Shichi-Go-San at Yasaka Shrine
Shichi-Go-San at Yasaka Shrine: reception from early October to late November, 9:00–16:00, no reservations; prayers from 8,000 yen, with optional kimono-and-photo packages by phone booking (Oct 25–Nov 30).
Same day nearby
Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)
About 2,000 participants in eight eras — Meiji, Edo, Azuchi-Momoyama, Muromachi, Yoshino, Kamakura, Fujiwara and Enryaku — each in costumes reconstructed with historical research and period techniques
IMAGINE NOH — Noh and Kyogen with English commentary
Kyogen play Kaki Yamabushi: a hungry mountain ascetic steals persimmons from someone else's orchard, gets caught, and is forced to imitate animal cries — broad physical comedy that needs no translation
Kurama Fire Festival
At 6 p.m. the bonfires in front of every house are lit at once; children carry small torches first, young men with large torches join, all chanting “Sairei, Sairyo”