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2026.8.21
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A Roundup of Weekend Events in Kyoto and Shiga

Here's Where to Go This Weekend! A Roundup of Events in Kyoto and Shiga [August 22 (Sat) – August 23 (Sun)]

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.

Contents of this article

1.
[August 22] “Kyofes”—a one-day-only event featuring gourmet food, crafts, and genius art / Oto-san Plaza in front of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
2.
[August 22] “Whiskey Messe,” One of Kansai’s Largest Whiskey Tasting Events / Miyako Messe, Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall
3.
[August 22–23] “Rooftop Summer Festival” at [Kyoto Takashimaya]! Bon Odori, festival stalls, and food stands all in one place / Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. Rooftop
4.
[August 22–23] “Machi no ZINE Fest & INDIEMARKET in Nagaokakyo Bambio,” a magazine-style cultural festival centered on zines and books / Nagaokakyo City Central Lifelong Learning Center
5.
[Through September 1] First Time in Kyoto! “Shina Pshu” Opens a Limited-Time Store / JR Kyoto Isetan
6.
[Through August 24] Featuring merchandise from the latest movies! Limited-time “MARVEL” and “STAR WARS” shops are back this year / JR Kyoto Isetan
7.
[Through August 25] Popular Products Reunite in Kyoto! Korean Culture Pop-Up Event “Okawari: Weekend KOREA Happul FES in KYOTO” / JR Kyoto Isetan
8.
[Through August 30] “GREEN GREEN Night Farm,” Where You Can Harvest Summer Vegetables and Make Pizza / Greenland Mizuho Masters Farm
9.
[Through August 30] Limited-time collaboration with “Kobito Zukan”! “Kobito Zukan: Summer Exploration Survey” / Shiga Agricultural Park Blume no Oka
10.
[Through August 30] The entire Edo-era townscape becomes the stage for a summer festival! “Uzumasa Summer Night Festival: UZUMASA BON DANCE FESTIVAL”
11.
[Through August 31] Factory tours and limited-edition sweets! “Summer Fest” / Otabe Main Building & Atelier Kyobaamu
12.
[Through August 31] From accessories and home goods to art: “Summer Time,” a fair designed to help you enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling summer / Tsutaya Bookstore, Kyoto
13.
[Through August 31] Rock stars gather across time and space! “Rock Star ★ Hiroshi Hasebe Photo Exhibition” / “Eki” KYOTO Art Museum
14.
[Through September 1] 20th Anniversary Special Event! “The Essay Manga Prescription Exhibition: What Saves Me—Exploring the Appeal of Essay Manga” / Kyoto International Manga Museum
15.
[Through September 6] Experience the World of Nordic Design at the "Marimekko Exhibition"—Held for the First Time in 10 Years / Kyoto Museum of Culture
16.
[Through September 6] A collection of approximately 90 masterpieces of British contemporary art: “Tate Museum—YBA & BEYOND: British Art of the ’90s That Changed the World” / Kyocera Museum of Art, Kyoto
17.
[Through September 9] Kyoto-exclusive items now available! “Chiikawa Bakery KYOTO POP-UP SHOP” / Ekimaru à la Mode, JR Kyoto Station West Exit Branch
18.
[Through September 23] Yoshio Kojima is the Ambassador! “The Oppappi Way! How to Enjoy the Kyoto Railway Museum” / Kyoto Railway Museum
19.
[Through September 23] The sandy beach at [Amanohashidate] will be illuminated for a limited time! “Amanohashidate Town Lights” / Amanohashidate
20.
[Through September 23] Experience the pinnacle of Edo-era entertainment in Kyoto! “Ukiyo-e Super Creator: The Utagawa Kuniyoshi Exhibition” / Kyoto Ceramic Art Museum, Kyoto City
21.
[Through September 26] Limited Nighttime Access to the Summit Area! Summer Special Event: “Night Gondola” / Lake Biwa Hakodateyama
22.
[Through September 30] A botanical garden is coming to Kawaramachi, Kyoto! “Traveling Botanical Garden 2026,” a special exhibition returning after a two-year hiatus / GOOD NATURE STATION
23.
[Through September 30] Enjoy salt-grilled ayu and ayu catching! “Ayu Garden” at Kyoto’s Roadside Station “Mi-no-Eki Wa” lets you savor the flavors of summer / Roadside Station Wa
24.
[Through November 23] Discover the little-known history of Lake Biwa! Special exhibition featuring a collection of rare materials: “The Museum Is a Time Machine—Lake Biwa Through the Eyes of an Ichthyologist” / Lake Biwa Museum
25.
[Through December 20] Free Historical Tour Event: “Omi Warlords Card Rally [Collection Order]: Collect Omi Warlords Cards!” / 17 Locations in Shiga Prefecture
26.
[Through December 31] “Pa-Sake-Port,” a tour program visiting sake breweries throughout Shiga Prefecture / Various locations in Shiga Prefecture
27.
[Through April 11, 2027] Monet’s masterpiece “Water Lilies” and other works on display! Two exhibitions celebrating the museum’s 30th anniversary / Asahi Group Oyamazaki Mountain Villa Museum of Art

1. [August 22] “Kyofes”—a one-day-only event featuring gourmet food, crafts, and genius art / Oto-san Plaza in front of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

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.

Kyofes

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

The 6th Kyoto Fest at O-Higashi-san Plaza

  • The 6th Kyofes at Ohigashi Plaza
  • Otosan Plaza (Higashi-honganji-mae Shimin-greenbelt)
    Tokiyo-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, etc.

2. [August 22] “Whiskey Messe,” One of Kansai’s Largest Whiskey Tasting Events / Miyako Messe, Kyoto City Industrial Promotion Hall

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.

2026 Ricaman Whiskey Messe in KYOTO

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.

2026 Ricaman Whiskey Messe in Kyoto

  • Kyoto Kangyo Kan, Miyakomesse, Exhibition Hall 3
    9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

3. [August 22–23] “Rooftop Summer Festival” at [Kyoto Takashimaya]! Bon Odori, festival stalls, and food stands all in one place / Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. Rooftop

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.

Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (Department Store) Rooftop Summer Festival

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

Roof-Top Summer Festival

  • Okujo Summer Festival
  • Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. Rooftop
    52 Shinmachi, Kawaramachi Nishiiru, Shijo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

4. [August 22–23] “Machi no ZINE Fest & INDIEMARKET in Nagaokakyo Bambio,” a magazine-style cultural festival centered on zines and books / Nagaokakyo City Central Lifelong Learning Center

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.

Town Zine Fest & INDIEMARKET at Bambio in Nagaokakyo

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

Town Zine Fest & INDIEMARKET at Nagaokakyo Bambio

  • Town Gin Fest & Indie Market at Bambio in Nagaoka City
  • Nagaokakyo City Central Lifelong Learning Center
    Inside Bambio Building 1, 2-3-1 Kansoku, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture

5. [Through September 1] First Time in Kyoto! “Shina Pshu” Opens a Limited-Time Store / JR Kyoto Isetan

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.

"Shina Pshu" Limited-Time Store

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.

"Shina Pshu" Limited-Time Store

  • JR Kyoto Isetan, 7th Floor, Promotion
    Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
*If you notice any errors in the content or information about store closures, please let us know at info@leafkyoto.co.jp.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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