Kyoto hosts seasonal night illuminations and moon-viewing festivals

Kyoto will host various seasonal night-time events and moon-viewing festivals throughout late August and September 2026.

In late August, several locations will feature night illuminations and special evening sightseeing. Highlights include the Higashiyama Night Walk, the Sen-to Kuyo candle lighting ceremony at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, and the Atago Kodo Kaido lighting. Other activities include the Uzumasa Eigamura Summer Night Festival and various seasonal dining experiences known as 'kawadoko' along the Kamo, Kibune, and Takao rivers.

Centered around the mid-autumn moon on September 25, numerous traditional moon-viewing events will take place. These include tea ceremonies and garden tours at Kodai-ji, moon-viewing gatherings at the Katsura Imperial Villa and Daigakuji Temple, and exclusive night viewing at Murin-an. Major shrines such as Kamigamo, Shimogamo, Yasaka, and Hirano will also host traditional ceremonies, including music, dance, and ritual offerings to celebrate the full moon.