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Agon Shu Hoshi Matsuri 星まつり

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Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2012

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Visiting Agon Shu Hoshi Matsuri today

  • What it is: A huge outdoor fire ritual held by the Agon Shu Buddhist group. Two great goma fires burn hundreds of thousands of prayer sticks on the hillside east of Kyoto.
  • When: Still held. It is no longer fixed to 11 February: the 2026 festival was Sunday 8 February, 10:00-14:30. The 2027 date is not yet announced.
  • Where: The Agon Shu Sohonden grounds in Yamashina. There is no parking; free shuttle buses run from Kyoto Station's Hachijo exit (Avanti side) from 9:00.
  • Watching: Free admission.
  • Tip: Take the shuttle early. The return buses leave from the Sohonden entrance from 11:00 to 15:00, and the queue is longest after the fires end.
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Early-to-mid February, on a weekend or holiday

Checked against: Agon no Hoshi Matsuri (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide, Japanese). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Agon Shu Hoshi Matsuri on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Culture

Hoshi Matsuri

Today was the annual Hoshi Matsuri at the Agon Shu Temple in Kyoto. I was surprised to see it being broadcast on so many different television stations…