Kansai · KyotoSeasonal
Elegant boats with music and Heian-costumed performers drift beneath Togetsukyo Bridge amid Arashiyama’s autumn colour.
Overview
The Arashiyama Momiji Matsuri celebrates the peak of autumn foliage in Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama district. Held on the Oi River near the landmark Togetsukyo Bridge, it stages a flotilla of decorated boats carrying musicians, dancers and performers in Heian-period dress. It gives visitors a chance to experience both the famous maple colour and a taste of courtly Japanese tradition on the water.
When & Where
The festival is held on the second Sunday of November, falling on November 8, 2026, roughly from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. It takes place on the Oi River around Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, western Kyoto. Nearest station: Arashiyama (Keifuku, Hankyu, or JR Saga-Arashiyama nearby).
Getting There
From central Kyoto, the JR Sagano Line reaches Saga-Arashiyama in about 15 minutes, or take the Keifuku or Hankyu Arashiyama lines. From any of the stations it is a short walk to Togetsukyo Bridge and the riverbank. Arashiyama is extremely popular in autumn, so start early to beat the heaviest crowds.
What to Expect
Ornately decorated boats proceed slowly along the river, with performances of court music, dance, and Noh or Kyogen enacted on the water against a backdrop of crimson and gold maples. The combination of Heian-style pageantry, the arched bridge and the wooded hillsides makes for one of Kyoto’s most picturesque autumn scenes.
Tickets & Access
General viewing from the riverbank is free; paid seating is sometimes available for a closer look. No reservation is needed to watch from the shore, though prime bankside spots fill quickly. The riverside is mostly level, but expect dense crowds throughout the Arashiyama area at foliage season.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive in the morning to enjoy the boats and foliage before the afternoon crush. Bring a zoom lens for the on-water performances, and continue to the nearby Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji temple. Weekday visits to Arashiyama around the same dates offer calmer foliage viewing.
Access and Map
| Dates | Sunday, November 8, 2026 (second Sunday of November) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Oi River near Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama, Kyoto |
| Access | Short walk from Arashiyama stations (Keifuku, Hankyu) or JR Saga-Arashiyama; approx. 15 min from Kyoto Station |
| Admission | Free general viewing; paid seating may be available |
| Official site | Japan Cheapo (Arashiyama Momiji Festival) |
Source: Japan Cheapo (Arashiyama Momiji Festival)
Image: Photo: lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
