Local Festival

One of Kyoto's three major festivals with over 1,400 years of history, the Aoi Matsuri features an elegant procession of more than 500 participants dressed in ancient court costumes. The magnificent parade travels from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, adorned with hollyhock leaves that give the festival its name.

Experience this graceful celebration of Heian period culture from Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, with convenient access to Shimogamo Shrine and the Imperial Park. Witness one of spring's most refined festivals in ancient Kyoto.

Date: May 15th annually

Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's three most famous festivals, boasting over 1,150 years of history. Held every July, the festival's highlight is the spectacular Yamaboko Junkō processions on July 17th and 24th, where elaborately decorated floats parade through central Kyoto.

These 33 magnificent floats, known as "moving museums," showcase centuries of traditional craftsmanship and are recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. During the enchanting Yoiyama evenings, lantern-lit floats and the melodic sounds of Gion-bayashi music create a mystical atmosphere throughout the ancient capital.

One of Kyoto's three most prestigious festivals, Jidai Matsuri is a spectacular "living history museum" that recreates over 1,000 years of Japanese history through elaborate period costumes. This magnificent procession features 2,000 participants in authentic historical dress, creating a vivid journey from the Heian period to the Meiji Restoration as they parade from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine.

Guests at Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto can easily walk to prime viewing locations. Experience this extraordinary celebration of Japan's rich cultural heritage in the heart of the ancient capital.

Date: October 22nd annually

Gozan no Okuribi is Kyoto's iconic summer tradition held every August 16th evening. Five mountains surrounding the city are lit with fires forming sacred characters and shapes—"Dai" (大), "Myoho" (妙法), "Funagata" (船形), "Hidari Daimonji" (左大文字), and "Torii-gata" (鳥居形)—to send off ancestral spirits welcomed during Obon.

Beginning at 8:00 PM with "Daimonji," this sacred ceremony has embodied Kyoto's soul for over a millennium. Experience this mystical moment from Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto.

Date: August 16th annually