18 events across Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, 7–14 October 2026.
- Dates:
- Cities: Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe
- Events listed: 18
Kyoto is the centre of gravity this week, with the Kyoto Experiment performing arts festival running every day from Wednesday to Wednesday. The weekend of 10 and 11 October is the busiest stretch, when the Kyoto Music Expo and the Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival both run across two days, and Sunday adds the student-run Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa.
Kobe shows up on Saturday 10 October with the Kobe Farmers Market and the Tove and the Moomins exhibition. Osaka picks up from Saturday into Monday, including the Kitchenware Street Festival in the Doguyasuji area, the Super Happy Festival, and a candlelight concert of Joe Hisaishi's Studio Ghibli scores on Monday evening.
If you want a single plan, base yourself in Kyoto for the weekend and take a day trip to Kobe or Osaka.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances.
- Kobe Farmers Market Kobe
Entry is free, and the lineup changes weekly. - Tove and the Moomins Exhibition in Kobe Kobe
Around 300 works, and free entry for high-school students and younger. - Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances. - Kyoto Music Expo Kyoto · runs over several days
This music festival shines a spotlight on sustainability. - Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival Kyoto · runs over several days
A popular fall festival with parades, lantern displays, and food stalls. - Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival Osaka
Stock up on all the best kitchenware, then eat your fill-what's not to love?
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances. - Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa Kyoto
The Intercollegiate Festa is organized by the students of Kyoto. - Kyoto Music Expo Kyoto · runs over several days
This music festival shines a spotlight on sustainability. - Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival Kyoto · runs over several days
A popular fall festival with parades, lantern displays, and food stalls.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances. - 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. - Osaka Super Happy Festival Osaka
Put a smile on your face at this dance festival.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances.
- Kyoto Experiment Kyoto · runs over several days
Kyoto Experiment Festival is an annual showcase of cutting-edge contemporary art and theater, blending international talent with local culture in a series of thought-provoking performances.
Common questions
What events are on in Kyoto this week?
Kyoto has 13 events listed between 7–14 October 2026, including Kyoto Experiment, Kyoto Experiment and Kyoto Experiment. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Osaka this week?
Osaka has 3 events listed between 7–14 October 2026, including Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival, Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) and Osaka Super Happy 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 7–14 October 2026, including Kobe Farmers Market and Tove and the Moomins Exhibition in Kobe. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
When is the best day to visit Kansai this week?
Saturday 10 October has the most on, with 6 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.