Things to do in Kyoto this weekend (Oct 31 (Sat) & Nov 1 (Sun))
Events open in Kyoto this weekend: temple light-ups, exhibitions, craft markets and more.
As of Oct 28: 19 events, 4 free.
Art exhibition
Soshi Matsunobe: Wall at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, The Triangle (Higashiyama Sta.)
Sep 12 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
A contemporary art exhibition that reexamines the way we perceive everyday objects through lines, shadows, backgrounds, and the unconscious. Open to all visitors.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Exhibition: Kan'ei — Beauty Nurtured by an Age of Peace at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Commemorating 400 years since the imperial visit of 1626 during the Kan'ei era, this exhibition explores Kyoto's culture in the early Edo period. Open until 7:30 PM on Fridays.
Details →Art exhibition
Forms of Love — The Rediscovered Erotic Scroll Chigo Zoshi at Fukuda Art Museum
Fukuda Art Museum (Arashiyama Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
An exhibition of Japanese art highlighting the erotic illustrated scroll Chigo Zoshi. Visitors under 18 are not permitted. Some works will change between the first and second exhibition periods.
Details →Art exhibition
140th Birth Anniversary: Seika Yamaga — Imagination in Flight at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building, South Wing, 1st Floor (Higashiyama Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
The first retrospective in 40 years devoted to textile artist Seika Yamaga. The second exhibition period begins November 3, with some works replaced. Last admission at 5:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Special Opening 2026 at Hogonin Temple
Hogonin Temple (Arashiyama Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 09:00 – 17:00
Explore the Shishiku Garden, which incorporates the Arashiyama mountains into its scenery, and wall paintings by artist Noriko Tamura. Last admission to the garden is 4:45 PM; the main hall is open until 4:30 PM.
Details →Art exhibition
Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube (Higashiyama Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
An immersive exhibition exploring Zen philosophy through Studio Ghibli films. Reservation priority begins October 31. From November 1, the museum opens at 9:00 AM on most Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with some exceptions.
Details →Art exhibition
Discover Kyoto Through Art — See More, Enjoy More at Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture
Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture (Arashiyama Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Feb 28 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Explore artworks depicting Kyoto's seasonal traditions and culture. Displays change between the first and second exhibition periods, featuring subjects such as geiko and maiko, Kyoto vegetables, and traditional Japanese confectionery wrappers.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Splendor of the Imperial Court at Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing (Shichijo Sta.)
Oct 6 (Tue) – Nov 29 (Sun) 09:00 – 17:30
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. A major rotation of exhibits takes place on November 3. The National Treasure Tale of Genji Scrolls will be displayed during different periods depending on the scenes.
Details →Art exhibition
60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto
Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Oct 15 (Thu) – Dec 20 (Sun) 09:30 – 17:00
A special exhibition celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary, exploring depictions of women that artist Insho Domoto pursued throughout his career.
Details →Art exhibition
Maruyama Okyo and Ito Jakuchu at Shokokuji Jotenkaku Museum
Shokokuji Jotenkaku Museum (Imadegawa Sta.)
Oct 17 (Sat) – Feb 14 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
The first exhibition phase presents works by Maruyama Okyo and Ito Jakuchu. The artworks on display vary by exhibition period.
Details →Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) 17:00 – 22:00
See illuminated autumn gardens at Kodaiji, founded by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Projection mapping also transforms the garden in front of the Hojo Hall. Last admission at 9:30 PM.
Details →Art exhibition
Who Does Jewelry Dream Of? at The National Museum of Modern Art
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (Higashiyama Sta.)
Oct 24 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. Advance-ticket and evening discounts are available, plus a ¥100 discount on same-day tickets for visitors wearing jewelry.
Details →Art exhibition
ChieArt Solo Exhibition in Kyoto at Dohjidai Gallery
Dohjidai Gallery (Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Sta.)
Oct 27 (Tue) – Nov 1 (Sun) 12:00 – 18:00
Visitors are admitted in 45-minute sessions. Numbered tickets are distributed 15 minutes before each session. Original artworks are sold by lottery, with a limit of one work per person.
Details →Art exhibition
Tea, Japanese Sweets, and Bonbonnieres at Art Space Fukujuen
Art Space Fukujuen (7th Floor, Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store) (Karasuma Sta.)
Oct 29 (Thu) – Jan 31 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:30
Closed Mondays through Wednesdays and on New Year's Day.
Details →Oct 30 (Fri) – Nov 15 (Sun) 11:00 – 20:30
A pop-up shop showcasing handmade creations from around 70 brands, with opportunities to buy directly from the makers.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Toji Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing of Kondo and Kodo Halls
Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji) (Kyoto Sta.)
Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 18:00 – 21:30
The five-story pagoda and around 200 maple trees at World Heritage-listed Toji are illuminated at night. Special evening access is also available to the National Treasure Kondo Hall and Important Cultural Property Kodo Hall, home to the three-dimensional mandala. Last admission at 9:00 PM; open daily throughout the event.
Details →Art exhibition
Naonori Yago Graphic Exhibition: Pangraphics at Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji Temple, Grand Entrance (Gojo Sta.)
Nov 1 (Sun) – Nov 8 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
A graphic design exhibition by Naonori Yago held at Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance, built in 1867. Highlights include a large folding screen depicting the Usuzumi cherry tree and a new work inspired by Kyoto's autumn foliage.
Details →Market
14th Monozukuri Tenmangu Marche at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Ukon no Baba (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Nov 1 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
Held rain or shine, but canceled if a storm warning is issued for Kyoto City.
Details →
