
[2026] Recommended Beer Gardens & Rooftops in Kyoto...
We’re now in the latter half of August, but it’s still the perfect time to enjoy summer outings. In Kyoto and Shiga, there’s a wide variety of events taking place all over—from art and food festivals to hands-on activities—both indoors and outdoors! Our editorial team has picked out some of the events we’re most excited about. Be sure to check out the spots that catch your eye.
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, “Kyofes”—an event showcasing a variety of attractions, including gourmet food, crafts, and “genius art”—will be held at [Oto-san Plaza] (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). Near the center of the venue, where visitors can enjoy colorful parasols and wind chimes, craft booths will be lined up. In addition to displaying and selling works by traditional artisans—whom one rarely has the chance to see at outdoor events—the venue will also feature a craft market, food stalls, and dessert shops. Furthermore, in the center of the venue and in front of the Mieido Gate at [Higashi Hongan-ji Temple], visitors can experience a diverse range of artistic expressions through unique “genius art” pieces created by artists with disabilities. Additionally, the event will feature hands-on traditional craft workshops (no reservation required), street performances, and a children’s water play area, ensuring plenty of highlights throughout the day. Come experience the dedication of the artisans at “Kyofes,” a festival featuring a selection of “ee-mon” (fine goods) centered around Kyoto.
Photo courtesy of the Kyoto Fest Organizing Committee
Date and Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
Admission: Free of charge
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the “2026 Ricaman Whisky Messe in KYOTO,” one of the largest whisky tasting events in the Kansai region, will be held at the [Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall Miyako Messe] (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). On the day of the event, importers and producers of whiskey and spirits from Japan and abroad will gather. With over 100 booths lining the venue, a variety of activities will be held, including free tastings, paid tastings of rare whiskeys, sales of event-exclusive whiskeys, charity auctions, and whiskey seminars. The event is designed to be enjoyable not only for those already interested in whiskey but also for those looking to develop a taste for it, so be sure to check out the details and stop by.
Photo courtesy of Liquor Mountain, Inc.
Date and Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Part 1: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Part 2: 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
*Strictly on a rotation basis*
*Limited to 1,800 people per session
Advance tickets: 4,500 yen per session (8,000 yen for a two-session pass)
Same-day tickets: 5,000 yen per session
*If the event reaches capacity through advance ticket sales, same-day tickets may not be available.
*Admission is not permitted for those under 20 years of age, and infants and toddlers may not be brought into the venue.
On Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, the “Rooftop Summer Festival” will be held on the rooftop of [Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.] (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). This event offers a casual way to enjoy traditional Japanese summer festival culture, including Bon Odori dancing, Japanese taiko drum performances (August 23 only), festival stalls, and street food. One of its main attractions is the opportunity to create summer memories right in the heart of the city. In addition to a variety of stage performances, Takashimaya app members can receive a free ticket for one cotton candy-making session for elementary school students and younger (limited to the first 300 people). Attendees are welcome to wear yukata, and a service to adjust your yukata if it becomes disheveled will be available on-site, so you can enjoy the festival in your yukata without any worries. This two-day event lets you experience a quintessential Japanese summer tradition—so come and soak up the summer festival atmosphere to the fullest.
Photo courtesy of FoodFes Co., Ltd.
Date and Time: August 22 (Sat) and 23 (Sun), 2026, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM *On the last day, the event ends at 8:00 PM
Rain or shine, cancelled in case of stormy weather
Admission: Free of charge
On Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, the “Town ZINE Fest & INDIEMARKET in Nagaokakyo Bambio” will be held at the [Nagaokakyo City Central Lifelong Learning Center] (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture). “Zine” is a general term for booklets or books independently produced by individuals. With no set rules regarding theme or format, it is currently gaining attention as a medium that allows people to freely express their unique perspectives through illustrations, photographs, essays, novels, manga, and more. Approximately 100 groups—ranging from art university students to used bookstores and printing companies, primarily from the Kyoto area—are scheduled to participate in the event. Take advantage of this opportunity to see a diverse array of creative expressions—including zines, art, handmade goods, used books, and miscellaneous goods—all gathered in one place. Chat directly with the creators themselves to learn about the stories behind their work and the passion that went into making it.
Photo courtesy of Sanzui
Date and Time: Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free of charge
Through Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a limited-time pop-up store featuring the popular children’s TV show “Shina Pusyu” is open at [JR Kyoto Isetan] (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). The venue features a wide array of must-see items for fans, including adorable goods that will make upcoming seasonal outings and the start of the new school year even more fun, as well as educational toys, picture books, and music and video media perfect for spending time at home. In addition, during the event period, a limited-time, hands-on workshop called “Pushu Pushu Sticker Fan Making” will be held, where participants can create their own original fans by applying stickers. There’s also a photo spot within the store where you can take commemorative pictures, so bring the whole family to create memories as summer comes to a close.
Photo courtesy of Visions, Inc.
Dates: Through Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. *On the last day, until 5:00 p.m.
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