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Kyo no Tanabata (Kyoto Tanabata Festival)

Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Venue: Horikawa Promenade and around Nijo Castle

Aug 1 – Aug 15, 2026

Kyo no Tanabata is one of Kyoto's defining summer events, held in August to match the old-calendar Tanabata. It illuminates locations across the city—including the Horikawa and Kamogawa venues, Nijo Castle, and Kitano Tenmangu—with light and bamboo. Along the Horikawa promenade, a glowing blue 'River of Light,' wind-chime lanterns, and installations by Kyoto-connected artists draw strolling crowds. Nijo Castle hosts dreamlike light-ups and projections, and visitors can tie wish cards to bamboo and browse traditional crafts and gourmet booths.
Light installations along Horikawa and the Nijo Castle illumination
Access

Next to Nijojo-mae subway station; city bus to Horikawa-Shimodachiuri for the Horikawa venue

Hours

Around 18:00–21:30 (varies by venue)

Admission

Free (some venues such as Nijo Castle charge admission)

Kyo no TanabataIlluminationBamboo DecorationsKyoto

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