Praying with one’s feet in the river water and dancing in a circle!
At first glance, Kansai’s summer events and rites may seem strange.
Traditional events are filled with wisdom and ingenuity to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer.

Please enjoy your trip to Kansai with events and rites that can only be experienced in summer!

Period: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Thursday, July 31, 2025

If you are traveling to Kyoto in the summer, a visit to the Kyoto Gion Festival is a must! You will be overwhelmed by the gorgeous floats!

For more information, check out the article below!

＜Kyoto＞Gion Matsuri｜Highlights of Japan’s Greatest Festival

Period: Usually from June 1 to September 1

About 800 wind chimes will be displayed on the ceiling of the Matsunoo Taisha Shrine awarding office and throughout the shrine grounds. It is said that the tones of the wind chimes comfort the gods and purify sins and impurities. At Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, you can write your wish on a strip of paper. Let your wish be delivered to the god.

Period: Usually July – early September

A wind-bell prayer will also be held at the Mizunase Jingu Shrine. Passing through the wind chimes, visitors can listen to the cool sound of the light chirping of the wind chimes.
During the period, the shrine will also be decorated with kazaguruma, toys that rotate with the wind, and illuminated with lanterns.

Period: May 1 – October 15, 2025 (period varies by store)

“Kawayuka” riverside terrace is one of the traditional summer cultures of Kyoto. It is a place to enjoy the cool air while dining on delicious food at outdoor terrace seats that jut out into the Kamo River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at 87 restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to Italian and French cuisine.

Among them, “B STORE 1st” opens from 8:00 a.m. as riverside terrace morning. Why not start your day with  “Kawayuka” riverside terrace?

▼Check this article▼
7 Best Breakfasts in Kyoto | Near JR Kyoto Station and Popular Tourist Attractions

Period: Usually mid-July to early September

Minoh Waterfalls and other famous spots in Minoh Park are illuminated in this popular event!

Also, until Monday, November 3, 2025, “Kawayuka (riverside terrace)” will be held at riverside restaurants in Minoh Park, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine while enjoying the sounds of nature. Enjoy a quaint moment (reservations required).

▼Check this article▼
8 recommended gourmet restaurants in Minoh Waterfall! Cafes & Shops to stop by for sightseeing
Note on how to get to Minoh Waterfall! Points that international travelers should know before going there

Main Content Dates: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.

Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival) is a large-scale event held in the Umeda area of Osaka, where you can enjoy Japanese summer culture all at once!

Umeda Yukata Matsuri (Yukata Festival)  will feature a traditional “Bon Odori Dance”, “Uchimizu” (sprinkling water on the streets to cool off), and “fairs” like typical of summer festivals. The entire town will be decorated in summer!

Period: Monday, July 7, 2025; Wednesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 10, 2025

Natsu Ebisu is an event that takes place mainly on July 10, and on Thursday, July 20, miko (shrine maidens) perform “Yutate Kagura,” in which they sprinkle visitors with bamboo branches submerged in boiling water, praying for the reprieve from the heat and for good health.
At the “Ebisu Mandoro (Lantern Festival)” starting at 6:00 p.m., the precincts of the shrine are transformed into a fantastic world of light with lit andon (lanterns) and candles.

Period: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 27, 2025

The Mitarashi Festival is a summer event in Kyoto, also known as “Ashitsuke Shinji(Ritual of Foot-soaking)”, in which people take a knee-deep dip in the Mitarashi Pond on the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine to purify themselves of any impurities and pray for good health. Walking through the cool water is a great way to feel cool, and is a fun event for the whole family to participate in.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 *October due to the duration of the Osaka-Kansai Expo

Fireworks festivals held in various locations are also a major annual summer event!
Please come and see the delicate Japanese fireworks display!

▼Click here for more details▼

5 fireworks shows in Kansai! This is how Japanese people enjoy fireworks!

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

This is a traditional summer event in Kyoto to return the spirits of ancestors who were welcomed during Obon to the underworld. A fire is lit on a pyre in the middle of the mountain, and the Chinese characters “Dai”, left “Dai”, “Myou”, and “Hou”, as well as the shape of a boat, float on the pyre. The lights are lit one after the other starting at 20:00, and each can be viewed for about 30 minutes.

See the website below for the lighting time and viewing locations.

https://kyoto.travel/en/

Date: The dates for 2025 have not yet been announced.

The Bon Odori Festival is held at Meriken Park, the port of Kobe. People dance in a circle to typical folk songs from all over Japan. The choreography of Bon Odori is simple! Let’s join in while watching everyone else dance!

Summer events & activities are held mainly at night.
Even if you have visited Japan many times, you may discover something new by participating in these limited-time events!