Kyoto Music Festivals [2026] Outdoor Festivals and Events Roundup
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of music festivals held in the ancient capital, Kyoto.
When it comes to music festivals in Kyoto, events hosted by Kyoto-born artists—such as Kyoto Daisakusen, Otohaku, and Porno Chotokkyu—are especially well known.
Beyond those, there are festivals organized by live music venues, events that take place right in the city, and uniquely charming festivals set in the nature-rich northern part of the prefecture—offering a wide variety of characteristics.
From “the rock festival” style to events with a calm, quintessentially Kyoto atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
Find your favorite and be sure to check one out in person.
- Kansai Music Festivals [2026]: Spotlight on Must-See Outdoor Fests & Events
- KYOTO DAISAKUSEN | Music Festival / Event
- The Appeal of Borofesta, Kyoto’s Music Festival
- Free-admission festivals in Kansai [2026]
- Kyoto Music Expo | Music Festival & Events
- List of rock festivals in Kansai [2026]
- Shiga Music Festivals [2026] Outdoor Festivals and Events Guide
- Kansai Jazz Festival List [2026]
- Artists performing at Kyoto’s summer and rock festival “Kyoto Daisakusen 2016”
- The appeal of Kyoto’s summer and rock festival “Kyoto Daisakusen”
- Complete Guide to Kansai Spring Festivals [2026]! Introducing Popular Events
- Osaka Festival Calendar [2026]: Music Festivals and Outdoor Events Summary
- Autumn Music Festival to be held in Western Japan [2026]
Past events
Kyo Premium LiveKyoto Prefecture, Sat 12/27 – Sun 12/28
Kyoto’s anime music festival, Kyo Premium Live. With “Kyoto-ness” as its theme, this live event features anisong singers and voice-actor artists. For anime fans, it doesn’t get more luxurious than this. If you love anime, you can’t miss it.
| Schedule | Saturday–Sunday, December 27–28, 2025 |
| place | Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, ROHM Theatre Kyoto |
| Website | http://miyako-premiumlive.jp |
Kyoto Sound ExpressDec 13 (Sat) – 14 (Sun), Kyoto Prefecture
When it comes to summer festivals in Kyoto, 10-FEET’s Kyoto Daisakusen is the obvious pick, but the winter tradition has to be Kyoto-born rock band ROTTENGRAFFTY’s Kyouto Chotokkyu. In 2014, the event moved to Pulse Plaza, and since 2016 it has expanded to a two-day format—Kyouto Chotokkyu is a festival you simply can’t take your eyes off as it keeps growing!
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Dec 13–14, 2025 |
| place | Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto Pulse Plaza |
| Website | http://porno.rotten-g.com/ |
| SNS |
The Saiin FesSun, Nov 23 – Kyoto Prefecture
Saiin Fes is a free (tip-based) music festival held around Saiin in Kyoto. Since 2017, it has been held in spring, summer, and autumn. Not only live music venues but also cafes and shrines throughout the Saiin area become stages, filling the town with music for two days.
| Schedule | Sunday, November 23, 2025 |
| place | Kasuga Shrine, Saiin, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Website | https://saifes.net/ |
| SNS |
Kameoka Jazz FestivalSun, Nov 2 – Kyoto Prefecture
| Schedule | Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
| place | Kamekita Sanga Plaza, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture / East Nango Park / In front of the Mitsuhide statue at Nango Park / Ekimae Ichibangai Shopping Street / Sanga Stadium Entrance Hall / sound & dining Orange / Pepin CAFE |
| Website | https://kameokajazz.com/ |
| SNS |
Kyoto Music ExpoSat 10/11–Sun 10/12, Kyoto Prefecture
This is an event hosted by Quruli that has been held annually in their hometown of Kyoto since 2007. Over the years, audiences have enjoyed a compelling lineup featuring artists from Japan and abroad, crossing genre boundaries. When in-person events weren’t possible due to COVID-19, they kept the event going by taking on the challenge of online live performances. Highlights include distinctive production and a carefully curated lineup that reflect their unwavering dedication to music. Be sure to experience it live if you can.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 2025 |
| place | Umekoji Park Lawn Square, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Website | http://kyotoonpaku.net |
| SNS |