Kyoto in April 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals

Since its publication in August, this article has served as a guide for many international visitors planning their trips to Kyoto. Travelers considering a January visit have been using this article to incorporate events into their itineraries and explore tour options through Magical Trip.

I updated this article because a lot of new information has been released in preparation for the March event. This article summarizes the latest information as of January 2025.

I've also included highlights of various locations and events in Kyoto based on my extensive exploration of Kyoto's tourist attractions from August to October, when I thoroughly investigated the city.

Kyoto is a city where complex layers of culture and history intertwine, making it challenging for tourists to fully appreciate its historical sites and culture on their own.

At the end of the article, I'll also share my experiences with two tours I took during my visit to Kyoto between August and October: the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" (Ranked #6 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024) and the "4.5-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples," including their highlights and key features!

Magical Trip's tour earned Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' award

Introduction

April in Kyoto is a season when cherry blossoms bloom magnificently, enveloping the entire city in spring splendor. With daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, and nights just slightly cool, it provides ideal conditions for sightseeing.

Kyoto, the ancient capital with over a thousand years of history, is dotted with historic temples and shrines, preserving the quintessentially Japanese atmospheric streetscapes to this day. The city's charm lies in its ability to engage all five senses through traditional Japanese culture and seasonal changes. The sight of people in traditional Japanese attire walking about, creating an elegant atmosphere, is a scene unique to Kyoto.

In April, visitors can enjoy not only the harmony between beautiful cherry blossoms and historic streetscapes but also traditional festivals and performing arts passed down through generations.

This article will provide detailed information about April highlights in Kyoto, including basic information, event schedules, and access to venues.

2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Kyoto↓

・Kyoto: List of Events & Festivals for 2025

Kyoto: List of Events & Festivals for 2025

A seasonal event guide for Kyoto in 2025. Covering traditional events and festivals from New Year’s shrine visits to New Year’s Eve bell ringing, as well as events to enjoy nature.

Magical Trip MediaTakashi Nakadomari

Table of Contents
-Traditional Events in Kyoto for April 2025
-Natural Attractions in Kyoto's April

Traditional Events in Kyoto for April 2025

Miyako Odori (Capital Dances)

The elegant dance performance "Miyako Odori" by geiko and maiko from Gionkobu boasts over 150 years of history as a springtime tradition in Kyoto. Gionkobu is one of Kyoto's premier entertainment districts, and its geiko and maiko are usually only visible at exclusive teahouses in the entertainment district.

Furthermore, these teahouses maintain the culture of "Ichigen-san okotowari" (no first-time visitors without introduction), making it impossible for general visitors to enter without proper connections. Therefore, Miyako Odori presents a rare opportunity to experience traditional performing arts up close.

Particularly impressive is the finale, where 50 geiko and maiko gather to dance together. Their appearance, adorned in Kyoto's finest textile arts, truly represents the crystallization of Japanese beauty.

<Information>
Dates: April 1-30, 2025
Access: 8-minute walk from Exit 6 of Gion-Shijo Station on Keihan Railway
10-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on Hankyu Railway
Admission: First-class ticket with tea ceremony: ¥7,000
First-class ticket: ¥6,000
Second-class ticket: ¥4,000
Website: https://miyako-odori.jp/miyako/

Heian Shrine Sakura Oto Yo (Cherry Blossom Sound Night)

Heian Shrine Sakura Oto Yo is a magical event where illuminated cherry blossoms and music create an enchanting atmosphere against the backdrop of Heian Shrine's majestic architecture.

This event has no fixed seating. Participants are free to stroll through the gardens while enjoying music and admiring the lit-up Toshinen Kihinkan building and cherry blossoms. The musical performances vary each day, ranging from Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) to contemporary music by various artists.

This event has been gaining attention as a new form of cultural experience that beautifully merges a Japanese garden dating back to 794 with contemporary music.

While the 2025 schedule is yet to be announced, interested visitors should check the official website for updates.

<Information> (Based on 2024 details)
Dates: April 3-7, 2024
Access:
- From JR Kyoto Station: Take City Bus Route 5 to "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine Mae," then 5-min walk north
- From Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station: Take City Bus Routes 5, 46, or 32 to "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine Mae" or "Okazaki Park ROHM Theatre Kyoto/Miyakomesse Mae," then 5-min walk north
- From Subway Tozai Line Higashiyama Station: 10-min walk
- From Keihan Kamogawa Line Sanjo Station or Jingu Marutamachi Station: 15-min walk
Admission:
- Advance tickets: Adults ¥3,000 / Elementary school students ¥2,500
- Same-day tickets: Adults ¥4,000 / Elementary school students ¥3,500
Website: https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare/

Kamo Kyokusui-en (Stream-Side Poetry Party)

The Kyokusui no en held at Kamigamo Shrine is an elegant cultural event that preserves ancient traditions.

Kyokusui no en is a refined game where participants must compose a Waka poem before a floating sake cup passes in front of them, after which they drink the sake. Waka is a traditional Japanese poetry form consisting of 31 syllables in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern.

Set in the shrine's garden, participants dressed in Junihitoe (traditional twelve-layered kimono) compose Waka poems accompanied by Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music). The scene creates an elegant atmosphere that transports viewers back 1,200 years in time.

This is a rare opportunity to witness one of Japan's most graceful traditional cultural ceremonies up close.

<Information>
Date: April 13th
Access:
- From Kyoto Station: Take City Bus Route 4 to "Kamigamo Shrine Mae" (immediate access)
- Or take City Bus Route 9 to "Kamigamo Miyazono-bashi," then 5-min walk
- From Kyoto Municipal Subway Kitayama Station: 15-min walk
Admission: ¥1,000 (includes tea ticket / limited to first 150 visitors)
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/202304051195/

Seiryu-e (Blue Dragon Ceremony)

The Seiryu-e at Kiyomizudera is a solemn Buddhist ceremony held to pray for local protection and removal of misfortune. During this event, an approximately 18-meter-long blue dragon, along with people dressed as monks and deities, parades through the temple grounds and surrounding areas.

Particularly spectacular is the sight of the blue dragon descending the stone steps of Kiyomizudera, creating an impressive scene as if a real dragon were descending from the heavens. On Kiyomizuzaka Slope, the blue dragon sometimes dramatically enters shops accompanied by powerful chants. When I observed last year, the dragon's head suddenly appeared at a storefront, drawing excited gasps from tourists.

Don't miss this chance to experience up close the powerful presence of the blue dragon and the mystical atmosphere woven with Japanese traditional beauty.

<Information>
Date: April 3, 2025
Access:
- From Kyoto Station: Take City Bus Routes 206 or 100, get off at "Gojozaka," 10-minute walk
- From Hankyu Railway "Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station" or Keihan Railway "Gion-Shijo Station": Take City Bus Route 207, get off at "Kiyomizumichi," 10-minute walk
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/event/seiryu_e.php

Imamiya Yasurai Festival

The Imamiya Yasurai Festival, recognized as one of Kyoto's Three Unique Festivals and designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is held on the second Sunday of April. Dancers wearing magnificent red costumes and red or black wigs parade through the streets while playing gongs and drums.

The festival's centerpiece is the "Hanagasa," a decorative umbrella approximately 180 centimeters in diameter. It is believed that passing under this umbrella ensures good health for the year ahead. As a result, the festival draws large crowds of visitors eager to pass under the umbrella. When I tried it myself, it was quite challenging due to the number of people.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this precious cultural tradition.

<Information>
Date: April 13, 2025
Access:
- From Kyoto Station: Take Karasuma Subway Line to "Kitaoji Station" (bound for Kokusaikaikan) → Take City Bus 1, North 8, 12, M1, 204, 205, or 206 to "Funaokayama," then 7-minute walk north
- Or 20-minute walk west from Kitaoji Station Exit 1
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.imamiyajinja.org/

Matsuo Festival (Shinko Festival)

The Matsuo Festival, held at Matsuo Taisha Shrine, is a significant annual event at this shrine known as the deity of sake brewing. In 2025, the Shinko Festival will be held on April 20th, followed by the Kanko Festival on May 12th. During the festival, six Mikoshi (portable shrines carrying deities) parade through the town.

My recommended viewing spot is the riverbank near Katsura Ohashi Bridge. Here, you can closely observe both the divine and majestic Mikoshi being transported across the river by boat and the Mikoshi being carried by men participating in the festival with their powerful chants.

You can fully experience the weight of tradition and the festival's energy while feeling the crowd's enthusiasm and admiring the beautiful decorations of the Mikoshi up close.

<Information>
Date: April 20th, 2025
Access: From Kyoto Station:
- Take subway to "Shijo" → Transfer to Hankyu Kyoto Line → Transfer at "Katsura Station" to Hankyu Arashiyama Line → Get off at "Matsuo Taisha Station"
- Take Kyoto City Bus Route 28 → Get off at "Matsuo Taisha-mae"
- Take Kyoto Bus Routes 73 or 83 → Get off at "Matsuo Taisha-mae"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.matsunoo.or.jp/

April is one of the most pleasant months in Japan, with wonderful spring weather. Even at night, you can comfortably go out wearing just a light jacket.

This time of year is perfect for hiking tours where you can explore Kyoto while experiencing its rich climate.

By joining a Magical Trip hiking tour, you can walk through charming traditional spots that most tourists don't know about, accompanied by local guides who are deeply familiar with the famous sites.

・Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour

・Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour

Natural Attractions in Kyoto in April

Cherry Blossom Festival

The Okasai, the cherry blossom festival at Hirano Shrine, is a traditional spring celebration in Kyoto. This shrine has been known as one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spots for over 1000 years.

The Okasai is held annually on April 10th, beginning with sacred ceremonies in the morning. The festival's main event is the magnificent historical parade that starts in the afternoon. About 200 participants dressed in Heian period (794-1185) royal costumes slowly parade through Kyoto's streets for two and a half hours.

The scene resembles Kyoto from a thousand years ago, featuring gorgeously dressed Palace Ladies, Samurai Warriors in armor, and beautifully decorated Festival Floats (dashi).

Taking photos with the cherry blossoms will guarantee you a quintessentially Japanese beautiful picture.

<Information>
Date: April 10th
Access: From Kyoto Station:
- Take City Bus Routes 205 or 50 → Get off at "Kinugasa-ko-mae" → 3-min walk north
- From Keifuku Railway Kitano Line "Kitano-hakubaicho Station" → 7-min walk north
- From Keihan "Sanjo Station" → Take City Bus Route 10 to "Kitano-hakubaicho"
→ 7-min walk north
→ Take City Bus Route 15 to "Kinugasa-ko-mae" → 3-min walk north
- From Hankyu Kyoto Line "Kawaramachi Station" → Take City Bus Route 205 to "Kinugasa-ko-mae" → 3-min walk north
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hiranojinja.com/home/gaiyo/nentyugyoji/okasai

Okazaki Cherry Blossom Corridor Ten-stone Boat Cruise

The boats gracefully cruising along the Biwako Sosui (Lake Biwa Canal) are a beloved spring tradition in Kyoto. The Biwako Sosui is a 20-kilometer waterway constructed in 1885 to draw water from Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto City.

During this seasonal boat tour, visitors enjoy a 25-minute round trip covering approximately 3 kilometers. From the leisurely moving boat under the blooming cherry blossoms, you can admire the cultural facilities of Okazaki, known as the art district, and the rows of cherry trees from the water's perspective.

I recommend visiting after sunset when you can experience the magical and romantic scenery of illuminated cherry blossom tunnels.

Don't miss this accessible boat journey that offers a uniquely seasonal Japanese atmosphere.

<Information>
Dates: March 20 - April 13, 2025
Access: 7-minute walk from Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line
       10-minute walk from "Okazaki Koen Museum/Heian Jingu-mae" bus stop from Kyoto Station
Admission: Adults (Junior high school and above) ¥2,000
         Children (Elementary school) ¥1,000
         Infants (3 years and above) ¥500
Website: https://kyoto-tabi.or.jp/

Maruyama Park's Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination

The weeping cherry tree standing in the center of Maruyama Park, known as "Gion no yozakura" (Gion's night cherry blossoms), is Kyoto's premier cherry blossom viewing spot. This magnificent cherry tree creates a majestic atmosphere that deeply moves all visitors.

When illuminated, the impressive 12-meter-tall weeping cherry tree transforms into a breathtaking sight. At night, the addition of traditional bonfire lighting creates an even more profound atmosphere. This weeping cherry tree has been carefully preserved by the 16th generation cherry tree guardian, Sano Toemon.

The walking path connecting the park to Kodaiji Temple and Kiyomizudera is also illuminated, making it perfect for an evening stroll through the historic district while enjoying the night cherry blossoms.

<Information>
Dates: Late March - Early April
Access: Take City Bus Route 206 from Kyoto Station to "Gion" stop
10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
14-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line
15-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Subway
Admission: Free
Website: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/

Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami)

Hanami is a traditional Japanese spring celebration where people enjoy food, drinks, and socializing while appreciating cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms have been cherished by Japanese people since ancient times as symbols of nature's impermanence and the ephemeral nature of life.

Through Hanami, people share the beauty of nature, feel the changing of seasons, and celebrate together. In modern times, it has become a beloved spring tradition to enjoy bento boxes and sake under the cherry blossoms.

Daigoji Temple

Founded in 874, Daigoji Temple is a historic temple particularly famous for the "Daigo no Hanami," a magnificent cherry blossom viewing party hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ruled Japan in the late 16th century.

The scenery created by the combination of the five-storied pagoda (designated as a national treasure and the oldest existing wooden structure in Kyoto) and cherry blossoms presents a quintessentially Japanese landscape. The temple grounds feature approximately 1,000 cherry trees of various species that bloom at slightly different times, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms over an extended period.

The cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple have been cherished by imperial family members and nobles throughout history, and their elegant appearance reflects Japanese aesthetics preserved to modern times.

<Information>
Dates: Late March to mid-April (Special viewing opportunities available for April 2025)
Access: 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Daigo Station on the Subway Tozai Line
        Get off at "Daigoji-mae" on Keihan Bus routes 22/22A
        Get off at "Daigoji" on Keihan Bus Kyoto Daigoji Line
Admission: Adults: ¥1,800
         Junior High/High School Students: ¥1,300
Website: https://www.daigoji.or.jp/flowers/flowers_detail1.html

Ninnaji Temple (Omuro Cherry Blossoms)

The Omuro Cherry Blossoms at Ninnaji Temple, a World Heritage site, are known for their late blooming and mark the finale of Kyoto's cherry blossom season. The harmony between traditional structures like the Main Sanctuary and five-storied pagoda with the cherry blossoms creates a spectacular view.

Omuro Cherry Blossoms are characterized by their low height, with flowers blooming close to ground level. This unique feature allows visitors to capture photos of the blossoms at eye level rather than looking up.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the temple gardens, taking in the beautiful scenery created by the historic temple and nature.

<Information>
Dates: Early to mid-April (Peak viewing expected in April 2025)
Access: 3-minute walk from Omuro Ninnaji Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen)
Direct access from "Omuro Ninnaji" bus stop on City Bus Route 26 from Kyoto Station
Admission: Adults: ¥500
Website: https://ninnaji.jp/cherry_tree/

Toji Temple

Toji Temple's five-storied pagoda, one of Kyoto's iconic structures, offers a special vista when surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms in spring. Standing approximately 55 meters tall, it is Japan's highest wooden pagoda.

The temple grounds feature various historic buildings including the Main Sanctuary and Lecture Hall interspersed with cherry trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the contrast between the blossoms and historical architecture from different angles. The falling cherry petals create a solemn atmosphere throughout the grounds.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or photography lover, cherry blossom viewing at Toji Temple offers a uniquely Kyoto experience combining culture and scenery.

<Information>
Dates: Late March to early April (Special illumination events planned for April 2025)
Access: 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
    10-minute walk from Toji Station
    10-minute walk from Toji Station (transfer at Kintetsu-Tambabashi Station)
    1-minute walk from "Toji Higashimon-mae" bus stop (City Bus routes 18, 71, 207)
Admission: ¥1,000
Website: https://toji.or.jp/