15 events across Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara, 23–28 September 2026.
- Dates:
- Cities: Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara
- Events listed: 15
The Kansai week centres on the harvest moon: Kyoto's Kangetsu no Yube full moon viewing runs Friday through Sunday, while Nara's Uneme Festival takes place on the water on Thursday and Friday. Between them you have a genuine choice between quiet ritual and lantern-lit crowds.
Osaka carries the weekend with the Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival from Friday to Sunday and a candlelight concert of Joe Hisaishi's Ghibli scores on Saturday. Kobe adds a Hokkaidō food fair on Wednesday and its farmers market on Saturday, and Kyoto rounds things off with the Seimei Festival, the Tenjin-san flea market, and the Comb Festival on Monday.
If you only have one evening, aim it at a moon-viewing garden in Kyoto or the torchlit boats in Nara.
- Hokkaidō Fest in Kobe Kobe · runs over several days
Iconic Hokkaidō specialties plus cultural showcases exploring the region's indigenous history. - Seimei Festival Kyoto · runs over several days
Abe no Seimei is immortalized in popular culture, from manga to Yuzuru Hanyu’s Olympic skate. This festival, taking place annually at Kyoto's Seimei Shrine, celebrates his legacy. - Food Stall Festival Osaka · runs over several days
Find out why Osaka is nicknamed Japan's kitchen at this food stall festival featuring restaurants from across the city.
- Uneme Festival Nara · runs over several days
A somber, but beautiful festival in Nara.
- Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing Kyoto · runs over several days
Float on a boat in a pond under a clear autumn moon. - Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market Kyoto
Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month. - Uneme Festival Nara · runs over several days
A somber, but beautiful festival in Nara. - Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival Osaka · runs over several days
This annual Moon-Viewing Festival features the spectacular Futon Daiko — massive, beautifully adorned floats.
- Kobe Farmers Market Kobe
Entry is free, and the lineup changes weekly. - Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing Kyoto · runs over several days
Float on a boat in a pond under a clear autumn moon. - Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival Osaka · runs over several days
This annual Moon-Viewing Festival features the spectacular Futon Daiko — massive, beautifully adorned floats. - Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) Osaka
Warm up a brisk spring night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.
- Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing Kyoto · runs over several days
Float on a boat in a pond under a clear autumn moon. - Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival Osaka · runs over several days
This annual Moon-Viewing Festival features the spectacular Futon Daiko — massive, beautifully adorned floats.
- Comb Festival Kyoto
Old combs and ornate hairpins are honored through ceremonies and a historical hairstyle parade at this Kyoto festival.
Common questions
What events are on in Kyoto this week?
Kyoto has 6 events listed between 23–28 September 2026, including Seimei Festival, Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing and Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Osaka this week?
Osaka has 5 events listed between 23–28 September 2026, including Food Stall Festival, Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival and Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Kobe this week?
Kobe has 2 events listed between 23–28 September 2026, including Hokkaidō Fest in Kobe and Kobe Farmers Market. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
When is the best day to visit Kansai this week?
Friday 25 September has the most on, with 4 events listed. Days with fewer listings are quieter, not empty.
Are these events free?
This roundup does not list prices. Ticketing and entry vary by event, so check the organiser listing linked with each entry before you travel.
Details come from each organiser’s own listing and can change. Follow the links above before you travel.