wisteria as the theme, it is a prayer for family harmony and academic success.	Nishiin Kasuga Shrine
April 29	Zhongtang Temple Six-Restaurant Buddhist Recitation	They prayed for peace in the area by chanting Buddhist prayers during a six-day fast and performing Taiko drum dances.	Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Imperial Hotel
April 29th ~ May 5th	Mibu Daisenfo Kyōgyō	A representative silent Buddhist kyogen theater performance from Kyoto, suitable for first-timers to experience traditional performance.	Imyoji Temple
May full moon night	May Full Moon Festival	Lighting lamps to pray for blessings on a full moon night has the theme of harmony with nature and the universe.	Kurama Temple
May 1	Racecourse Football Championship	The horse selection and preparation ceremony before the official horse racing ceremony.	Kamigamo Shrine
May 1	God's blessing festival	The shrine procession travels through the town, praying for the expulsion of plagues and for peace in the region.	Shimogorei Shrine
May 1st to 4th	The Arrogant Recitation of Buddha's Name by the Demon Hall	Using chanting Buddhist mantras to perform Buddhist stories, it combines education and entertainment.	Yinjie Temple (Senbon Enma Hall)
May 1st to 5th	Fujimori Festival・Fukakusa Festival	Known for its processions of warriors and divine horse rituals, the atmosphere is lively.	Fujimori Shrine
May 1st to 5th	Insect exorcism	Religious rituals are used to drive away pests and evil spirits, protecting crops and people.	Jingoji Temple
May 1st to 17th	Kamo Festival (Aoi Festival)	One of Kyoto's three major festivals, showcasing the elegance of the imperial court through the procession of Heian nobility.	Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine
May 1st to 18th	Mirei Festival - Shrine Head Ritual	An ancient ritual to appease vengeful spirits and pray for the elimination of epidemics.	Kamigorei Shrine
May 1st to 22nd	Kamogawa dance	The spring performances of maiko and geisha in Pontocho showcase the charm of the waterfront entertainment district.	Pontocho Song and Dance Training Center
May 1st to October	Kamogawa summer bed	Dining at a riverside tatami room is themed around enjoying the cool breeze and the summer atmosphere of Kyoto.	Right bank of the Kamo River (from Nijo-Daibashi to Gojo-Daibashi)
Auspicious days in May	Saiōdai - Women's Purification Ritual	King Sei and his maidservants performed a purification ritual in preparation for the Aoi Festival.	Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine
May 3	Inari Festival (also known as the Requiem Festival)	Welcoming back the processional shrine marks the end of the Inari Festival series of events.	Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
May 3	Horse riding and archery	Offering sacrifices while riding a horse and shooting arrows is a prayer for national peace, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.	Shimogamo Shrine
May 3	God's blessing festival	The procession of the shrine is a prayer for safe childbirth, abundant offspring, and peace.	Umenomiya Taisha Shrine
May 3	Tanuki Valley Mountain Great Prayer Meeting	The chanting was combined with homa prayers, with the themes of warding off misfortune and traffic safety.	Taniyayama Fudoin
May 3	Kameoka Mitsuhide Festival	A Sengoku-style parade featuring historical figures such as Akechi Mitsuhide.	Kameoka City
May 3rd and 4th	Kujusen Prayer Meeting	Temple prayer activities themed around praying for longevity and health.	Chang Le Temple
May 4	The Ritual of the King of Zhai on Behalf of the King	The king of Zhai performed a purification ritual by the river, symbolizing the cleansing of body and mind.	Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine
May 4th and 5th	さんよれfestival	The religious ceremonies, rich in local color, focus on local protection and bountiful harvests.	Sagisen Shrine
May 5	The God of Kamo Jockey Club	The horse race before the gods has both divination and rain-praying significance.	Kamigamo Shrine
May 5	Bu She Shen Miracle	Traditional archery rituals are performed to pray for the exorcism of evil spirits and a bountiful harvest.	Shimogamo Shrine
May 5	Fujimori Festival (Sacred Festival)	The appearance of the warrior procession and the divine horse procession is one of the highlights of the festival.	Fujimori Shrine
May 5	Taishan Fujun Sacrifice	Pray for longevity and protection from disasters through the homa fire and mugwort wheel.	Chishan Zen Temple
May 5th to 10th	Imamiya Festival	The lively spring festival, with its procession of shrines and taiko drums, also carries the meaning of warding off plagues.	Imamiya Shrine
May 8	Namikaze-style butchering	The fish are prepared using traditional knife and chopstick rituals, showcasing the beauty of culinary etiquette.	Sankage Shrine
May 10	Spring Kinpira Festival	A grand festival held at a shrine to pray for the removal of bad karma, the formation of good relationships, and peace.	Yasui Kinhiragu Shrine
The second Saturday and Sunday of May	Minister Suga Festival	Characterized by prostrations and hysterical offerings, it also incorporates scholarly prayers.	Minister Suga Tenmangu Shrine
The second Sunday of May	Imamiya Festival (Happiness Festival)	Welcoming back the shrine completes the Imamiya Festival series of events.	Imamiya Shrine
The second Sunday of May	Shinriji Festival	The ritual of Dharma music is used to pray for peace and well-being for the shrine and the surrounding area.	New Hiyoshi Shrine
Sundays after May 11	Matsuo Festival (Happy Festival)	The shrine returned to the main shrine, bringing the Matsuo Festival to a close.	Matsuo Taisha Shrine
May 12	Shadow Festival	Inviting the deities from the mountains is an important and ancient ritual before the Kui Festival.	Mikage Shrine
May 12	Yua Li Sacred Ceremony	The divine act of inviting the gods to descend and renewing their divine power.	Kamigamo Shrine
May 13	Spring Festival	They worship female guardian deities and bestow upon them auspicious blessings.	Ichihime Shrine
May 14	May Meeting	The Dharma assembly, with Samantabhadra Bodhisattva as its main deity, is a prayer for blessings, longevity, peace, and stability.	Miaoyuan gate traces
May 15	Kamo Matsuri (Aoi Matsuri) Road Ceremony	The Saiōdai procession and the royal procession traversing Kyoto city are the most magnificent highlights of the Aoi Festival.	Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine
May 15	Kamigamo Anraku Festival	Pray for health and a bountiful harvest when the Du Ruo flowers are in full bloom.	Ota Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine
The third Saturday and Sunday of May	Huanxing Festival - Sword and Horn Ritual	The procession of swords and shrines is themed around exorcising evil spirits and protecting townspeople.	Shimogorei Shrine
The third Sunday of May	Mifune Festival	The boating and boat performances of the Heian nobility were recreated on the Daiyan River.	Katori Shrine
The third Sunday of May	Saga Festival (Sacred Festival)	A regional Shinto festival jointly held by the two shrines.	Nonomiya Shrine, Atago Shrine
The third Sunday of May	Regular festivals and sacred festivals	The procession, featuring swords, umbrellas, ceremonial carriages, and phoenix palanquins, recreates the ancient style.	Yuanqiuenzha Shrine
May 17	tea offering	Tea masters offer tea before the gods, showcasing the culture of tea ceremony.	Kamigamo Shrine
May 18	Yuling Festival・Waiting Ceremony	A magnificent palanquin and procession parade through the city, praying for protection from disaster.	Kamigorei Shrine
May 18	Eugene Morgan's Ghost Year	A memorial service with cross-cultural backgrounds.	Tongjuyuan
The fourth Sunday of May	Saga Festival (Happy Festival)	The shrine returned to the main shrine, accompanied by a procession of children and swords.	Nonomiya Shrine, Atago Shrine
May 21	Sencha offering style	Offering tea to the gods using the Sencha ceremony creates a refined and elegant atmosphere.	Shimogamo Shrine
May 26	Shoju Festival	A memorial service in memory of Katsura Kogoro, a revolutionary.	Kyoto Reizan Gokoku Shrine
Late May	Horse archery	The Liubo Horse God Festival, held once every three years, is a prayer for a bountiful harvest.	Chengnan Palace
May 28	Ye Ping Ji San Xian Dharma Essentials	In remembrance of Hara no Narihira through music, a statement, and Peking Opera.	Jurinji Temple
May 30	Royal Confession Dharma Lecture	A Buddhist ceremony for repentance and prayer, accompanied by declarations and elegant music.	Sanzenin