The air hangs thick in Kansai–dense with the lingering breath of tsuyu, the summer rains that rolled in from June. Humidity beads on glass and skin, time slackens, and horizons seem to melt. Beneath it all, a pressure builds. 

Then, almost all at once, it bursts. Schools let out, cicadas begin their first cries, and both Kyoto and Osaka awaken to a full-blown summer filled with festivals, night markets, and outdoor gatherings.

Whether you’re chasing the classics or craving the offbeat, here’s a list of things to do in Kyoto and Osaka this July. 

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Tradition
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Gion Matsuri (Kyoto) & Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)

July kicks off natsu-matsuri or Summer festival season. Lucky for you, two out of the three largest festivals in Japan are located right here in Kansai!

July 1 - 31 | Free Entry | Central Kyoto & Yasaka Shrine

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri runs the entire month of July and features Yamahoko (enormous wooden floats), traditional music, and food stalls lining the streets. The festival dates back to 869, when it was initiated as a means to appease the gods during an epidemic. The main parades, held on the 17th and 24th of July, are when you’ll get to see the famous floats pulled through the streets. While these parades are considered the centerpiece, the days leading up to them are just as lively and well worth a visit. 

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July 24 & 25 | Free Entry | Osaka Tenmangu & Ohkawa River

Over in Osaka, Tenjin Matsuri combines historical processions with a spectacular boat parade and fireworks finale. Sakuranomiya park is considered a popular view point. While the bridges that run across the Ohkawa river offer great vantage points, pedestrians are expected to keep moving to manage traffic. If you’re looking to secure a guaranteed viewing spot, consider purchasing a ticket for a reserved seat along the river.

Both festivals date back centuries and are still two of Japan’s most iconic celebrations. 

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Tanabata Traditions

‍The 7th of July marks Tanabata, the star festival rooted in the tale of two celestial lovers reunited across the Milky Way. Wishes are written on tanzaku (colorful paper strips) and hung on bamboo branches found at temples, storefronts, and public spaces. While tanzaku remains the traditional method, there are certainly other ways to participate in this celebration. 
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July 7 | Tickets from ¥2000 | Ohkawa River

In Osaka, the Inoriboshi Release Event involves releasing your own glowing orb down the Ohkawa River–emulating the milky way. However you choose to send your wish, we hope it comes true! 

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Nature

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Lotus Sake at Mimurotoji Temple (Kyoto)

July 12 | ¥1000 Entry Fee + ¥500 Participation Fee | Mimurotoji Temple

Mimurotoji, often nicknamed the "Temple of Flowers" for its spectacular seasonal blooms, hosts a peaceful ritual each July. Visitors sip chilled sake served in the curve of lotus leaves while surrounded by the temple’s blooming lotus pond. Said to promote health and longevity, this fleeting ritual is held for one morning only and limited to the first 300 visitors–so be sure to plan ahead!

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Art & Culture 

Need temporary shelter from rain or a break from the heat? Here are some exhibitions opening in July that may be worth a visit.  
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Nihonga in Profusion: Japanese Art at World’s Fairs (Kyoto)

‍July 19 (Opening Date) | ¥1500 General Admission | Fukuda Art Museum 

This exhibition traces the evolution of Nihonga (modern Japanese-style painting) through its appearances at world expositions from the late Edo period onward. Featuring works by major artists like Yokoyama Taikan and Uemura Shōen, the show explores how Japanese art was curated and presented abroad–and how it shaped perceptions of Japan’s national identity on the world stage.

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Tadao Ando: Youth 2025 (Osaka)

Until July 21 | ¥1800 General Admission | VS. Grand Green Osaka

Born in Osaka, Tadao Ando is a renowned Japanese architect celebrated worldwide for his bold and innovative designs. This exhibition traces his remarkable career, showcasing his early works alongside ongoing projects and his vision for the future. Visitors will gain insight into the cultural depth and profound beauty that define Ando’s architectural philosophy.

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Red Echo / Re:Act (Osaka)

July 5–21 | Free Entry | Pulp Gallery

If you’re drawn to more contemporary and local art, this exhibition curated by Kentaro Watanabe showcases works by Daijiro Hama and Kosuke Fukui that engage with themes of memory, revolution, and cultural heritage. Centered around the color red, the show invites viewers to listen to the echoes of the past and actively re:act–responding to history through creative expression and envisioning the future.

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Nightlife

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VGM Sound Collision ft. 梅Night (Kyoto)

July 18 | Free Entry | Brooklyn Night Bazaar

A one-night crossover between Tokyo’s video game music club scene and Kyoto’s UmeNight, this party brings DJs spinning classic game soundtracks, pixel visuals, and a crowd of indie devs, artists, and fans. Timed with BitSummit 2025 (Kyoto’s indie game festival), it’s niche, loud, and full of character–even if you’ve never picked up a controller.
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Markets

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Umekoji Handicraft Market (Kyoto)

July 7 | Free Entry | Umekoji Park

Held monthly outside Umekoji Park, this relaxed market is great for picking up handmade pottery, vintage knickknacks, and local snacks. Bonus: It’s right next to Kyoto Railway Museum and a lush park if you need a break.

Shitennoji Flea Market (Osaka)

July 21 & 22 | Free Entry | Shitennoji Temple 

Held on the grounds of a 6th-century temple, the market features antiques, clothes, food, and lots of surprises. You’ll be able to find anything from traditional ceramics to more niche items like a collection of retro milk bottle caps! 

Stop by local markets like these during your stay to pick up practical souvenirs–like traditional folding fans or small coin pouches–which you can then show off at one of the festivals mentioned earlier. That’s a half-day already planned!

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Where to Stay

July is a big month in Kansai, and things get booked fast–especially during major festivals. Kabin’s design-forward hotels in both Kyoto and Osaka put you close to the action, whether you’re staying up late at UmeNight or catching morning lotus blooms at Mimuro-toji temple.

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Book with Kabin Hotels and lock in your ideal summer base!

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