Events and Occasions from December to February
Winter casts a tranquil beauty over Kyoto, offering a peaceful escape alongside timeless Japanese traditions celebrated during the year-end and New Year period.
“Kaomise” Kabuki Performance
Kabuki performances take place every December at the Minami-za Theater in Kyoto. During this period, the exterior of the Minami-za is lined with wooden signboards called “maneki.
End-of-Year Kobo & Tenjin Markets (21 & 25 December)
Kyoto’s final Koboichi (21 Dec) and Tenjin-san (25 Dec) markets of the year are bustling with visitors shopping for New Year’s goods, seasonal delicacies, and lucky charms.
Joya-no-Kane (New Year’s Eve Bell-Ringing)
On New Year’s Eve, temples across Kyoto hold the Joya-no-Kane ritual, where 108 bells are rung to cleanse the soul for the coming year. Many temples welcome visitors to take part in this cherished tradition.
Hatsumode (New Year's Pilgrimage)
Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the year, where people pray for health and good fortune. At Yasaka Shrine, the Okera-mairi ceremony takes place from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, where worshippers bring home the sacred Okera-bi fire for protection.
Tokaebisu (10 January)
Held at Ebisu Shrine, this event draws visitors seeking prosperity and success. Many receive fukuzasa (lucky bamboo branches), believed to bring good fortune.
Setsubun (February)
To ward off misfortune and welcome good luck, Kyoto’s temples and shrines celebrate Setsubun with bean-throwing ceremonies, a lively tradition enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Photo courtesy of 京都写真
Experience Kyoto’s winter tranquillity and rich traditions.