Leaf KYOTO Delivered by Leaf, a local information magazine!

FOLLOW US

2026.9.25
  • LINE
  • FaceBook
  • twitter
A Roundup of Weekend Events in Kyoto and Shiga

Here's Where to Go This Weekend! A Roundup of Events in Kyoto and Shiga [Sept. 26 (Sat.)–Sept. 27 (Sun.)]

Silver Week may be over, but the fall travel season is just getting started! From art and food festivals to hands-on experiences, Kyoto and Shiga are brimming with a wide variety of events—both indoor and outdoor—taking place all over the region! Our editorial team has handpicked some of the most exciting events from across the area to share with you. Be sure to check out the spots that catch your eye.

Contents of this article

1.
[September 26] “Moon Viewing Festival”: A One-Day-Only Moon-Viewing Event at a World Heritage Site / Ninnaji Temple
2.
[September 26–27] A Gathering of Noto Delicacies! “Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair”—Buy, Eat, and Show Your Support / Kyoto Porta
3.
[September 27] Enjoy the Food and Charms of the Yamashiro Region! “Uji Tea & Yamashiro Gourmet Festival” / Joyo Gorigo-no-Oka (Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park)
4.
[September 27] 48 Vendors Gather at the Botanical Garden This Fall! Enjoy Food and Shopping at the “Rakuhoku Fest” / Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden
5.
[Through September 27] “Picture Book Fair” Featuring a Diverse Selection of Picture Books / Ugan Shobo
6.
[Through September 27] “Once Upon A Time! KYOTO” Photography Exhibition by Actor Taiga Nakano and Photographer Yusuke Abe / PURPLE
7.
[Through September 28] “Banana Man’s Sekkaku Gourmet!! Expo”—Enjoy the dishes featured on the show at the venue / Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.
8.
[Through September 26] Limited Nighttime Access to the Summit Area! Summer Special Event: “Night Gondola” / Lake Biwa Hakodateyama
9.
[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
10.
[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
11.
[Through October 5] Over 3,000 items, including limited-edition merchandise, are all here! “Disney THE MARKET 2026” / JR Kyoto Isetan
12.
[Through October 5] Experience the world of the show that has produced countless memorable interviews! “Tetsuko’s Room 50th Anniversary Exhibition: With Love” / Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.
13.
[Through November 15] You’ll Relate! “The ‘Slightly Relatable’ Exhibition 2 + The ‘Way Too Small’ Exhibition,” Featuring a Collection of Everyday, Subtle Emotions / AEON MALL KYOTO
14.
[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
15.
[Through November 29] Enjoy a “Japanese-style Halloween” in an Edo-era town! “Kaikai YOKAI Festival 2026” / Uzumasa Movie Village
16.
[Through Dec. 6] “Kyoto All-Around Stamp Rally”: A boat tour of 8 spots throughout Kyoto Prefecture / Various locations in Kyoto Prefecture
17.
[Through December 20] Free Historical Tour Event: “Omi Warlords Card Rally [Collection Order]: Collect Omi Warlords Cards!” / 17 Locations in Shiga Prefecture
18.
[Through December 20] Collaboration Event with the Popular Anime "Sound! Euphonium" / Nidec Kyoto Tower
19.
[Through December 31] “Pa-Sake-Port,” a tour program visiting sake breweries throughout Shiga Prefecture / Various locations in Shiga Prefecture
20.
[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. [September 26] “Moon Viewing Festival”: A One-Day-Only Moon-Viewing Event at a World Heritage Site / Ninnaji Temple

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the World Heritage Site [Ninna-ji Temple] (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) will host a moon-viewing event titled “Moon Viewing Festival—Composing Poetry About the Moon, Admiring the Moon.” A variety of activities are planned, including a tour of [Hito-utei], an Important Cultural Property that is normally closed to the public and said to be the tea house beloved by the Emperor, as well as a tanka recital concert in the National Treasure [Kondo] featuring imperial waka poetry, waka composition workshops, matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, and illuminations. Even those with no experience in waka or knowledge of its etiquette can participate with ease, as special instructors will guide you through the process. Why not spend this special once-a-year day at [Ninna-ji], waiting for the moon, gazing at it, and composing a poem inspired by it?

World Heritage Site: Ninnaji Temple “Moon Viewing Festival”

Photo courtesy of Tomo Co., Ltd.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
*Times and fees vary depending on the plan.

Moon Viewing Festival — Composing Poems About the Moon and Admiring the Moon —

  • Moon Festival — Reading the Moon, Celebrating the Moon —
  • Ninnaji Temple
    33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

2. [September 26–27] A Gathering of Noto Delicacies! “Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair”—Buy, Eat, and Show Your Support / Kyoto Porta

The “Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair” will be held over two days, Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, 2026, at [Kyoto Porta] (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), which is directly connected to Kyoto Station. This event aims to support the recovery and reconstruction of the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was struck by a double disaster—an earthquake and torrential rains in Oku-Noto—and will feature participation from over 60 companies based in Ishikawa Prefecture. More than 200 carefully selected local delicacies and specialty products from various parts of Ishikawa Prefecture, including Noto, will be gathered in one place. In addition to posters showcasing the current status of recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Noto region, the event will feature a special session with Ms. Chieko Nakayama, who serves as a “Noto Travel Guide.” Come experience the charms of Ishikawa Prefecture and the Noto region, buy and enjoy delicious local specialties, and support Noto’s recovery!

Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair

Photo courtesy of the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SME Support, Japan)

Date and Time: September 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair

  • Ishikawa Prefecture Support Fair
  • Kyoto Porta, B1F, West Area, North Street Event Space
    901 Higashishioji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

3. [September 27] Enjoy the Food and Charms of the Yamashiro Region! “Uji Tea & Yamashiro Gourmet Festival” / Joyo Gorigo-no-Oka (Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Sports Park)

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the “Uji Tea & Yamashiro Gourmet Festival” will be held at [Joyo Gori Gori no Oka] (Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture). This event brings together the diverse culinary offerings of the Yamashiro region—known as “Kyoto of Tea”—under one roof. The venue will feature a variety of booths, including the “Gourmet Area,” which will showcase gourmet dishes and sweets made with locally sourced ingredients such as Uji tea and Kyoto vegetables. In addition, there will be an “Information Area” where sponsoring companies and local governments in the Yamashiro region will showcase the area’s attractions, as well as a “Play Area” where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and more. It’s a day where you can fully experience the charms of the Yamashiro region by eating, participating in activities, and having fun. Come with your family and friends to experience the unique “delicacies” and attractions that only Yamashiro has to offer.

Uji Tea and Yamashiro Gochiso Festa

Photo courtesy of the Uji Tea and Yamashiro Gourmet Festival Organizing Committee

Date and Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Opening Ceremony: 9:00–9:30 a.m.)
Rain or shine, cancelled in case of stormy weather
Admission: Free (Food, drinks, merchandise, and some activities require a separate fee)

Uji Tea and Yamashiro Gochiso Festa

  • Uji-Cha/Yamamashiro Gochiso Festa
  • Joyo Gori-Gori-no-Oka (Kyoto Prefectural Kizugawa Athletic Park)
    14-8, Tominokitakaku, Joyo-shi, Kyoto, Japan

4. [September 27] 48 Vendors Gather at the Botanical Garden This Fall! Enjoy Food and Shopping at the “Rakuhoku Fest” / Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the “Rakuhoku Festival” will be held at the [Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden] (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture). This event, now in its fifth year, brings together 48 businesses from the Rakuhoku region and features a variety of activities that everyone from children to adults can enjoy. The venue will feature a diverse array of culinary delights, including baked goods, fruit sandwiches, bento boxes, ga pao rice, curry, and traditional Japanese sweets. There will also be an extensive drink menu featuring coffee, lemon squash, and seasonal mocktails. Additionally, the event will offer hands-on activities for parents and children to enjoy together, such as Japanese cultural experiences, puppet shows, and woodworking workshops.
Come experience the charm of the Rakuhoku region while enjoying the colorful plants at the botanical garden this fall and discovering new things through encounters with “food,” “products,” and “people.”

Rakuhoku Festival

Photo courtesy of Community Bank Kyoshin (Kyoto Shinkin Bank)

Date and Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rain or Shine
Admission: Free (A separate admission fee for the botanical garden is required)
Admission Fees: General Admission: 500 yen; High School Students: 250 yen; Middle School Students and Younger: Free

Kyoshin Community Bank Rakuhoku Festival

  • Community Bank Kyoshin Rakuho Festival
  • Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden: Large Lawn Area
    Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, Shimogamo-Hanagi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

5. [Through September 27] “Picture Book Fair” Featuring a Diverse Selection of Picture Books / Ugan Shobo

[Ugan Shobo] (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture), which opened in July 2026, will host a “Picture Book Fair” from Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. The store features eight bookshelves filled with picture books, showcasing a diverse range of genres—including titles for children, books recommended for adults, international works, and handmade books. During the event, visitors can enjoy storytime sessions and kamishibai (paper theater) performances, as well as bookmarks-making workshops and “Cat Bingo,” a board game originating in the UK. Additionally, on Friday, the 25th, and Saturday, the 26th, the store will be open in the evening as part of its “Moon Viewing Hours.” Take this opportunity to visit and discover new picture books.

Ugan Shobo Picture Book Fair

Photo courtesy of Ugan Shobo

Dates: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
*On Friday, the 25th, and Saturday, the 26th, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fees: Free admission

Picture Book Fair

  • Picture Book Fair
  • Ugan Shobo
    2F, Kamogawa Right Bank Building, 196-2 Seiryu-cho, Kamigyo 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.

I want to read together

NewsNews

Feature articleFeature article

Featured eventFeatured event

↑

notice