Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto's popular Concierge Map series gets an update with a refreshed Uji edition, now featuring the up-and-coming Ogura area alongside the city's established tea culture and literary heritage.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is launching an exclusive program for guests on its special Gran Via Floor, offering private access to the normally closed Shoin building, prayers at the main hall, and a traditional kagura performance at Fushimi Inari-taisha.
A free sake tasting event featuring selections from Kizakura, a well-known Kyoto sake brewery, will be held at Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotanba on June 27, 2026, open to all hotel guests during event hours.
Starting June 1, 2026, MICASADECO & CAFE and MICASADECO THE PARK are introducing two new seasonal pancakes and limited-edition drinks to celebrate the flavors of summer.
The luxurious muskmelon shaved ice at Aman Kyoto's The Living Pavilion by Aman is back from June 15 to September 30, 2026, with a whole domestic muskmelon used per serving — a cool treat in a serene forest garden setting.
From June 1, 2026, Hachikian Marutamachi, a long-established poultry restaurant in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, will offer a summer-limited menu featuring Kamo eggplant, Kyoto duck, and Kyoto red ground chicken across three courses.
A premium wagon-service summer sweets buffet is running at La Jyho Terrace in Kyoto Century Hotel from June 13 to August 23, 2026, delivering colorful seasonal fruit desserts and savory dishes directly to guests' seats.
Wood Design Park Kyoto-Sai-, an outdoor facility in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, offers day-trip BBQ plans with three types of sites to choose from. Guests can enjoy both hands-free and bring-your-own BBQ options amid natural surroundings, with amenities suitable for families and first-timers alike.
Benjamin Steakhouse's Kyoto location is launching a summer-limited "Yukata Experience Gourmet Plan" from July 1 to August 31, 2026, combining traditional yukata wearing with a premium New York-style steak course in a renovated machiya setting.
Comfort Hotel Kyoto Horikawa Gojo, Comfort Hotel Nagoya Meieki Minami, and Comfort Hotel Ishigaki Island are set to rebrand as Comfort Hotel ERA in June 2026, bringing locally immersive stays through revamped library cafes, regional breakfasts, and culturally themed interiors.
GRILL 54TH at Dhawa Yura Kyoto in Higashiyama is offering a summer Wellbeing Buffet from July 1 to September 30, 2026, spotlighting Josper-grilled Kyoto mochi pork porchetta and a refreshing citrus-themed Italian menu.
A special collaboration event featuring Hatsune Miku with new city pop-themed artwork by illustrator Dolstoi is coming to 8 Karaoke no Tetsujin locations across Japan from June 3 to July 12, 2026.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto is rolling out summer-exclusive offerings across its dining venues, featuring an Italian course inspired by southern Italy, seasonal shaved ice, mango sweets, and cocktails with Japanese-inflected flavors.
Park Hyatt Kyoto's first-floor venue "The Living Room" is offering two limited summer afternoon tea menus, SUNLIT and AFTERGLOW, that express the changing expressions of the summer sky from midday through dusk. Available from July 1 to August 31, 2026.
From July 17 to August 23, 2026, TEA AND BAR at THE THOUSAND KYOTO serves a peach-themed afternoon tea featuring a peach parfait topped with spun sugar, six seasonal sweets, a fresh peach scone sandwich, and around 30 free-flow drinks.
Hard Rock Cafe is holding a limited-time Filipino-inspired menu campaign at its Tokyo, Yokohama, and Universal CityWalk Osaka locations from June 1 to 14, 2026, in tie-up with the Philippines Department of Tourism and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan.
Kamo Tokidoki Uma Shijo Karasuma Honten opens in Kyoto on May 28, 2026, marking the brand's first Kansai location. The restaurant serves Kyoto brand duck "Kyogamo" and select horse sashimi from Aomori alongside a curated lineup of local sake.
The all-day dining restaurant Raku at The Westin Miyako Kyoto is hosting a Summer Meat Fest Buffet from July 1 to August 31, 2026, offering a cool indoor escape with international meat dishes, premium Japanese cuisine, and seasonal desserts for the whole family.
A refreshing sweet-and-sour summer addition to Kameya Yoshinaga's iconic "Ubatama" wagashi, featuring a double-layer of apricot and lemon bean paste, now available at the main store, JR Kyoto Isetan, and online.
Best Bridal is running a limited-time campaign tied to "Propose no Hi" (Proposal Day), the first Sunday of June. Couples who inquire between May 22 and June 30, 2026, and plan to propose by the end of August can receive a complimentary chapel decoration and a commemorative photo at participating venues.
SPRING VALLEY BREWERY Tokyo and Kyoto kick off their summer campaign with a refreshing "cool" first half featuring citrus-accented food pairings, and a bold "spicy" second half culminating in a two-day gourmet craft beer festival.
For six days in late May 2026, Fukujuen — a Kyoto tea shop with over 230 years of history — hosts a seasonal Japanese tea event at Kyoto Porta, featuring free new-tea tastings, hands-on brewing workshops, a tea gallery, and product sales.
Cafe 33 at Hyatt Regency Kyoto in Higashiyama is running a summer-limited outdoor BBQ from June 1 to August 31, 2026, featuring an all-you-can-order menu and a live churrasco carving service on weekend evenings.
Illustrator Akinori Nishio brings his latest group portrait works exploring the everyday lives of today's youth to GALLERY EN Wall at Kyoto Okazaki Tsutaya Books, June 4–30, 2026, with a portrait drawing event also held during the run.
Following six months of collaborative training and field visits, Park Hyatt Kyoto and the chef collective Chefs for the Blue are presenting a special sustainable gastronomy event, "Sustainable Seas, Kyoto Table," on July 7, 2026, featuring an 8-course dinner by three acclaimed Kyoto chefs.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO completed its first honey harvest of the 2026 season on April 20, as part of its urban beekeeping project now in its sixth year. Starting June 1, a new Honey Croissant Brûlée will be served at the hotel's café and bar, TEA AND BAR.
On June 2, the anniversary of the Honnoji Incident, Kyoto Honey Wine Brewery is releasing "Nobunaga Mead" — a limited honey wine inspired by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, featuring a black bottle and a specially commissioned ink painting.
The three-phase special exhibition at Sen-oku Hakukokan presents approximately 30 restored cultural treasures from the Kansai region. Phase II, featuring an 800-year-old "one-day constructed Buddha" newly elevated to Important Cultural Property status, runs through May 31, 2026.
A hands-on summer gyokuro workshop focusing on reisen — a cold-brewing method that brings out the rich umami of gyokuro — will be held on June 23, 2026, at Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyoto Machiya in central Kyoto.
Starting May 19, Café Kitsuné rolls out a seasonal lineup of fruity drinks and new sweets across its Japan locations, with some items exclusive to specific stores.
Benjamin Steakhouse's Kyoto location is offering a limited-time Champagne Free-Flow Plan from June 12 to July 12, 2026, pairing Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel with three carefully matched appetizers for ¥8,000 per person.
A limited-time dessert buffet collaboration with Sanrio's Kuromi runs on select dates from June 13 to August 30, 2026, at Art Grace wedding halls in Yokohama, Omiya, Shin-Urayasu, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is offering a limited-time stay plan featuring its train-themed concept room and a special Doctor Yellow chocolate cake created by the hotel's own pastry chefs, available from May 20 to September 30, 2026.
A seasonal set menu pairing The Premium Malt's Japanese Ale Natsu Kaze Kaoru Ale with a Citrus Seafood Ceviche is available at six Ron Herman Cafe locations across Japan, running from May 19 to July 13, 2026.
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto near Shijo Karasuma is holding the "Tanzania Fair in Kyoto '26" from May 15 to June 7, 2026, featuring Tanzanian cuisine, original cocktails, and Tingatinga artwork.
Starting June 1, 2026, Kimono Tea Ceremony MAIKOYA's Karasuma-Shijo branch in Kyoto is offering a Private Proposal Plan—an all-in-one experience featuring kimono dressing, a private tea ceremony in a registered tangible cultural property, professional photography, and traditional celebration gifts.
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (MOCAD) is holding its "Summer Kyomono Sale" to promote Kyoto traditional crafts for the summer season. A special in-person sale takes place at Zest Oike on June 1, 2026, while the online shop runs through the end of August.
The Chinese restaurant Sichuan at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is launching a new group dining plan for 10 or more guests, featuring a guaranteed private room and all-you-can-drink beverages, starting May 17, 2026.
Dessert Cafe Chourakukan at Hotel Chourakukan in Higashiyama, Kyoto, will serve a limited-time "Tropical Mango Afternoon Tea" throughout July 2026, featuring tropical fruits in an elegant three-tiered tea stand presentation set inside a Meiji-era designated cultural property.
TEA LOUNGE MAYFAIR at The Westin Miyako Kyoto in Higashiyama is serving a Crown Melon Parfait from June 1 to June 30, 2026, featuring seven layers of melon flavors and priced at ¥3,500 (tax and service charge included).
A premium nighttime viewing event combining Zen meditation, neuro music, and light art will be held at the head temple of the Rinzai sect, Tofuku-ji, in Kyoto's Higashiyama from May 29 to July 5, 2026.
Starting May 2026, boutique hotel Shizuru Kamogawa in Kyoto is offering a new suite that gives guests sole access to a 46㎡ private noryo-yuka riverside terrace—a quiet reimagining of one of Kyoto's most beloved summer traditions.
The Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival 2026 will take place at two venues—Saitama (July 17–23) and Kyoto (August 7–16)—with up to 3,500 LED sky lanterns lighting up the night sky each evening.
From May 1, 2026, THE THOUSAND KYOTO's café and bar "TEA AND BAR" will offer three seasonal cakes, plus a melon parfait limited to just 10 servings daily from May 29.
A new complex facility called "oniwa" is set to launch in 2027 in Ichijoji, Kyoto, bringing together students, creators, craftspeople, and community members to pursue and explore the art of making — both individually and together.
One of the largest kawayuka terraces along the Kamo River opens for the summer season on May 1, offering seasonal Kyoto French cuisine with riverside views at Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort.
A four-day, appointment-only kimono event takes place at Yurakuan in Kyoto's Muromachi district from May 22 to 25, 2026, featuring reuse kimono, traditional collections, and a special display of Kiyoshi Hikawa Calendar 2026 costumes.
KYOTO STATION GALLERY at Kyoto Station Building's 7th floor is displaying 30 curated artworks across three themed booths using dedicated digital picture frames, running April 20 through June 19, 2026.
From June 1 to August 31, 2026, ROKU KYOTO presents seasonal summer menus at TENJIN All-day Dining and The Bar, featuring a "Summer Afternoon Tea -Aone-" alongside limited lunch, dinner, and cocktail offerings.
Tea Lounge Mayfair at The Westin Miyako Kyoto is serving an eight-layer ripe mango parfait for just one month, from May 1 through May 31, 2026, priced at ¥3,200.
A new dining experience has arrived at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, with the opening of Ryozen Sen Bettei — a special counter restaurant on the hotel's third floor created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Ken Sugisawa of Nihon Ryori Sen SEN.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is collaborating with French crystal house Baccarat for a limited-time summer afternoon tea from June 1 to August 31, featuring peach-themed sweets and luxurious savories served on a signature red crystal stand.
A hands-on jam-making workshop is being held at Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyomachiya in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto on May 16, 2026. Participants will make two varieties of jam using domestically sourced fruit, guided by a professional jam maker.
To mark Moomin Day on August 9 — the birthday of creator Tove Jansson — a limited tote bag giveaway campaign will launch from July 1, 2026, and a special fan club event is planned in the greater Tokyo area.
TOWER VINYL Kyoto, an analog record specialty store operated by Tower Records, is set to open on June 27 at Kawaramachi OPA in central Kyoto — the brand's first location in the city.
Jojyu-ji Temple in Kyoto's Nishikyo Ward is holding a special "New Greenery" opening from April 25 to May 6, 2026. On weekends and public holidays, visitors can enjoy a matcha and wagashi set featuring five varieties of Tsuruya Yoshinobu yokan while strolling through the lush, freshly greened temple grounds.
A historic machiya along the Chirimen Kaido in Yosano-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, has been transformed into "Kaya" (暇家 KAYA), a private whole-building rental inn centered on the concept of "itoma" (unhurried leisure). The property opens on May 1, 2026.
Bar Granada at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto will serve "Temarikusa," a vibrant blue cocktail made with fruit liqueur jelly and sparkling wine, from May 1 to June 30, 2026.
From April 20 to June 20, 2026, Six Senses Kyoto runs a matcha promotion featuring an afternoon tea using Ippodo teas, a karesansui-inspired matcha parfait, seasonal café drinks, and a matcha bath salt workshop at the Alchemy Bar.
From May 7 to June 30, 2026, Hotel Okura Kyoto's teppanyaki restaurant "Tokiwa" on the 17th floor offers a special course featuring Kyoto Wagyu beef and seasonal ingredients to mark the hotel's founding anniversary.
The lounge at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto will serve a seasonal melon parfait topped with a bouquet-shaped crepe and a straw hat cookie, available from May 7 through June 28, 2026.
From April 29 through September 22, 2026, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike will open BAR Saryo on select dates, offering fine drinks and seasonal appetizers in a Murano Togo-designed sukiya-zukuri tea house set within the hotel's illuminated Japanese garden.
Popular gourmet items from seven roadside stations across Japan are gathering at Daimaru Kyoto's basement food floor for a one-week fair from April 22 to 28, 2026.
Bar Granada at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is offering three melon-themed cocktails through June 30, 2026, bringing a taste of early summer to the hotel's elegant main bar.
Bel Amer Kyoto Bettei, a Kyoto-based chocolate specialty brand, has unveiled a refreshing seasonal lineup of Japanese-inspired sweets and chocolates celebrating the flavors of spring and summer.
From May 7 to June 28, 2026, Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto's lounge will serve a limited early-summer afternoon tea set featuring a basket filled with seven flower-themed sweets and nine savory items, limited to 10 sets per day.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO near Kyoto Station is holding five Earth Day-themed eco-friendly actions from April 18 to 22, 2026, including organic cold-brew tea, free garden tickets, and urban honey menus — also serving as a satellite venue for Earth Day in Kyoto.
Starting April 2026, Kyoto Montblanc specialty shop Saori is offering three early summer limited sweets featuring melon and loquat alongside their signature Japanese chestnuts, available at their Kyoto Kiyamachi main store and JR Kyoto Isetan location.
Osushi to Robata Sushi Roman, a sushi and robatayaki restaurant near Nishiki Market in Kyoto's Karasuma, has begun accepting reservations for two spring all-you-can-drink course plans starting from ¥4,500, perfect for farewell and welcome parties.
A collaboration between a Tango textile workshop and university students has produced "mayure," a silk scrunchie made from 100% Tango Chirimen fabric, aiming to bring traditional silk into daily routines.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto's 2F cafe restaurant Le Temps will serve a seasonal melon parfait featuring sake lees from Kyoto's historic Sasaki Brewery, available from May 7 to June 30, 2026.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto is offering a range of limited-time menus across its restaurants and bar during Golden Week 2026, including an Italian lunch course, outdoor terrace BBQ, Cinco de Mayo cocktails, and a spring dinner course available through mid-June.
The 220-year-old Kyoto confectionery Kameya Yoshinaga is hosting hands-on wagashi-making workshops during Golden Week. Special May sessions feature seasonal designs inspired by Children's Day and Mother's Day.
The lobby lounge LATTICE LOUNGE at Hilton Kyoto is offering a colorful Spring Afternoon Tea featuring seasonal fruits and pastries from April 7 through June 19, 2026.
Two new corners have opened within the Collection Gallery at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MoMAK) — "MoMAK Masters" presenting iconic works from the museum's collection, and "Richi Room" dedicated to the fantastical design world of Felice [Lizzi] Rix-Ueno.
A spring night event at the World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple in Kyoto is currently underway, featuring approximately 700 cherry trees in full bloom alongside fantastical art installations by NAKED, INC.
Park Hyatt Kyoto's first-floor The Living Room is offering an early summer afternoon tea from May 1 to June 30, 2026, with six kigo (seasonal haiku words) guiding each course alongside Japanese tea pairings.
Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi will host "Maiko-han and the Light of Japanese Wax Candles – Experiencing Kyoto's Traditional Culture," a monthly evening event every second Friday from April 2026 through March 2027, featuring maiko dance performances, talk shows, ozashiki games, and photo opportunities.
La Prairie SPA, Asia's first hotel spa using exclusively La Prairie products, opens at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto on April 1, 2026, where Swiss precision skincare meets Kyoto's quiet aesthetic sensibility.
Starting June 5, 2026, the Sky Beer Garden at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo will open on the rooftop, offering sweeping mountain and train views alongside a summer festival lineup of food and drinks.
Disney Store Kyoto Porta opens on April 28, 2026, with a unique store design blending Disney magic and Japanese aesthetics, around 1,200 items, and Kyoto-exclusive merchandise.
A new Japanese sweets shop, Kanmidokoro Tabigori, is opening in Kyoto's historic Pontocho district on April 3, 2026, offering seasonal shaved ice supervised by Tokyo's popular Sakanoue Cafe.
Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo Store is offering a special kimono rental plan timed with "Let's go to Kyoto. Presents NAKED meets World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple - Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing -," a night illumination event at Daigoji Temple running from March 27 to April 12, 2026.
Ray-Ban Store Kyoto is set to open on April 3, 2026, in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, bringing a 270-square-meter space showcasing around 1,000 eyewear pieces alongside exclusive engraving and maintenance services.
Bar Granada at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is extending its popular strawberry-themed cocktail trio, the "Strawberry Collection," through April 30, 2026.
All Day Dining Kaza at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is hosting a special encore run of its popular Strawberry Sweets & Lunch Buffet from April 6 to 8, 2026, featuring seasonal strawberry desserts and a full lunch spread.
To celebrate its 4th anniversary on April 1, 2026, NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO is hosting four special events centered on music, art, and food — including a live music night with artist Shinra Shinji, a limited-edition craft beer, a sushi and wine pairing evening, and a photography exhibition.
Art viewing tickets for the immersive theater Hanayoi no Daichakai (Flower Night Tea Ceremony) at Kitano Tenmangu's Fūgetsu-den go on sale from March 29. Photography of the stage sets is permitted.
Michi-no-Eki Nagomi in Kyotamba, Kyoto is holding its "Spring Zanmai" event, featuring 100 varieties of strawberry sweets and goods, with handmade cafe menu items made from specially grown strawberries.
Three izakaya restaurants operated by CHIMNEY CO., LTD. will host a collaboration with the Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha series from April 16 to May 15, 2026, offering 13 limited food and drink items alongside exclusive character cards.
APA Hotel Kyoto Gion EXCELLENT has completed a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation and reopened as an all non-smoking hotel, with new room types and upgraded facilities in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district.
A limited two-day cultural program in Kyoto invites visitors to explore the normally off-limits areas of Higashi Honganji guided by a monk, enjoy a tea ceremony with an exclusive wagashi, and dine on French cuisine inside the registered tangible cultural property Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort.
A pop-up store for Ando Co., Ltd.'s Shibori Bags is coming to Cross Hotel Kyoto from March 25 to May 6, 2026, featuring 25 variations and new shibori-dyeing workshop stay plan courses.
A limited-time pop-up store for the anime Dark Moon - The Blood Altar is set to tour five Loft locations nationwide starting March 25, 2026, featuring exclusive merchandise and life-size character panels.
The matcha afternoon tea collaboration between FAUCHON Hotel Kyoto and long-established Uji tea house Tsujiri Heibei Honten returns for a second year, featuring a limited lacquerware stand version. A special matcha pairing dinner event is also planned for June.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto presents six seasonal experiences from early to late summer 2026, set in the verdant valley of Arashiyama — once a retreat for ancient Heian aristocrats.
KIHARU Brasserie at Cross Hotel Kyoto is introducing its new spring menu "KIHARU meets Spring 2026" from April 4, 2026, featuring seasonal ingredients like cherry salmon and sea bream paired with fresh herbs, alongside a Kobe beef lunch course and a shift to weekend-only lunch service.
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion is hosting a complimentary English-guided night sakura walking tour from March 28 to April 10, 2026, taking guests through Kennin-ji Temple, Hanamikoji, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park.
All-Day Dining Kaza at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special campaign from April 25 to July 20, 2026, offering free admission for children turning 10 in 2026 when accompanied by one paying adult.
An exclusive winery dinner event featuring a premium vineyard tour, barrel cellar tasting, and 6-course meal with wine pairings is set for May 23, 2026, for guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba.
Kyoto Yoichi, a night market that has drawn a cumulative 100,000 visitors, is set to appear inside Fujii Daimaru for the first time, transforming the department store basement into a lively festival marketplace.
To mark its 4th anniversary, Miffy Snack Shop is offering a limited-edition A5 washi paper file as a gift with purchases of ¥4,000 (tax included) or more, available at all six Japan locations starting March 30, 2026.
Everything overseas visitors need to know about the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), from its centuries-old origins and proper guest etiquette to the best places in Kyoto and Tokyo where you can join a session in English.
A practical guide to renting kimono and yukata in Japan, covering the best rental shops in Kyoto and Tokyo, what the dressing process looks like, typical prices, and tips for getting the most out of your experience.
A complete guide to visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and surrounding area in Kyoto, covering Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, the Sagano Romantic Train, seasonal tips, and practical access information for overseas visitors.
Perched on the rooftop of Hilton Kyoto, the Cloud Nest Rooftop Bar returns for its spring season on March 20, 2026, featuring a refreshed menu of signature cocktails, bites, and desserts with views of the Kyoto skyline.
Hananeya in Kyoto's Saiin district is a private room izakaya offering an ultra-limited "swimming squid" sashimi — just 20 servings per day in March. With live squid prepared to order from a dedicated tank, the result is a beautifully transparent, strikingly fresh sashimi unlike anything else.
Celebrated Kyoto-based mural artist Ki-Yan (Hideki Kimura) has created a white tiger lobby mural at the soon-to-open Agora Place Kyoto Nijo, marking his first depiction of the guardian deity in a hotel space.
Everything you need to plan your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, from the iconic Senbon Torii tunnel to the Mt. Inari summit hike, plus practical tips on timing, food, and photography.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto's Café 33 is offering a limited-edition spring bento box—available by reservation from March 23 to April 15, 2026—perfect for cherry blossom viewing or gatherings at home.
Kyoto Oimo Daisakusen 2026 brings 15 specialty sweet potato shops to Umekoji Park from March 26 to 29, featuring national baked sweet potato grand prix champions and a packed lineup of food, experiences, and family activities.
TSUCHIYA KABAN is releasing a new women's bag series called "Maraison" on March 26, 2026. The collection features two styles — a large-capacity tote and a 2-way mini tote — each available in three colors.
On April 18 and 19, 2026, incense specialty store Kohgen is hosting a special two-day event where visitors can experience the scent of kyara — an ultra-rare type of agarwood worth more than five times the price of gold. Admission is free for those under 20.
Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex is launching a new collaboration room themed around "Keihan Electric Railway × Sound! Euphonium 2026 Spring," with reservations opening on March 16, 2026, and stays available from April 10.
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto is releasing two limited special plans to mark its 10th renovation anniversary in September 2026, with reservations opening March 10 and stays available from May 2026.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO is serving a matcha-themed afternoon tea inspired by Kyoto's lush new greenery and traditional garden aesthetics from April 17 to May 24, 2026.
Spring is the best time to visit Kyoto. From late March through mid-April, the city's cherry blossoms transform temples, riversides, and gardens into some of Japan's most celebrated scenery. This guide covers the best sakura spots, spring-only temple openings, seasonal foods, and practical hanami tips for planning a spring trip to Kyoto.
From March 20 to April 5, 2026, Maizuru Nature and Culture Park in Kyoto Prefecture hosts its annual camellia event, showcasing rare varieties from around the world along with potted camellia displays over an extended 17-day period.
Global matcha stand brand MATCHAMON has launched a new lineup of original matcha gelato featuring regeneratively sourced ingredients from Shizuoka Prefecture, available at its Kyoto Nijo Castle and Asakusa locations.
Capella Kyoto, set to open in Kyoto's Miyagawacho district on March 22, 2026, has begun accepting restaurant reservations. The hotel's dining lineup includes the first overseas outpost of California's Michelin three-star restaurant SingleThread.
From March 11 to 20, 2026, Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi is holding a 10-day series of events and workshops celebrating Kyoto's traditional crafts and culture, including a maiko performance by candlelight, Kyoto koma spinning top workshops, Nishijin-ori weaving demonstrations, and a tea ceremony.
APA Hotel (Okhotsk Kitami) opens April 1 in Kitami, Hokkaido, and APA Hotel (Fukuchiyama Ekimae) opens May 1 near Fukuchiyama Station in Kyoto. Reservations are now available through the APA direct booking channel.
Café Kitsuné is releasing a spring seasonal menu on March 13, 2026, featuring colorful limited-time drinks and sweets made with sakura, pistachio, and matcha.
Shichimiya Honpo, a 370-year-old spice shop along the Kiyomizudera pilgrimage road in Kyoto, reopened its Kiyomizu main store on March 5, 2026, with a renovated interior designed for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Japan's largest local ice cream event, Aipaku Premium KYOTO 2026, makes its first appearance in Kyoto from March 26 to 30 at Miyako Messe, bringing together unique artisan flavors and regional specialties from across the country.
A collaboration event featuring Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card and JR Tokai's Oshi-tabi service runs from March 18 to May 17, 2026, with exclusive Shinkansen content, a digital stamp rally across Kyoto, and original merchandise at Animate Avanti Kyoto.
Starting March 1, 2026, Dusitthani Kyoto offers an innovative wellness program called "Chakō," a shisha-inspired experience using only organic tea leaves from the hotel's own Wazuka estate, with optional sake and whisky pairings.
A new permanent tabi-shibai theater, Gion Gofukuza, is set to open at Gion Kaikan in Kyoto's Higashiyama ward in May 2026 — the first permanent venue of its kind in Kyoto.
From April 1 to June 30, 2026, Hotel Granvia Kyoto's 2nd-floor cafe restaurant "Le Temps" will offer an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet showcasing the flavors of spring and Kyoto.
A new premium Japanese-style hot spring inn, Kyoto Omuro Kadensho, is scheduled to pre-open on May 24, 2026, in Kyoto's historic Omuro district — just a 2-minute walk from Omuro Ninnaji Station.
A sukiyaki restaurant set within Kyoto's famous Maruyama Park will introduce bento-style lunch sets and a 60-minute all-you-can-eat sukiyaki course on March 20, 2026 — perfectly timed for cherry blossom season.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, GODIVA is launching the limited "Passion de la Lune" cake at ATELIER de GODIVA locations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka from March 4, 2026.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is offering a limited-time "Fresh Greenery Afternoon Tea" from April 29 to June 30, 2026, featuring seasonal sweets and savories in vibrant early-summer green hues, enjoyed alongside the courtyard's fresh green maple leaves.
Wood Design Park Kyoto, a nature-themed outdoor hotel and BBQ venue, is opening in Kyotanabe City, Kyoto, with accommodation pre-opening on April 25, 2026, and a grand opening set for May 23, 2026.
La Locanda at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is holding a special Sunday Brunch on March 15, celebrating the early arrival of cherry blossom season with a live kitchen, original cocktails, and Pierre Hermé Paris desserts.
The Shinmonzen in Kyoto's Gion district is offering a Spring Afternoon Tea from March 1 through April 30, 2026, featuring seasonal strawberries, herbs, and spices under the supervision of patissier Kakimoto Akihiro of ASSEMBLAGES KAKIMOTO.
Starting March 1, Hachikian Marutamachi in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward launches a range of spring limited menus featuring seasonal ingredients such as bamboo shoots, rape blossoms, and wild mountain vegetables paired with Kyoto Red Chicken and Kyoto Duck.
CHAPTER THE GRILL restaurant at The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Kyoto, has launched a new "Vegetable Buffet" for lunch, highlighting organic vegetables from the Kamigamo area prepared in a variety of cooking styles.
Over 1,200 crystals suspended among the blooming plum trees at Kitano Tenmangu form the "Garden of Light and Flowers" outdoor installation, the centerpiece of KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026, running from February 1 to May 24, 2026.
The Italian design brand Qeeboo will be on display at five major Takashimaya stores across Japan as part of a limited-time spring event running from February 25 to March 17, 2026.
From March 20 to April 19, 2026, Six Senses Kyoto will offer sakura-inspired afternoon tea, seasonal café treats, and cocktails inspired by the hotel's own weeping cherry blossom blooming in the courtyard.
BnA Alter Museum in Kyoto's Shijo Kawaramachi has revealed newly created and renovated art rooms featuring works by Masako Fujikura, Mon Koutaro Ooyama, Akiyoshi Mishima, and AOKI Takamasa, with room-specific bookings opening March 1, 2026.
Japan's largest teamLab museum welcomed its 500,000th visitor just five months after opening, drawing international guests from around the world and ranking No. 1 in Google's 2025 Kyoto Year in Search.
A special premiere screening of Cinema Kabuki's latest work The Love Suicides at Sonezaki will be held at MOVIX Kyoto on March 23rd, featuring a stage greeting by Nakamura Ganjiro and Nakamura Ichitaro before the film.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO will offer four limited-time spring sweets, including strawberry and cherry blossom cakes, at its TEA AND BAR café from March 1 to April 30, 2026.
Wendy's・First Kitchen introduces two luxurious burger items featuring black truffle sauce, white truffle oil, and creamy mozzarella cheese at select locations starting February 26th.
Kyoto Century Hotel presents its first strawberry sweets buffet following the restaurant renovation, featuring five premium strawberry varieties and live crepe suzette preparation from March 7 to April 26, 2026.
Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto launches a year-long afternoon tea experience celebrating Japan's fermentation culture, featuring seasonal menus and traditional wagashi in the scenic Arashiyama setting.
Bird lovers can enjoy TORIFES festivals in Kyoto on February 21-22 and in Mito on February 28 to March 1, 2026, coinciding with the beautiful plum blossom viewing season in both cities.
Daimaru Matsuzakaya launches a special collaboration with Licca-chan for their Spring Beauty Up campaign. Shop cosmetics worth ¥7,000 or more to enter a lottery for original Licca-chan charm pouches, with in-store shoppers receiving limited edition glitter stickers.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto's main dining restaurant "EMBA Kyoto Grill" has launched a new Sunday-exclusive brunch service. Guests can order unlimited appetizers, mains, and desserts, with an optional free-flow package including champagne.
The popular shopping event hosted by FUDGE magazine returns to Higashi Honganji Temple's Shōsei-en Garden on March 7-8, 2026. Featuring 50 brands of handmade accessories, pottery, vintage fashion, and the new FUDGE Style Portrait service.
Park Hyatt Kyoto's signature restaurant Yasaka presents spring-limited dinner courses and special Sunday lunch services from March through May 2026, featuring seasonal ingredients like bamboo shoots and sea bream.
Aoki Kouetudou, a 130-year-old Kyoto confectionery shop known for Hamster Monaka, launches four mini gift sets perfect for sharing small moments of gratitude.
Two renowned Kyoto shops team up to create unique sansho-flavored confections - Sansho Merengue and Sansho Financier - blending traditional Japanese ingredients with French pastry techniques.
Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, announces the Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival 2026, running April 4-6. As the season opener for Japan's hot air balloon ranking system, this festival features competitive flights, tethered balloon rides, and family-friendly programs including the new Marker Challenge experience.
Washin Co., Ltd., which develops traditional Japanese accessory brands nationwide, has renewed four stores in Kyoto's major tourist areas, transforming them into spaces where visitors can experience Japanese culture more intuitively.
Dusitthani Kyoto, a luxury hotel operated by Thailand's leading hotel and real estate development company Dusit International, has received a 4-star rating for the second consecutive year in the hotel category and a new 4-star rating in the spa category in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026.
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto will offer a basket-style Picnic Afternoon Tea Set filled with spring strawberry sweets from March 1 to May 6, 2026, at its lounge.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto, marking its 20th anniversary on March 15, 2026, introduces a special à la carte menu featuring items inspired by the number "20" — including a 2kg tiramisu, wagyu T-bone steak, and grilled king crab.
Seven JR West Hotels across Japan are serving special strawberry sweets this spring, featuring fresh strawberry tastings, award-winning patissier-supervised buffets, and local strawberry specialties from February through May 2026.
JR Tokai launches its 2026 Spring Campaign featuring special temple access at 8 historic sites including Toji and Daigoji, plus innovative nighttime cherry blossom illuminations combining digital art and traditional beauty. The campaign runs from February 10 to April 30, offering exclusive early-entry visits, private viewings, and collaboration events showcasing Kyoto's seasonal flowers.
Six Senses Kyoto collaborates with Wacoal's femcare brand YOJOY to offer a holistic wellness experience on March 7, featuring yoga, seasonal tea, and self-care workshops aligned with International Women's Day 2026.
The Calligraphy and Washi Paper Project in Hinohara, hosted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, brings together calligraphy, washi paper, technology, and ethical practices in Hinohara Village, with touring exhibitions in Daikanyama and Kyoto.
On February 17, 2026, Coach will open a new experiential concept store in Kyoto. The store celebrates the brand's craftsmanship and heritage with playful design inspired by Bonnie Cashin.
Starting in March 2026, Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji and Comfort Hotel ERA Kobe Sannomiya will launch renewed breakfast menus featuring colorful vegetables, fresh fruits, and customizable open sandwiches and pancakes.
From March 26 to March 30, 2026, Kyoto Kanzyo-kan "Miyako Messe" will host the first-ever Kyoto edition of the popular ice cream festival "Aipaku," featuring carefully selected regional ice creams from across Japan.
The Kyoto art hotel showcases works by two emerging painters from February 19 to March 22, 2026, with both artists bringing unique perspectives to contemporary Japanese painting.
Luxury brand resale specialist YOCHIKA unveils a concept film showcasing an Hermès Birkin's journey through Kyoto, reflecting the company's commitment to building customer trust through quality service.
On March 20, 2026, Hotel Granvia Kyoto will host "Manabunka in Kyoto Station Building," a hands-on workshop event featuring 19 booths showcasing traditional Kyoto crafts including Kyo-Yuzen, Kyo-Shippo, and more. The event includes special experiences like learning about dashi (soup stock) and appearances by Tora-rin, the official character of Kyoto National Museum.
A collaboration between 130-year-old Kyoto confectionery Aoki Kouetudou and design company Niji releases a limited spring version of the popular Hamster Monaka featuring sakura bean paste.
A traditional herbal medicine company in Kyoto has launched an innovative medicinal soup curry featuring 100 herbal ingredients, offering a unique dining experience that combines health and flavor.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto introduces a spring-themed Lemon & Honey Afternoon Tea from March 1 to May 31, featuring seasonal sweets and savories, alongside limited matcha parfait and cherry-themed takeaway items.
To celebrate 3,000 participants in the sushi chef job experience activity, Kandu Dainichi visitors can now enjoy a 200 yen discount at Kappazushi restaurants across the Kansai region through April 5, 2026.
Kyoto Art Center hosts a three-day open event from February 20 to 22, 2026, offering the public access to artist studios and workshops spanning dance, theater, and visual arts. The event provides hands-on experiences for all ages in a historic registered cultural property building.
British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston introduces a new spring collection featuring nostalgic floral art with cotton lace details and frilly accessories, available at stores and online starting February 6th.
A collaboration stamp rally featuring the manga Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister returns to Nantan City from February 16 to March 15, 2026, celebrating the hometown of creator Marcy Naito with exclusive artwork and character panels.
The world's most famous penguin Pingu collaborates with eco-friendly lifestyle brand KNT365. Exclusive products including bags and book covers available at select Tsutaya bookstores from February 6 to March 1, 2026.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto presents a seasonal buffet featuring Kyoto-inspired dishes with fresh spring ingredients, running through March and April 2026.
Hyoki, a renowned catering restaurant in Kyoto, has brought back its traditional kaiseki meal service in a special box set format. Enjoy authentic restaurant-quality cuisine at home, hotels, or special gatherings.
A new bonsai workshop store, Hello BONSAI club, has opened in Kyoto's Sanjo area, offering international visitors a hands-on experience creating palm-sized artificial mini-bonsai that can be taken home without quarantine concerns.
Experience the luxury that Heian aristocrats once enjoyed in Oku-Arashiyama. HOSHINOYA Kyoto introduces a limited stay program offering exclusive access to three prime cherry blossom viewing spots, available March 25 to April 9, 2026.
RIRAKU Spa and Fitness at Hyatt Regency Kyoto is offering a special couple spa plan from February 1 to March 15, 2026. The package includes a flower jet bath and personalized treatments, perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day, White Day, or other special occasions.
KANSEI Kyoto Hachijo, a scent-themed hotel, now offers a special accommodation plan including tickets to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, just a 1-minute walk away. A limited-time pop-up cafe collaboration also opens in February 2026.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto and craft brand SHITSURAE KYOTO are hosting a special exhibition titled "POST-TRAD Exhibition 2026" from February 14 to February 23, 2026, featuring traditional Buddhist altar craftsmanship reimagined as contemporary art.
The Kyoto Pottery Cooperative Association celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition at Kyoto Ceramic Center, showcasing sake and tea vessels created by Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki artisans and fired in a historic climbing kiln in Uji, from January 30 to February 11, 2026.
From March 1 to April 19, 2026, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike will offer a limited Japanese-style afternoon tea set in its historic "Saryō" tea house, a sukiya-style architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Murano Togo.
Toshi Yoroizuka releases a new nama chocolate that beautifully combines rich Earl Grey and Darjeeling tea with milk chocolate. The Chocolat Royal Milk Tea is now available at department stores, Toshi Yoroizuka shops, and online.
From January 17 to February 14, 2026, LeTAO brings their signature chocolates and new Valentine's creations to Kyoto Takashimaya S.C., featuring limited-edition Royal Montagne with Muscat Tea flavor.
Park Hyatt Kyoto presents the 6th edition of its Home-Style Cooking Class, led by Executive Chef Tsuyoshi Iryo, featuring a traditional Japanese "Ichiju-Sansai" (one soup, three dishes) menu in collaboration with Kyodaiwa's Chef Nakajima.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto will welcome Akinari Makishima, 2010 world champion of Neapolitan pizza, as guest chef for special Valentine's Day and White Day events featuring authentic Italian pizzas at Trattoria Sette.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO presents a special Valentine's parfait featuring rich chocolate and refreshing citrus flavors. Available from January 24 to February 28, 2026, at their café TEA AND BAR.
Lazare Diamond stores across Japan are hosting a Bridal Fair from January 24 to February 28, 2026. Customers who purchase bridal rings during the event will receive an original Lazare Diamond novelty item as a gift.
Colorful kanten sweets meet three types of chocolate in this special limited-edition treat from Zen Kashoin's Kyoto flagship store.
A special wine pairing dinner featuring rare Burgundy wines from Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg, including a double magnum bottle, will be held at The Thousand Kyoto on March 11, 2026.
TAIMATSU Co., Ltd., the company behind the Japanese knife brand MUSASHI JAPAN, has opened FUJI JAPAN in Kyoto Sanjo. The immersive cultural experience facility offers hands-on knife sharpening workshops, allowing visitors to truly engage with Japanese craftsmanship.
Kyoto-based RAU Patisserie & Chocolate, the only Japanese patisserie honored in La Liste 2025, unveils its 2026 Valentine's limited collection featuring artisanal chocolates, cookies, and desserts from award-winning chefs.
NIDEC Kyoto Tower will hold a Setsubun Tsuinasai festival at its 100-meter-high observation deck on February 2, 2026. The event features a traditional ceremony and bean-throwing by local kindergarteners to pray for good health and ward off evil spirits.
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto's all-day dining restaurant Kaza presents a special Valentine's Day dinner buffet featuring strawberry desserts, live flambé performances, and personalized chocolate message plates on February 14, 2026.
Kintetsu Retailing introduces a chocolate collection featuring Nara's premium Kotoka strawberries, Unshu mandarins, and Yamato Kabuse tea. Four varieties launch January 20th at station shops and online.
Six Senses Kyoto presents chocolate and strawberry parfaits using sustainable Minimal chocolate, along with seasonal afternoon tea and cocktails from February 4 to March 4, 2026.
Sun Hoseki and GiGO Entertainment have teamed up to open Hoppe-chan★Cafe at GiGO Collaboration Cafes nationwide. The limited-time cafe features Instagram-worthy original menus, exclusive merchandise, and special perks for fans from January 24 to February 15, 2026.
Capella Kyoto, set to open in spring 2026 in Kyoto's historic Miyagawa-cho district, has revealed its architectural and interior design concept that reimagines the traditional machiya townhouse for the modern era.
Comfort Hotel ERA Kyoto Toji and Comfort Hotel ERA Kobe Sannomiya are renewing their breakfast menus in March 2026, offering customizable pancakes, open sandwiches, and parfait-style salads for a cheerful morning experience.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto's lobby lounge unveils an artistic parfait featuring Ronnefeldt tea cream and Valrhona chocolate, available throughout February in a stunning glass presentation.
A special workshop at Ikutaniya Residence, a registered tangible cultural property in Kyoto, offers couples a chance to experience hand-painted Yuzen dyeing and traditional Japanese attire coordination.
From January 17 to February 14, 2026, Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. presents over 100 chocolate brands featuring premium international chocolates, Kyoto-inspired creations, and innovative non-cacao alternatives.
From February 7 to 15, 2026, Kyoto University of the Arts will showcase student graduation works across its expansive 80,000㎡ Uriuyama Campus. The exhibition features cutting-edge art and design from Japan's largest comprehensive arts university, with free admission to explore the culmination of creative excellence.
A rare oyster shack in Maizuru offering natural oysters harvested by free divers from Maizuru Bay has begun its seasonal operation for winter 2025.
Maizuru City offers a special winter-only guided tour of its historic Red Brick Park. The tour includes access to normally restricted areas of the former naval warehouses, built between 1902 and 1918 and now designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Chocolatier Palet d'Or brings its exclusive DASSAI sake-infused soft serve ice cream to department stores for Valentine's 2026. The special flavor, usually only available at the DASSAI brewery store, features the award-winning sake paired with premium chocolate.
FUKUCHA tea salons in Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Uji are hosting a Roasted Tea Fair from January 15 to March 31, 2026. The event features freshly roasted tea, special cafe menus, and Japan's first display-type roasting device with light and aroma effects.
The popular DIY Hamster Monaka makes a sweet comeback with limited-edition chocolate filling, featuring cocoa and plain wafers paired with elegant chocolate bean paste and heart-shaped chocolates.
From February 9 to 14, 2026, the Top of Kyoto French Dining restaurant at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto will offer a special Valentine's course featuring Japanese yellowtail, scallops, and black wagyu beef with panoramic views of Kyoto.
From January 15 to February 28, 2026, Saryo Hassui at Suiran Kyoto presents a limited-time dessert combining classic Showa-era pudding à la mode with a sophisticated Kyoto interpretation, served in an elegant silver bowl.
THE CAMPANELLA TOKYO introduces a new limited-edition Nama Tart Caramel, featuring rich chocolate cream topped with slightly bitter caramel cream and sauce. The product will be available exclusively at the Amour du Chocolat! 2026 event in Nagoya starting January 16, 2026, followed by releases in Sapporo and Kyoto.
Belgian chocolate brand Legast collaborates with Ron Herman Cafe for the second time, launching a special chocolate box featuring dark chocolate made from rare Peruvian cacao and a cafe-exclusive white chocolate with raspberry and cacao nibs.
From February 9 to 14, 2026, the French Dining Top of Kyoto at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto presents a special Valentine's Day course featuring dishes like yellowtail and scallop confit, duglere-style fish, and Kuroge wagyu poêlé.
Takagi Coffee introduces a limited-time seasonal menu featuring homemade nama chocolate in pancakes, smoothies, and hazelnut lattes, available from January 16th at 9 locations across Japan.
Create your own unique art plate by decorating illustrations with pressed flowers and colorful sweets. The pressed flower frame can be taken home as a keepsake after enjoying the treats.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO's popular Strawberry Parfait Afternoon Tea gets a spring makeover with cherry blossom-scented desserts, white strawberries, and delicate candy decorations beginning February 24, 2026.
The caramel confectionery specialty store CARAMER will open a pop-up shop at Takashimaya Kyoto Store's 7th-floor event hall from January 17 to February 14, 2026. The store will feature their signature CARAMER Sand alongside a special Valentine's Day gift box and seasonal limited-edition items.
Aman Kyoto, a luxury resort nestled in a secluded forest garden in Kyoto's Takagamine district, has unveiled a limited-edition Valentine's chocolate collection that captures the essence of the ancient capital.
Cross Hotel Kyoto presents a special 2-day workshop featuring Nishimura Yuzen-Chokoku's live demonstrations and hands-on stencil carving experience on January 23-24, 2026.
The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts hosts a unique collaboration of 9 university museums from Kyoto, showcasing diverse collections under the theme of "gifts" from January 23 to March 1, 2026.
Chocolatier Palet d'Or introduces two exclusive Valentine chocolate collections celebrating Japanese whisky culture, available at department stores nationwide from mid-January through February 14, 2026.
Starting January 10, 2026, Dhawa Yura Kyoto's GRILL 54TH restaurant introduces a winter lunch buffet centered around charcoal-grilled roast beef and artisan cheeses, offering a casual yet sophisticated Italian dining experience surrounded by bamboo gardens.
A new luxury whole-house rental brand launches in Kyoto's historic Ishibe Koji alley, offering an intimate stay near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion with private chef facilities and dedicated concierge service.
A special one-day event featuring floral-themed sweets and savories, paired with a Dilmah tea seminar and exclusive gifts for Valentine's Day.
Specialty single-origin coffee brand NOZY COFFEE opened "flow by nozy coffee" in Kyoto Shijo-Kawaramachi on January 7, 2026. The renovated machiya offers coffee, cocktails, and craft beer from morning to night.
Hard Rock Cafe launches a special collaboration with the TV anime Naruto, offering limited-time menu items including the creative "Naruto's Ramen Burger" and "Tropical Konohagakure Soda" from January 13 to February 1, 2026.
The popular Kyoto donut shop koe donuts introduces a delightful new treat - butter sandwich cookies inspired by their beloved original characters, featuring six diverse flavors with fruits and nuts sandwiched between buttery cookie layers.
On January 9, 2026, two unique culinary destinations debut in Kyoto's Gion Shijo area, housed in a renovated 100-year-old machiya. A kyoto offers teppanyaki kaiseki dining, while B kyoto serves as a Japanese tea cafe-bar with views of the Kamo River.
Kintetsu Retailing launches exclusive collaboration items featuring familiar's iconic bear and Kobe Oji Zoo's beloved animals. Available from January 8, 2026, at ZOOQLE and select Kintetsu station shops.
From February 1 to March 31, 2026, The Westin Miyako Kyoto offers a luxurious strawberry-themed afternoon tea featuring nine sweets and savory selections celebrating the peak of strawberry season.
Skincare brand EKATO opens its first Kyoto pop-up at JR Kyoto Isetan from January 6 to 12, 2026, featuring carbonated gas packs, body rollers, touch-up experiences, and exclusive event sets.
Muzzle Inc. will host a Kamisama Kitsune to Salaryman POP UP STORE at Loft locations across Japan starting January 9, 2026, featuring exclusive merchandise with cute snow play illustrations.
Enjoy three elegant strawberry-themed cocktails at Bar Granada from January 5 to March 31, 2026. Experience luxurious strawberry flavors in this sophisticated hotel bar.
A Bathing Ape (BAPE®) introduces a special New Year hamaya (demon-breaking arrow) novelty for customers spending ¥50,000 or more at select stores starting January 1, 2026.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto presents an exhibition showcasing Yumeji's popular works alongside pieces by artists he inspired, from March 28 to June 21, 2026.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto begins accepting reservations for eho-maki lucky direction sushi rolls starting January 5, 2026. The featured Seven Lucky Gods roll uses eel and six other premium ingredients.
THE THOUSAND KYOTO presents a solo exhibition by artist Wei-Ni Lu, exploring the beauty of "errors" in the printing process from January 10 to February 15, 2026.
Hilton Kyoto offers eight exclusive New Year lucky bag packages featuring luxury suite stays, fine dining experiences, and spa treatments through January 18, 2026
JAF Kyoto and Keihan Hotels & Resorts are co-hosting the Nidec Kyoto Tower Stair Climbing 2026 × JAF event on January 25, 2026. Participants will climb the 355-step spiral staircase inside Kyoto's iconic tower to reach the observation deck, with special certificates and related events included.
Bar Granada at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto will offer "Kazamigusa," a seasonal cocktail inspired by early spring plum blossoms, from January 1 to February 28, 2026.
On November 13, 2025 (Thursday), Graff opened its 12th store in Japan, "Graff Kyoto Takashimaya Store," in the cultural heart of Kyoto's Shijo district.
A new tea ceremony experience studio "Tea Ceremony Kyoto Gion" opens in Kyoto's iconic Gion district in November 2025, offering accessible chair-style tea ceremony experiences for international visitors.
From December 31, 2025 through January 4, 2026, Kyoto Century Hotel will offer a special New Year buffet featuring traditional osechi dishes, Omi beef sukiyaki, fresh tuna, and seasonal winter delicacies at their La Jyho restaurant.
Ring in the new year with a spectacular buffet featuring traditional osechi, roasted bone-in beef, and festive performances including taiko drumming and lion dance at this Kyoto landmark hotel.
Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo Kyoto Fushimi Store celebrates its 2nd anniversary on November 14, 2025, featuring new products and exclusive anniversary novelties for shoppers.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Assassination Classroom anime broadcast, special pop-up stores are opening at six Loft locations across Japan from November 2025 through January 2026.
A special nighttime art exhibition combining light and traditional culture returns to the UNESCO World Heritage site Nijo Castle from October 31 to December 7, 2025, featuring a collaborative installation by THERATIS and NAKED.
A unique tempura bowl restaurant, Gion Ntedon, opens in Kyoto's Gion district on October 23, 2025. The restaurant offers an innovative dining experience featuring matcha-infused rice, fresh tempura served separately, and French press-extracted dashi for a hitsumabushi-style finish.
Traditional Kyoto confectionery shop Shichijo Kansyundo introduces Pokémon Kyogashi, a collection of traditional Japanese sweets featuring popular Pokémon characters, available in stores from October 25th and online from October 20th.
IKKYU, a Kyoto-born specialty chocolate confectionery shop, will open its first location on the basement floor of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. on October 23, 2025, offering unique chocolates crafted with the proprietary Shōmon method.
Yanagidani Kannon Yōkokuji Temple in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto will hold its annual Autumn Leaves Week from November 15 to December 7, 2025, featuring special viewings and nighttime illuminations.
A new confectionery shop by Wabiya Korekido is opening in Gion's Nishi-Hanamikoji, featuring limited crepes and signature cheese soufflés.
Season's, a popular bamboo forest crepe cafe in Kyoto's Arashiyama, has reopened as "Charcoal Crepe & Acai Bowl Kyoto Arashiyama Season's" with a renewed menu featuring mineral-rich charcoal crepes and polyphenol-rich acai bowls.
GAAAT's first PAC-MAN art exhibition in Kyoto opens October 15th at Gallery An, featuring exclusive artworks blending the iconic game character with Japanese cultural elements.
Discover two delicious varieties of Kansai-exclusive potato chips, both featuring the regional "dashi soy sauce" flavor but with completely different taste profiles!
A remarkable autumn night viewing experience awaits at Rokuouin in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward from November 21st to December 14th, 2025. This historic temple offers enchanting illuminated scenery with premium experiences including traditional tea ceremony and cultural performances.
A unique bakery specializing in the Eastern European sweet Danish pastry babka will open in Kyoto's Shimogamo area, bringing 8 years of development to Japan's first babka specialty concept.
Japanese taiko drum performance group DRUM TAO will open a dedicated theater in Kyoto in spring 2026, offering year-round performances in an intimate 320-seat venue near Kyoto Station.
![[Staff Interview] Gion Matsuri Reserved Seating Tickets: What We Value Most in Customer Service and Heartwarming Stories](https://assets.hldycdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=webp,quality=75,width=400/375e5b0c-ee50-4e5f-954b-c0e5ab2bc537.jpg)
Our staff member Emily shares insights into Gion Matsuri ticket arrangements and customer service, discussing memorable experiences with international customers and the special care that goes into making every festival visit unforgettable.
Café Kitsuné launches seasonal autumn flavors at all locations across Japan, featuring chestnut and black sesame specialties alongside location-exclusive treats.
Japan's first restaurant on an abandoned railway viaduct featuring a decommissioned Thunderbird train car opens in Kyoto's Umekoji area, offering an immersive dining experience combining art, food, and entertainment.
A new specialty store featuring high-quality Japanese products will open at Kyoto Station's ASTY Kyoto on October 16th, bringing authentic Japanese goods to international and domestic travelers.
A traveling exhibition featuring Hirohiko Araki's "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" opens at Minnesota Street Project in San Francisco from September 27 to October 25, showcasing lithograph and lenticular artworks of iconic characters.
A unique burger shop inspired by Nintendo's "question mark blocks" has opened at Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, offering over 270,000 possible burger combinations with Japanese local ingredients.
A new premium autumn dessert featuring three types of matcha and seasonal chestnuts has been launched. This limited-edition sweet combines rich matcha flavors with sweet chestnuts in an elegant chocolate creation.
A new matcha confection combining Kyoto's premium brand rice "Kyoshikibu" with authentic Uji matcha "Makkoi (Rich Matcha)" creates a unique textural experience with every bite.
A new nama donut specialty shop "I'm donut?" will open its first Kansai location in Kyoto's Shijo-Kawaramachi area, featuring about 40 types of innovative donuts including Kyoto-exclusive flavors.
The typically private Kamishichiken Kaburenjo theater will open to the public for the 74th Kotobukikai traditional dance performance, featuring geiko and maiko from November 12-18, 2025.
The first exhibition dedicated to Kaworu Nagisa, the enigmatic character from Evangelion series, showcases rare materials and scenes from both the original series and Rebuild films.
Kyoto attracts tourists from both Japan and abroad. Especially in spring and fall, when the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are in full bloom, the city can be overflowing with tourists. Although Kyoto has the image of being crowded no matter where you go, there are many Hidden Gems. In this article, we introduce 16 […]
Kyoto’s tourist attractions are shrines and temples with a sense of Japanese history. Some of them have become popular through social networking services, and there are many gorgeous and colorful shrines and temples that you will not find anywhere else. This article introduces shrines and temples that make you want to go out of your […]
In this article, we will introduce you to some unique spots in Kyoto along three different themes. Although not standard, these spots are full of exciting, little-known spots! If you are looking for a new Kyoto trip or a unique Kyoto experience, please take a look. To learn more about Kyoto, click here. 5 places […]
During your trip, the weather often turns rainy. Especially in Kyoto, where there are many outdoor tourist attractions such as temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens, it is quite difficult to change plans. This article introduces 19 such indoor facilities for rainy days! We will introduce indoor facilities based on various themes, please refer to this […]
If you’re going to visit, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience at that time of year. This article introduces the January events, situations, and recommended spots in Kyoto for those looking to make the most of their trip. *Please note that event dates may change. Please […]
If you’re going to take the time to travel, you’ll want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time of year. This time, we will introduce the February conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto for those who are planning to visit. *Please note that the […]
If you’re going to sightsee, you’d want to include experiences and sights that are unique to that specific time of year, right? This guide is for those who want to know about the situation, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto during March. *The events introduced may have their schedules changed. Please check the official websites […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in December for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule of […]
When traveling, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we introduce the state of Japan in October, events, and recommended spots for those who are interested. *Please note that the event schedules introduced may change. Check the official website of the […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you may want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in November for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule […]
When traveling, you want to include things in your itinerary that you can only see or experience during that specific time. This time, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Japan in September for those who are interested. *Please note that the dates of the events introduced may change. Please check the […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in October for those who wish to do so. *The schedule of the […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in September for those who wish to do so. *The schedule of the […]
Kyoto is a city of long history and culture, and one of the best places to experience the traditional beauty of Japan. Magnificent shrines and temples, tranquil Japanese gardens, and bustling markets are just a few of Kyoto’s not-to-be-missed attractions. In this article, we will first introduce the must-visit tourist spots in Kyoto by major […]
Basic Information about Kinkaku-ji “Kinkaku-ji” is a temple of the “Rinzai-shu Sokoku-ji” sect located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan. Its official name is “Rokuon-ji,” but it is commonly known as “Kinkaku-ji” due to its beautiful golden “Shariden” (reliquary hall). Basic Information Kinkaku-ji is conveniently accessible by bus from Kyoto Station and other major tourist spots. From […]
Kyoto in autumn is a fascinating tourist destination that combines beautiful autumn foliage and rich culture. Of course, you should not miss the view of the autumn leaves, which can only be seen at this time of the year. This article details the highlights of Kyoto in autumn, from a description of the weather and […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in August in Kyoto for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule of […]
Maizuru City, facing the Sea of Japan, is known as the “Kyoto by the Sea”. Located to the north of Kyoto, the city has an atmosphere of a sea town different from that of Kyoto City, where Japanese history remains. With red-brick warehouses that were once naval facilities and an observatory overlooking Maizuru Bay, this […]
Around Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto, there are many popular tourist attractions that will satisfy the curiosity of both adults and children, including the landmark Nidec Kyoto Tower, famous temples such as To-ji Temple and Nishi-Hongan-ji Temple, Kyoto Aquarium, and Kyoto Railway Museum. This area is especially recommended for those who want to do […]
Although Kyoto is home to many historical shrines and temples, there are actually many other attractive spots such as aquariums, zoos, and fashionable complexes! In this article, we will introduce recommended spots other than shrines and temples in Kyoto in three different genres. Please take a look at them as a reference for your trip. […]
Kyoto has many historical spots for adults, such as shrines, temples, and Japanese gardens, but in fact, there are also many facilities that children can enjoy. This article introduces spots where the whole family, from children to adults, can play together! Many of the facilities are indoors, so we recommend using them on rainy days. […]
This article introduces spots in Kyoto that you can enjoy for free. They are perfect for large group trips as you can enjoy them without worrying about the cost. It is also useful when you have unplanned time or when your travel plans change, so please check it out. *It is recommended to check the […]
Miyama is a Satoyama with a row of houses with thatched roofs, a landscape that still retains the original Japanese landscape. It is a quiet and tranquil place surrounded by beautiful mountains, different from the Kyoto one generally imagines. This area is perfect for those who want to feel the atmosphere of an old Japanese […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in July for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule of […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in July for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule of […]
The Ohara area, located in the northeastern part of Kyoto City, is a nature-rich satoyama surrounded by mountains on all sides. Dotted with historical sites in a peaceful landscape, visitors can experience nature and visit temples and shrines typical of Kyoto at the same time. Compared to the central area of Kyoto, the number of […]
The Arashiyama/Sagano area, a scenic spot in Kyoto, is a popular sightseeing area where you can feel the unique nature of Kyoto. There are abundant natural spots such as the Togetsu Bridge over the Katsura River and the Bamboo Grove Path, which is surrounded by bamboo. A leisurely stroll along the river will naturally calm […]
Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kamigamo Jinja Shrine, and Ryoan-ji Temple are located near the foot of Mt Kinugasa. The area is a bit far from the city center, and there are few restaurants or souvenir stores. It is a particularly good sightseeing spot for those who want to visit temples and shrines in a relaxed atmosphere. The […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in June in Kyoto for those who are interested in such things. *The schedule of […]
If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in May in Kyoto for those who are interested in such things. About Kyoto in […]
The area around Karasuma-Oike, Shijo-Kawaramachi, and Nijo-jo Castle is the busiest district in Kyoto City. Department stores, apparel stores, restaurants, and other stores line the streets, and the latest Kyoto trends are concentrated here. However, it is not all new, which is typical of Kyoto. The Nishiki Food Market has a history of about 400 […]
Located in northern Kyoto, the Kibune and Kurama areas are quiet and full of nature, a short distance from the main areas of the city. The entire area is filled with a mystical atmosphere that offers a different sightseeing experience from that of the central area of Kyoto. It is also recommended that the scenery […]
The Okazaki area is located between the downtown area of Kyoto City and the foot of Higashiyama Mountain. It is a calm area with famous shrines and temples such as Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzen-ji Temple and Eikan-do Temple, as well as cultural facilities such as museums and zoos. To the north of the area is […]
The Fushimi area, located a few minutes by train from Kyoto Station, is a prosperous sake brewing town. Lined with old sake breweries, the scenery is like stepping back in time. The Fushimi area is home to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is undeniably popular among overseas tourists. As a sake brewing town, there […]
Higashiyama area is located on the east side of Kyoto City, along the north and south sides of Higashiyama mountain range. There are many ways to enjoy the area, such as a course from Kiyomizu-dera Temple down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka slopes to Kodai-ji Temple and Yasaka-jinja Shrine before heading to Gion, or a course from […]
Gion is an area where you can enjoy a typical Kyoto townscape. The cobblestone walkways, such as Hanamikoji lined with ochaya (tea shops) and the Gion Shirakawa River with its beautiful willows along the river, are all filled with the Kyoto atmosphere. There are also many famous shrines and temples here and there that you […]
The Uji area, which can be reached in about 16 minutes from Kyoto Station by rapid train on the JR Nara Line, is famous for its Heian culture and Uji tea. Uji is home to many sightseeing spots such as Byodo-in Temple, a World Heritage site, Ujigami-jinja Shrine, and Mimuroto-ji Temple. You should not miss […]
The area around Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the eastern part of Kyoto City, extending from the foot of the mountain toward the center of Kyoto City. There are many large universities in this area, and the area is characterized by a blend of residential and tourist areas. […]
Looking for a Kyoto itinerary beyond the usual temples? This 2-day trip covers Miyama's thatched-roof villages, Amanohashidate's famous sandbar, fresh seafood at Maizuru port, and the charming boat houses of Ine — all reachable from Kyoto Station by bus or car.
Cherry blossoms are at their best in Kyoto in spring. I stayed at La'gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo and explored Arashiyama and Nijo Castle on Day 1, then walked the Philosopher's Path and eastern Kyoto on Day 2. Here's my full 2-day spring itinerary with cherry blossom tips, cafe stops, and practical advice for getting around.