Kyoto is about to become one of Japan’s busiest places for manga, anime and games. KYOMAF 2026—the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair—returns on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, with its main venues in the Okazaki district and a second venue in central Kyoto.
This is the event’s 15th edition, and the city is treating it as more than a merchandise fair. The programme combines exhibitor booths and stage events with Kyoto-themed collaborations, original food, cosplay, a new creative stage and a linked music event. If you are in Kyoto this weekend, it is a very different kind of city festival from the usual temple calendar—and it will affect how busy Okazaki feels.
What KYOMAF is in 2026
Kyoto City describes KYOMAF as one of western Japan’s major manga, anime and game events. The current announcement lists 63 exhibiting companies and organisations, with booths for promotion and goods sales. It also says this year includes the largest number of stage programmes to date, a new Creative Stage, a KYOMAF Café Stand, cosplay activities and special 15th-edition projects.
The fair’s purpose is not only entertainment. The organiser says the event supports new business using manga and anime, helps develop creators and employment, and promotes Kyoto as a “content city” to visitors from Japan and overseas. That explains why traditional Kyoto culture appears beside character goods and live stages rather than being kept in a separate heritage box.
The official KYOMAF English outline is the cleanest place to confirm the event’s purpose, dates, venues and opening hours. Kyoto City’s latest press release has the current 2026 programme details.
Where to go and when
Main venues: Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre Kyoto
The main fair is centred on Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre Kyoto at 9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho in Sakyo Ward. The published hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 19 and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 20. Final entry is 30 minutes before closing.
That early start matters. Popular booths, stage viewing areas and limited goods do not become easier to reach as the day goes on. If you have one priority—an exhibition, a collaboration item or a stage—plan around it first, then explore the rest of the fair.
Second venue: Kyoto International Manga Museum
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is the second venue, on Karasuma-dori north of Oike. During KYOMAF it is scheduled to open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with final entry 30 minutes before closing. The city notes that this is two hours longer than the museum’s normal schedule.
Do not assume a main-venue ticket automatically answers every question about the museum. Check the official ticket and venue information before you travel between sites, and leave time for the journey. Okazaki and Karasuma-Oike are not next-door stops, even though both are inside central Kyoto.
What is new or especially Kyoto about this year
The fair’s Kyoto angle is deliberate. The 2026 announcement describes six collaboration visual designs that combine anime works with the city’s history and traditional culture. A KYOMAF Shop at Miyako Messe will sell related goods, while the character café area will offer limited food and drinks with random collaboration coasters.
The official examples include a red tomato hayashi rice, a shiso-scented genovese yakisoba, a spicy salsa dog and three themed drinks. You do not need to plan your visit around a snack, but the café is a useful reminder that KYOMAF is not only a shopping hall. It is a temporary crossover between Kyoto branding and Japan’s media industries.
Kyoto City has also announced KYOMAF MUSIC LIVE at ROHM Theatre Kyoto’s Main Hall on both days. The city says artist and programme details will be released separately, so do not treat an early social post as a complete schedule. Check the linked official updates before buying or reserving anything.
How to visit without making the day miserable
Choose a priority, not a fantasy itinerary
Two venues, stage programmes, booths, food and a museum can fill a day quickly. Decide whether you are primarily there for creators and industry booths, stage events, merchandise, cosplay or the museum. A plan with one or two must-dos is more realistic than trying to see everything.
Expect crowds in Okazaki
Okazaki is already a busy cultural district with museums, the zoo, Heian Jingu and regular events. KYOMAF adds queues and people carrying shopping bags or costumes. Keep entrances clear, follow staff directions and avoid treating a narrow walkway as a photo set. Public transport is the sensible default, and the Kyoto Travel events page is a useful place to check the wider weekend calendar.
Be thoughtful with cosplay and photography
Cosplay is part of the event, but a costume is not blanket permission to photograph someone. Ask first, respect a “no,” and avoid blocking a booth or stairway. Follow venue rules about changing areas, props and photography. These small courtesies are more valuable than knowing every character reference.
Who should go?
KYOMAF is an obvious choice for manga and anime fans, but it can also interest travellers curious about how Kyoto’s traditional identity is being remixed for a younger audience. The collaboration goods, creator support and live programming show a city using pop culture as an economic and cultural bridge.
Skip it if you are looking for a quiet Okazaki museum day. The district will be lively, and some normal sightseeing plans may take longer. If you are travelling with someone who is not interested in anime, split the day: one person can visit KYOMAF while the other explores the museums or returns later for a meal.
For a calmer introduction to Kyoto’s neighbourhood history before or after the fair, browse Japanify Tours’ experiences.
Bottom line: KYOMAF 2026 runs September 19–20 at Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Main venues open 9:00–17:00 on Saturday and 9:00–16:00 on Sunday; the museum is scheduled for 10:00–19:00. Confirm tickets, stage details and final entry rules with the official event site before you go.