The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, vibrant cherry blossoms in spring, and stunning fall foliage in autumn, adding to the city's enchanting beauty. Just keep in mind that it will be crowded and more expensive during Cherry Blossom season and also during Golden Week in early May. Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's most famous festivals, featuring magnificent floats parading through the streets of Kyoto's Gion district. This grand festival takes place throughout the month of July, with the main procession on July 17th. Some other festivals to be aware of include Hanatoro, which is held in March when the Higashiyama district's historic streets, temples, and gardens are adorned with thousands of lanterns; Aoi Matsuri, which is celebrated on May 15th with a grand procession in which participants dress in Heian-era costumes and march from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine; Jidai Matsuri, which takes place on October 22nd and is a historical parade that commemorates Kyoto's rich heritage; and Setsubun Mantoro, held annually on February 2nd and 3rd at Kiyomizu-dera featuring the illumination of over 1,000 lanterns.