Many locals visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to pray for good luck in the New Year.

Held at Ebisu Shrine, this festival features various street stalls and entertainment.

People participate in bean-throwing ceremonies at temples and shrines to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the year ahead.

Held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, this Plum Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of plum blossoms with tea ceremonies, performances, and poetry readings.

A series of nightly fire rituals at Todai-ji Temple in nearby Nara that mark the end of winter.

A dazzling display of lanterns illuminating Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district in the evenings.

Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is popular in Kyoto, with many parks and temples offering stunning views of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

A traditional spring dance performance by geiko and maiko in Gion Kobu district.

One of Kyoto's three most famous festivals, featuring a procession of participants dressed in Heian-era costumes.

Held at Toji Temple on the 21st of each month, this market offers a wide range of antiques, crafts, and food.

Held in nearby Miyazu City, this festival features impressive fireworks over the iconic Amanohashidate sandbar.

A summer festival at Kifune Shrine where portable shrines are paraded through the town.

Kyoto's biggest and most famous festival, featuring elaborate floats and processions throughout the month of July.

Held at Shimogamo Shrine, this festival includes a purification ritual where participants walk through a shallow stream.

An impressive fire festival held on August 16th, where giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding Kyoto to guide the spirits of ancestors back to the afterlife.

Traditional summer dance festivals held throughout the city to honor deceased ancestors.

A historical parade featuring various periods of Japanese history, starting at the Imperial Palace and ending at Heian Shrine.

A classical dance performance at the Minami-za Theater in Kyoto.