22 events across Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, 21–25 October 2026.
- Dates:
- Cities: Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe
- Events listed: 22
The clearest reason to be in Kansai this week is Thursday's Jidai Matsuri parade through Kyoto, followed the same evening by the Kurama Fire Festival in the hills north of the city. Both fall on 22 October, and together they make a long but rewarding day.
Kyoto carries most of the week. The Kyoto Experiment performing arts festival runs every day from Wednesday to Sunday, and Wonderfruit Kyoto runs Thursday through Sunday. For slower browsing, Tō-ji's flea market opens the week on Wednesday, with the Kamigamo handicraft and Tenjin-san markets on Sunday, plus the Kyoto Meat Festival the same day.
In Osaka, the Shitennō-ji market lands on Wednesday and the Osaka Vintage Market runs Friday to Sunday. Kobe is quieter: the Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage from Friday, and the Kobe Farmers Market on Saturday.
- 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. - Traditional Noh Performance in Kyoto Kyoto
Experience noh theater up close and personal. - Tō-ji Temple Flea Market Kyoto
Visit Tō-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kōbō-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike. - Shitennō-ji Flea Market Osaka
Antique and food stalls, plus free entry to the temple’s central precinct.
- Jidai Matsuri: Kyoto's Historical Parade 2026 Kyoto
This one's for the history buffs. - Kurama Fire Festival Kyoto
Bonfires, torches, shrines, and gods are all out in the streets for this vibrant Kyoto 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. - Wonderfruit Kyoto Kyoto · runs over several days
Asia's premier sustainable festival comes to Kyoto for an invite-only gathering.
- Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage Kobe
See Osaka and Kobe come alight at this unique illumination event. - 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. - Wonderfruit Kyoto Kyoto · runs over several days
Asia's premier sustainable festival comes to Kyoto for an invite-only gathering. - Osaka Vintage Market Osaka · runs over several days
Looking for a bargain?
- Kobe Farmers Market Kobe
Entry is free, and the lineup changes weekly. - 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. - Wonderfruit Kyoto Kyoto · runs over several days
Asia's premier sustainable festival comes to Kyoto for an invite-only gathering. - Osaka Vintage Market Osaka · runs over several days
Looking for a bargain?
- Kamigamo Handicraft Market Kyoto
Up to about 220 makers selling their own work along a shrine stream, rain or shine. - 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 Meat Festival Kyoto
Bring an appetite. - Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market Kyoto
Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenmangū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month. - Wonderfruit Kyoto Kyoto · runs over several days
Asia's premier sustainable festival comes to Kyoto for an invite-only gathering. - Osaka Vintage Market Osaka · runs over several days
Looking for a bargain?
Common questions
What events are on in Kyoto this week?
Kyoto has 16 events listed between 21–25 October 2026, including Kyoto Experiment, Traditional Noh Performance in Kyoto and Tō-ji Temple Flea Market. Full details and links are in the day-by-day list above.
What events are on in Osaka this week?
Osaka has 4 events listed between 21–25 October 2026, including Shitennō-ji Flea Market, Osaka Vintage Market and Osaka Vintage Market. 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 21–25 October 2026, including Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage 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?
Sunday 25 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.