Background
京の七夕 Kyo no Tanabata
DateThu, Jul 1 – Tue, Aug 31in 258 days · Exact dates are announced by the organizers.
CrowdsBusy
CostFree, with paid seats
If it rainsNot announced
Light installations along the Kamo River and Horikawa in early August, tied to the Tanabata star festival.
- Where
- 鴨川・堀川周辺
- How to enjoy it
- Venues change each year. Check the official site for the dates.
Background
Kyo no Tanabata is a modern Tanabata festival themed on making wishes, held in August around the lunar-calendar Tanabata. Venues along the Horikawa and Kamo rivers are decorated with bamboo lanterns and wind-chime lights. Organized by the Kyo no Tanabata executive committee with Kyoto City.
What to see
- Bamboo 'Milky Way of light' along the Horikawa promenade
- Wind-chime lanterns at the Kamo River venue
- Writing wishes on tanzaku strips
- Evening strolls in yukata
Timeline
- About 10 days in early August
- Illuminations at venues (around 19:00-21:30)
How to watch
- Venues are free
- Venues and dates change yearly; check the official site
- Some venues (e.g. Nijo Castle) may charge admission
Getting there
Horikawa venue: right at Nijojo-mae subway station. Kamo River venue: near Keihan Sanjo or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station.
Good to know
Are the dates the same every year?
No, venues and dates change yearly; check the official site.
Is it held in the rain?
May be cancelled or shortened in bad weather.
Do I need a reservation?
No for the outdoor venues.
Where can I write a wish strip?
Tanzaku booths are set up at the venues.