Kyoto Events in September: Festivals, Traditions, and Anime

September in Kyoto

September is a wonderful time to visit Kyoto, as the heavy summer heat and humidity gradually give way to the first signs of autumn. It is a month steeped in ancient courtly rituals, harvest-moon celebrations, traditional performing arts, and seasonal blooms.

Alongside these centuries-old traditions, visitors can also discover Kyoto’s modern culture through major events such as the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF).

Read on to discover some of the best annual events and festivals to enjoy in Kyoto this September.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Choyo no Sekku - Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9)
• 2. Yoshitsune Festival at Kuramadera Temple (September 15)
• 3. Kushi Matsuri - Comb Festival at Yasui Konpiragu Shrine (September 28)
• 4. Hassaku Festival at Matsunoo Taisha Shrine (September 6)
• 5. Iwashimizu Festival (September 15)
• 6. KYOMAF Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair (September 19 - 20)

1. Choyo no Sekku - Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9)

Kamigamo Jinja Shrine. Photo by Pixta

Choyo no Sekku, one of Japan’s five traditional seasonal festivals, is an ancient celebration held on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. On this day, participants drink chrysanthemum-steeped wine and compose poetry to ward off evil spirits and invite longevity.

Since the Edo period (1603–1868), celebrations have spread to shrines and temples nationwide. Kyoto's Kamigamo Jinja Shrine marks the occasion with two traditional rituals.

During the Choyo Ritual, performed at 10:00 AM, priests place chrysanthemums on the main altar to pray for longevity and protection from disaster.

The Hosodono Hall and tatesuna sand mounds. Photo by Pixta

Following the ceremony, local boys compete in sacred sumo bouts in a dedicated ring outside Hosodono Hall. Before the matches begin, shrine attendants in traditional white garments perform a ritual imitating the calls and movements of crows, all under the observation of the Saio-dai (honorary high priestess).

Throughout the event, visitors are served chrysanthemum-infused sacred sake set to traditional court music.

Choyo no Sekku Ceremony at Kamigamo Shrine
Date: September 9, from 10:00 AM
Location: Kamigamo Jinja Shrine
Official website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/

2. Yoshitsune Festival at Kuramadera Temple (September 15)

Kuramadera Temple. Photo by Pixta

Every September 15, Kuramadera Temple holds the Yoshitsune Festival to honor Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189), a 12th-century commander whose Genpei War (1180-1185) victories inspired centuries of Japanese folklore.

Yoshitsune spent much of his childhood training on Mount Kurama, and temple tradition holds that his spirit returned to reside at the mountain's Yoshitsune Hall.

Beginning at 11:00 AM in the Main Hall, the festival features a solemn Buddhist memorial service followed by dedicatory martial arts demonstrations that vary by year.

Set against the atmospheric mountain backdrop, the event offers visitors a vivid connection to one of Japan’s most famous historical figures.

Yoshitsune Festival at Kuramadera Temple
Date: September 15, from 11:00 AM
Location: Kuramadera Temple
Official website: https://kuramadera.or.jp/

3. Kushi Matsuri - Comb Festival at Yasui Konpiragu Shrine (September 28)

Kushi Matsuri, the Comb Festival, is held every September at Kyoto’s Yasui Konpiragu Shrine in Gion to celebrate the history of Japanese hairstyling and honor old combs and ornaments for their service.

Beginning at 1:00 PM, used combs are offered at the shrine's Kushizuka memorial mound, followed by a sacred Kurokami (Black Hair) dance.

At 2:00 PM, a vibrant procession marches through Gion featuring participants in period attire with authentic historical hairstyles—ranging from the ancient Kofun period to modern maiko—crafted entirely from their natural hair rather than wigs.

Kushi Matsuri - Comb Festival
Date: September 28, from 13:00; procession from 14:00
Location: Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
Official website: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/september/kushi-matsuri-yasui-konpiragu/

4. Hassaku Festival at Matsunoo Taisha Shrine (September 6)

Matsunoo Taisha Shrine. Photo by Pixta

The Hassaku Festival at Matsunoo Taisha Shrine is held on the first Sunday of September to pray for a bountiful harvest and protection against early autumn storms.

Originally marking the first day of the eighth lunar month—a crucial time for agricultural preparations—the shrine has officially observed the tradition since 1885.

Festivities kick off the previous evening with lantern-lit grounds, food stalls, and Bon Odori folk dancing.

Photo by PR Times

On the main day, highlights include a rare all-female mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, Kamakura-period Hassaku sumo matches, and energetic Sagano Rokusai Nenbutsu performances featuring rhythmic drumming and lion dances.

Hassaku Festival
Date: September 6 (some festivities begin on September 5)
Location: Matsunoo Taisha Shrine, near Arashiyama
Official website: Hassaku Festival

5. Iwashimizu Festival (September 15)

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The Iwashimizu Festival, held on September 15 at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, is one of Japan’s Three Great Imperial Festivals, with origins dating back to 863.

The atmospheric event begins in pre-dawn darkness at 2:00 AM, when three deities are transferred into mikoshi (portable shrines) atop Mount Otokoyama. Around 3:00 AM, a torchlit procession of roughly 500 participants escorts the deities down the mountain to a temporary shrine at its base.

Come morning, an imperial envoy presents offerings alongside dedications of food, traditional court music, and Azuma-asobi dances, followed by a ritual release of fish and birds into the nearby Hojo River to pray for peace. After a full day of ceremonies, the deities are carried back up the mountain in the evening.

Iwashimizu Festival
Date: September 15
Location: Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Yawata City, Kyoto)
Official website: https://iwashimizu.or.jp/

6. KYOMAF Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair (September 19 - 20)

Photo by PR Times

The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (KYOMAF) is one of western Japan’s largest pop culture conventions, drawing tens of thousands of fans to Kyoto each September.

Bringing together major publishers, animation studios, and television networks, the weekend event showcases upcoming titles, concept artwork, and exclusive series merchandise.

Visitors can attend stage programs featuring prominent voice actors and creators, take photos in dedicated cosplay zones, and sample themed collaboration food and drinks.

By celebrating contemporary Japanese media alongside the city's historic backdrop, KYOMAF offers a dynamic modern contrast to Kyoto's traditional autumn festivals.

Iwashimizu Festival
Date: September 19 - 20
Location: Miyako Messe and Kyoto International Manga Museum
Official website: https://kyomaf.kyoto/en/

Discover the Charm of Kyoto in September

September offers plenty of reasons to explore Kyoto beyond its famous sights. Time your visit with one of these special events and experience a side of the city that only appears at this time of year.