Get ready for a fun weekend in Kyoto! March 14th and 15th offer a mix of food festivals, cultural processions, and great family activities. Don't miss the giant curry tasting at Maizuru, the cultural procession at Kiyomizu-dera, or the special digital art workshop for kids in Uji.
See our top picks
Maizuru Curry Festa
Maizuru Red Brick Park
A huge, free outdoor food festival featuring diverse curry from 30+ vendors.
Free Trial: Learn Through Board Games
Ukyo Ward
A free, engaging indoor session where kids learn concepts using board games.
Picture Book Lecture by Hiroshi Atsumasa
Kyoto City Library (Specific branch unknown)
Free storytelling and a lecture on picture books, perfect for preschoolers.
· March 14
6FREE : Head north to Maizuru for a huge springtime food festival featuring over 30 curry vendors offering diverse dishes. There are special family-friendly corners and fun interactive attractions, making it a great day out.It's a large, family-focused food festival running all weekend and it's free to enter.
FREE : Take the kids to see a professional basketball game with this special free invitation offer for children. The atmosphere will be high-energy, perfect for sporty older kids and teens.It's a scheduled public event this Saturday offering free entry for kids.
PICTURE BOOK LECTURE BY HIROSHI ATSUMASAFREE : This session includes family storytelling and a special lecture focused on picture books by Director Hiroshi Atsumasa. Perfect for parents with younger children interested in literacy.It's a specific, free educational event happening Saturday centered on early childhood reading.
FREE DIGITAL ART EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN (UJI)FREE : Bring the kids (ages 3 to junior high) to Uji for a free course where they can learn while having fun creating digital art using an iPad. All carriers are welcome to participate!It’s specifically targeted at children aged 3+ and is completely free this Saturday.
FREE TRIAL: LEARN THROUGH BOARD GAMESFREE : A free trial session focused on learning educational concepts through fun board games in a small group setting. Great if you need an indoor activity on Saturday.It's a free, educational, indoor event happening Saturday.
SPECIAL OPENING OF NISHI HONGWAN-JI TEMPLE : This is the final day for the special winter opening period at Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple. Take this last chance to see parts of the temple that might usually be closed to the public.It is the last day (March 14th) that this special seasonal viewing is available.
· March 15
3FREE : Witness the stunning traditional festival procession honoring the Blue Dragon, the guardian deity. An 18-meter-long dragon figure leads performers through the temple grounds and town, praying for protection.This is a unique, singular cultural event happening only on Sunday afternoon.
AOTANI PLUM GROVE PLUM FESTIVALFREE : Visit Joyo City for the final day of their plum blossom festival. Enjoy the beautiful blooms and check out the local specialty product sales happening at Naka-Tenmangu Shrine.This flower viewing event is wrapping up on Sunday, offering a nice outdoor experience.
SHIDARE UME FESTIVAL (WEEPING PLUM FESTIVAL) : Enjoy the beautiful sight of over 150 weeping plum trees in full bloom at Jonan-gu Shrine. It’s a very scenic spot to capture some early spring photos.It's a scenic, seasonal flower viewing event happening on Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1: Enjoy a relaxing outdoor activity where you can roast treats like sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and sausages over a bonfire. This is running on Saturday and Sunday.It's an engaging outdoor activity happening specifically on Saturday afternoon/evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Kyoto this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 14-15) there are 5 free events: Maizuru Curry Festa (Sat & Sun), Seiryu-e Dragon Festival Procession (Sun), Kyoto Hannaryz Game (Free Child Invitation for Sat & Sun), Picture Book Lecture (Sat), and the Free Digital Art Experience in Uji (Sat).
Are there any festivals running this weekend?
Yes, the Maizuru Curry Festa is running all weekend, and the Kiyomizu-dera Seiryu-e Dragon Festival procession is happening Sunday afternoon. You can also catch the end of the Aotani and Jonan-gu Plum Blossom Festivals on Sunday.
What is happening on Sunday, March 15th?
Sunday is great for culture and outdoors: see the spectacular Seiryu-e Dragon Procession at Kiyomizu-dera, grab a final dose of curry at the Maizuru Festa, or enjoy the last day of the Plum Blossom Festivals.
