Arashiyama Momiji Festival: Free Riverside Autumn Celebrations

Traditional performances take to the river at Kyoto’s Arashiyama Momiji Festival (嵐山もみじ祭り) on November 7–8, 2026. The festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge. Admission is free.

For a visit, the key distinction is the setting: boats become performance spaces on the Oi River, with the riverside serving as the viewing area. The festival celebrates the autumn leaves of Arashiyama and Mount Ogura.

Dates, hours and admission

The dates, hours, free admission and rain policy above follow the official event listing. Arashiyama Hoshokai has also published its announcement for this year’s festival.

What to see on the river

The river performances are the main reason to come. Decorated boats, including an Imayo boat, set out near Togetsukyo Bridge, presenting traditional performing arts associated with Arashiyama.

The celebration honours the autumn scenery of Arashiyama and Mount Ogura and expresses gratitude to Zao Gongen, the area’s guardian deity. A goma fire ritual is also planned on the riverbank.

Think of the festival as a chance to watch traditional arts within the riverside landscape. For individual performance times, consult the organizer’s official information when planning your visit.

Getting to the viewing area

Head for the left bank upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge. Walking times depend on which railway you use; the stations below are separate arrival points.

For drivers, the listed journey from Kyoto-Minami Interchange on the Meishin Expressway is approximately 40 minutes. There is no dedicated festival parking; use paid parking in the surrounding area. The station walks make arriving by train a practical option.

Planning the rest of your outing

Keep the rain cancellation policy in mind before making the festival the centre of your day. The official hours cover the festival as a whole, so check the programme if there is a particular performance you want to see.

If this outing is part of a longer autumn break in Japan, our guide to Yuchelin three-star hot springs offers ideas for a separate onsen stop. For accommodation inspiration, see the Michelin Key onsen and ryokan guide.

For practical preparation beyond the festival itself, the d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide explains a phone power-bank rental option for days out in Japan.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Arashiyama Momiji Festival?

It takes place on November 7 and 8, 2026.

What are the opening hours?

The festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Is admission free?

Yes. The official festival page lists admission as free.

Where is the viewing area?

The viewing area is on the left bank upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge, beside the Oi River in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

Does the festival go ahead in rain?

No. The official listing states that it is cancelled in rain.

What can visitors see?

Traditional performing arts associated with Arashiyama are presented on boats. A goma fire ritual is also planned on the riverbank.

Which station has the shortest listed walk?

Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Station has the shortest listed walk, at approximately five minutes.

Is there dedicated festival parking?

No. Drivers should use paid parking in the surrounding area.

Before travelling, check the Arashiyama Hoshokai official website for current announcements.