Experience Kyoto's Enchanting Yokai Festivals 2025: Unveiling the Night Party of Demons
Kyoto is a historically rich city that has flourished as the center of Japan for approximately 1,200 years. Shrines and temples registered as World Heritage Sites, along with gardens showcasing beautiful seasonal landscapes, remain scattered throughout the city.
The density of historical buildings is among the world's highest levels, and when you actually walk through the city, the sight of modern buildings standing alongside historic shrines and temples creates a uniquely mysterious atmosphere that exists nowhere else.
Kyoto's climate is characterized by distinct continental weather with clear four seasons. Due to its basin location, summers are hot and humid while winters feature bone-chilling cold.
In traditional Kyoto, where historic streetscapes remain preserved, events are held not only at shrines and temples, but also events based on ancient Japanese concepts that are quintessentially Kyoto-like.
The "Kyoto Yokai Festival" is one such event related to Japanese culture. This time, we'll introduce popular Yokai-related events in Kyoto in an easily understandable way for those unfamiliar with Japanese culture.
What is Kyoto's Popular "Yokai Festival"?
Source:Official website
"Yokai" refers to mysterious creatures that appear in Japanese folktales and legends. They are ghost-like or monster-like beings that surprise people or possess strange powers. However, not all Yokai are scary. There are many cute Yokai and some that are rather silly and humorous.
Representative Yokai include the "Rokuro-kubi" with its long neck, the "Hitotsume-kozo" (one-eyed boy), and "Kappa" that live in water. Each region of Japan has its own unique Yokai, and each area has its own stories passed down through generations, which adds to their appeal.
Recently, they have appeared in anime and games, becoming beloved worldwide as part of Japanese pop culture. By learning about Yokai, you can touch Japanese culture and ways of thinking more deeply!
The "Kyoto Yokai Festival," first held in 2024, is a unique festival where you can experience Japanese "Yokai" culture. The venue, Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is an unusual tourist spot in Uzumasa, Kyoto, that combines a Japanese movie studio with a theme park. The Edo period townscape used in Japanese period dramas and samurai films is realistically recreated, making you feel as if you've time-slipped back to that era.
The "Hyakki Yako" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) parade of the "Kyoto Yokai Festival," where Yokai that seem to have stepped out of old folktales parade through the traditional townscape of Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, offers both power and fun that makes you want to take photos.
This festival, which fuses Japanese tradition with pop culture, is a recommended experience for those who want to taste "Japanese-ness." Please visit as a new way to enjoy Kyoto tourism!
Information:
- Dates: September 14 (Sat) December 8 (Sun), 2024
- Access:
5-minute walk from JR "Uzumasa" Station / 13-minute walk from JR "Hanazono" Station
5-minute walk from Randen "Uzumasa Koryuji" Station / 2-minute walk from Randen "Satsueijo-mae" Station
12-minute walk from Subway "Uzumasa Tenjingawa" Station
5-minute walk from bus stop "Uzumasa Eigamura-michi"
- Admission (Individual):
Adults: 2,800 yen, Junior/Senior High School: 1,800 yen, Children (3 years and older): 1,600 yen
- Website: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/
Highlights of Kyoto Yokai Festival
Uzumasa Hyakki Yako (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons)
Source:Official website
The main attraction of the "Kyoto Yokai Festival" is the "Uzumasa Hyakki Yako," where Yokai parade through the village. "Hyakki Yako" refers to a mysterious phenomenon from Japanese legends and folktales where numerous Yokai form a procession and walk through the nighttime streets. Literally translated, it means "night parade of 100 Yokai," and it was said that witnessing it would bring misfortune. In modern times, festivals like the "Kyoto Yokai Festival" recreate these legends as enjoyable events.
The "Uzumasa Hyakki Yako" is not only fun to watch but also allows participation. Someone who actually participated in cosplay as a Yokai said, "Taking photos with customers was fun, and rather than being scared, children played together with us." Spectators also commented that they "chased their favorite Yokai with cameras," and interactions with Yokai make travel memories even more profound.
In 2024, many foreign tourists were among the participants, creating excitement like a Japanese-style Halloween. The experience of dancing, laughing, and taking photos together with Yokai cannot be found anywhere else. It's an attractive theme where you can feel the richness of Japanese culture and imagination. During your trip to Japan, please experience a special night with Yokai at least once.
The Kyoto Yokai Festival offers tourists an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's supernatural folklore while providing an immersive cultural experience in one of the country's most historic cities.
Mysterious YOKAI Dance
Source:Official website
The "Uzumasa Hyakki Yagyō" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) isn't just about parading in Yokai costumes. There are dance times in the plaza along the way! Visitors can dance together with the Yokai to catchy music created by professionals. Participants in the night parade also receive dance lessons in advance, so even those who aren't good at dancing can feel confident.
People who actually participated were all smiles, saying "Even the children could dance and have fun!" and "It was an exciting, extraordinary experience." Since it's a participatory style where you dance in Yokai costumes, it's perfect for photos too. The memories with the Yokai will surely become a highlight of your trip.
Uzumasa Mononoke Market
Source:Official website
During weekends and holidays throughout the Kyoto Yokai Festival period, the "Mononoke Market" is also held. This flea market features Yokai artists from all over Japan, where handmade one-of-a-kind goods and mysterious, cute Yokai items are displayed. An attractive feature is that you can interact directly with the artists who created the works.
There are also gifts of bird whistles and stickers for children, and they can enjoy coloring experiences and trying on masks. With many foreign tourists visible, it's an event where you can really feel the international popularity of Yokai culture.
Mysterious YOKAI Art Exhibition
Source:Official website
During the Kyoto Yokai Festival period, the "Mysterious YOKAI Art Exhibition" is also held, fusing traditional Japanese Yokai culture with contemporary art. Yokai art created by domestic and international artists is gathered together, including young Yokai drawn on giant folding screens over 10 meters long, and works by Matt Meyer, an American-born Yokai researcher.
The participating creators have various artistic styles, ranging from pop illustrations that express young Yokai with geometric shapes and pale gradient colors, to classical Yokai scroll compositions and motifs arranged in a modern style, to photographs where Yokai naturally blend into realistic contemporary urban landscapes.
Perfect Yokai Goods Sales for Souvenirs
Source:Official website
During the Kyoto Yokai Festival period, unique and cute original event goods also appear. Official merchandise includes acrylic stands and key chains of various Yokai that appeared in the "Uzumasa Hyakki Yagyō," as well as black hand towels and T-shirts depicting scenes from the night parade.
Goods from the "Mysterious YOKAI Art Exhibition" are also available. Items featuring young Yokai drawn with geometric figures and pale gradients have a colorful, pop impression. These also include character acrylic key chains, hand towels, T-shirts, mugs, and other items ranging from commemorative goods to everyday-use items.
Photogenic and Instagram-worthy Yokai Food
Source:Official website
When you get hungry, you can fill up with original Kyoto Yokai Festival collaboration food and drinks. Foods and drinks with unique names like "Ramen made with broth from human souls" and "Delicious water from Kappa swamps" have outstanding visual impact.
There's ramen with bright red soup topped with ingredients made to look like human souls, green drinks in cups with ice cream shaped like Kappa floating in them, and muffins with eye-catching three eyes - everything makes you want to take photos and share them.
The taste is also authentic, with voices on social media saying "I was surprised how delicious it was!" If you take photos with the Japanese-style architecture of Toei Uzumasa Eigamura in the background, you'll have a uniquely Japanese travel photo.
Enjoying Various Activities at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Even Outside the Kyoto Yokai Festival Period
Source:Official website
At Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, you can enjoy a wealth of activities throughout the year that allow you to experience Japanese film culture and traditions, including ninja experiences, period drama costumes, and live shows, even when it's not the Kyoto Yokai Festival season. You'll feel as if you've stepped right into the world of movies.
First, I'd like to recommend the "Karakuri Ninja Mansion." It's packed with hidden doors and mechanisms that will make you feel like you've become a real ninja. Many visitors say "I want to go again!" and everyone from children to adults becomes completely absorbed in the experience.
For those seeking a more authentic experience, don't miss the "Period Costume Experience." You can dress up in various costumes such as samurai, maiko, or Shinsengumi, and transform with professional makeup and wigs. You can even take photos in sets that recreate actual Edo period townscapes, making you feel like the protagonist of a movie.
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is not just a theme park, but a special place where you can experience Japanese history and culture with all five senses. I recommend it to anyone who wants to fully enjoy Japanese culture, regardless of the season.
Two Recommended Tours for Those Interested in Japanese Traditional Culture
Here are two tours I'd like to recommend for those interested in Japanese traditional culture. The first is a tour where you can experience authentic zazen meditation at a Zen temple, and the second is a tour where you can experience tea ceremony in the Gion district.
Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunch
Why not spend some peaceful moments centering your mind at a quiet Zen temple in Kyoto? This tour allows you to admire beautiful Zen gardens at Tofuku-ji Temple, which boasts 800 years of history, and experience authentic zazen meditation under the guidance of monks.
"Zen" is a Buddhist practice method that is deeply connected to the core of Japanese traditional culture. Simply put, the foundation of Zen is to quiet the mind and cherish time for self-reflection. "Zazen" is a representative practice of Zen, where you sit with proper posture in a quiet place, focus on breathing, and gradually let go of distracting thoughts.
The tour also includes shojin cuisine for lunch. "Shojin cuisine" is traditional Japanese vegetarian cuisine. It uses no meat or fish, and is made only with natural ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, seaweed, and grains. This cuisine was created for Buddhist monks to eat during their training, characterized by very delicate seasoning that allows you to enjoy the natural flavors of ingredients and seasonal tastes. The presentation is also beautiful, sometimes arranged like works of art.
During the tour, an English guide will carefully explain the cultural background, so even first-time Zen practitioners can participate with confidence. Many participants have shared feedback such as "It was a spiritually enriching time" and "I enjoyed it in a calm atmosphere with a small group."
This is a culturally valuable tour that presents the essence of Zen that can only be experienced in Kyoto in a format that's easy for beginners to understand. I recommend it to those who want a memorable Kyoto experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.
- Meeting point: Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store
- Tour area: Tofuku-ji temple
- Start time: 10:30
Kyoto Gion Tea ceremony & Wabi-sabi Walking Tour
This tour offers a special experience where you can physically feel the uniquely Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" in Kyoto's Gion district and center your mind through an authentic tea ceremony experience.
"Wabi" refers to the beauty found in simple and quiet things. For example, the peace of mind and modesty seen in well-used vessels, quiet gardens, or modest tea rooms. "Sabi" refers to the beauty brought about by the passage of time and natural changes. It's a way of thinking that values the depth and charm born from "aging," such as old wooden pillars, rusted metal, or faded paper.
First, you'll visit Kennin-ji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, and the atmospheric Entoku-in, experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Japanese architecture and gardens. While listening to detailed explanations from the tour guide, you'll focus on the "beauty of imperfection" and "preciousness of transience" that we rarely notice in daily life.
Afterwards, you'll experience authentic tea ceremony. The moment you sit on tatami mats in the tea room and quietly enjoy matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets will envelop you in a sensation as if time has stopped.
Participants have given positive feedback such as "The moss garden wet with spring rain was very beautiful and cleansed my heart," "The guide was truly knowledgeable and kind," and "The tea ceremony experience was memorable, and I want to visit again."
If you're interested in Japanese culture, why not take a "journey of feeling" that goes beyond mere sightseeing through experiences that allow you to quietly connect with your inner self?
- Meeting point: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no - Okuni Statue
- Tour area: Gion area
- Start time: 13:30
Yokai Events and Ghost-Related Events You Can Enjoy in Kyoto and Osaka
Kyoto and Osaka offer various other events themed around Yokai and ghosts. There are events scheduled for 2025, so be sure to check them out.
USJ Halloween Event
Source:PR TIMES
After experiencing the world of Yokai in Kyoto, consider extending your trip to visit the Halloween event at USJ in Osaka. This annual autumn event is attractive for offering completely different atmospheres during the day and night.
In 2024, the daytime featured "Ha-Ha-Ha! Halloween Party," which could be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Visitors could dance with popular characters dressed in special costumes available only during this period, and there were shows featuring Pokémon's Pikachu, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
The atmosphere completely transforms at night. The streets become filled with massive numbers of zombies, and the "Halloween Horror Night" begins, offering a realistic horror experience. For those who don't like scary experiences, safe areas are also prepared for peace of mind. When I actually visited, the "Zombie de Dance," where you dance with zombies to Ado's music, was incredibly exciting and felt like the fun of a music festival.
This event, where Japanese pop culture fuses with horror, is truly a special experience that can only be enjoyed at USJ in autumn.
Information:
- Daytime Event: "Ha-Ha-Ha! Halloween Party"
- Event Period: September 5 (Thu) November 4 (Mon), 2024
Night Event: "Halloween Horror Night"
Event Period: September 6 (Fri) November 4 (Mon), 2024
- Access:
JR: About 4-minute walk from JR Yumesaki Line "Universal City Station"
Car: About 5 minutes from Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Route "Universal City Exit"
- Bus: Direct buses available from Osaka Station, Namba Station, Kyoto Station, etc.
- Admission (1-Day Studio Pass): Adults from 8,900 yen
- Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/
Ichijo Hyakki Yakou (One-hundred Demons Night Parade)
Source:Kyoto Shimbun
The "Ichijo Hyakki Yakou" held on Ichijo Street in Kyoto was also a costume parade event where you could experience Japanese Yokai culture. It recreated the "Hyakki Yakou" on Ichijo Street, a location that was feared by people of the Heian period as a place where the "hundred demons night parade" would occur.
The power of Yokai so realistic they could be mistaken for real ones parading through the night shopping district was overwhelming even for adults, with past participants saying, "It was so realistic that children were screaming and crying!" The sound of drums and flutes echoing through the dimly lit street, and the Yokai standing quietly—that atmosphere is still unforgettable.
Currently, it's suspended due to safety concerns. Let's enjoy the "Uzumasa Hyakki Yakou" at the Kyoto Yokai Festival while waiting for it to resume.
Information:
- Date: April 20 (Sat), 2024
Venue: Taishogun Shopping Street, Ichijo Yokai Street (Ichijo-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto)
- Access: 5-minute walk from City Bus routes 26, 50, 101, 205 "Kitano Hakubaicho"
- Admission: Free
- Websites:
Taishogun Shopping Street Official Site: http://kyoto-taisyogun.com/
Yokai Art Group Hyakuyobako: http://www.kyotohyakki.com/
For Those Who Want to Deeply Enjoy Kyoto's Tourist Destinations, We Recommend Having a Local Guide Who Knows Kyoto Inside Out Show You Around
Kyoto has many attractions, but if you want to efficiently and reliably visit famous spots within limited time, the "1-Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour with a Private Car and Guide" is definitely recommended.
This is a luxurious full-day tour where an English-speaking local guide who knows Kyoto inside out will show you around six World Heritage sites in a private car. They carefully explain the historical background and cultural significance, allowing you to experience the depth of Kyoto that you can't understand from guidebooks alone.
The places you'll visit include representative Kyoto landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Each of these sites is scattered in different directions from the city center, so visiting them on your own would be quite challenging. With this tour, you travel by private car, so you can enjoy sightseeing comfortably without worrying about transfers or crowds.
The guide is also knowledgeable about attractive photography spots and is very reliable as a photographer. The photos they take of you in bamboo groves and temple gardens will become precious travel memories.
A friend who actually participated was completely satisfied, saying, "The lunch restaurant was a famous local spot that only locals know about, and the guide's explanations were really easy to understand." What was particularly impressive was when they said, "It wasn't just sightseeing, but a 'journey to understand Kyoto.'"
I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to those who want to thoroughly experience Kyoto's famous spots in one day!
- Meeting point: Accommodations within this area zone are eligible for vehicle pickup
- Tour Area: Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Start Time: 9:00
