Kyoto Environmental Festival 2026 brings climate learning to the city

Kyoto Prefecture will hold the Kyoto Environmental Festival 2026 on 11 February at the Kyoto Pulse Plaza. The festival aims to provide children a place to engage with environmental issues through play and interactive learning. This 36th edition of the festival continues a long tradition of regional environmental advocacy, following a successful previous year that saw approximately 9,000 visitors.

The festival will feature a range of activities promoting circular economy principles and climate awareness. Visitors can participate in workshops to create kaleidoscopes from waste materials or craft bath bombs using environmentally friendly ingredients. To address food loss and disaster preparedness, a dedicated session will teach participants how to make “snack pouches” using everyday confectionery. The event also incorporates resource circulation through a flea market and a food drive collection point for surplus food items.

A specialised seminar for middle school students, developed by Earth Hacks Inc. and baton will use games and quizzes to make the concept of a carbon-neutral society accessible. For younger children, the Kyoto Prefectural Center for Climate Change Actions will conduct a “Karuta” card game tournament focused on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The organisers have also integrated sustainable practices into the event. Local food stalls will serve regional produce using reusable tableware to minimise waste. Furthermore, the festival includes a “Quiz Rally” where participants can win locally grown vegetables, encouraging an appreciation for local production and consumption. Approximately 80 organisations, including NPOs, schools, and private companies, will host exhibition booths to showcase various environmental initiatives.

To ensure accessibility for families, the organisers will provide a free shuttle bus and a complimentary nursery service for children aged six months to pre-school age. While general admission is free, certain seminars and the nursery room require prior registration by 4 February.