Arashiyama Autumn Leaves Festival - Traditional Autumn Event in Autumn-Colored Arashiyama

The Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Autumn Leaves Festival) is an elegant riverboat celebration held every November in Arashiyama, Kyoto, one of Japan's most famous autumn foliage destinations with a history spanning over a thousand years. Established in 1947 as a cultural event that carries the refined elegance of the past into the present, it takes place in a setting where nobles once enjoyed boat excursions and poetry gatherings during the Heian period. On the scenic Ōi River upstream from the Togetsukyō Bridge, more than a dozen ornately decorated boats, carrying musicians and dancers in authentic Heian court attire, glide gracefully across the water against the backdrop of Mount Ogura and Arashiyama dressed in autumn colors. The highlight of the festival is the array of authentic classical performing arts presented aboard the boats. Performances include gagaku (ancient court music), bugaku (court dance), imayō songs, sōkyoku (koto music), and the Saga Dainenbutsu Kyōgen, a form of traditional comic theater. Each boat presents its own unique program, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the depth of Kyoto's religious culture and performing arts traditions. The festival is held in two parts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Admission is generally free, and spectators can watch from the Togetsukyō Bridge or along the riverbanks, with paid seating sometimes available for those who wish to view the performances up close. The surrounding area is rich in autumn attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryū-ji Temple, the famous Bamboo Grove Path, and Hōgen-in Temple, making it easy to enjoy both the festival and the seasonal beauty of Kyoto. As autumn is peak tourist season in Kyoto, visitors are advised to allow extra travel time. Blending the charm of ancient Kyoto, the artistry of Japan's traditional performing arts, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn leaves, the Arashiyama Momiji Festival (Autumn Leaves Festival) offers a truly special experience that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.