2025 Kyoto International Photography Exhibition Guide

​Kyoto is set to host a special event—the Kyoto International Photography Exhibition—starting April 12.​

Unlike typical exhibitions confined to a single gallery, this unique photography event unfolds throughout Kyoto's serene alleyways and iconic landmarks. In this edition, we'll share insights about the Kyoto International Photography Exhibition, offering an experience that transcends traditional displays.​


KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photography Exhibition 2025



· Dates: Saturday, April 12, 2025, to Sunday, May 11, 2025​
· Venues: Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, Kyoto Shimbun Building, Kyoto Station, Masukata Shopping Arcade, among others​

As a historic cultural city, Kyoto's international photography exhibition breaks the mold of conventional gallery shows. Beyond the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, venues include diverse galleries like Gallery Sukita and Shimadai Gallery West, as well as unconventional spaces such as the northern façade of Kyoto Station and the Demachi Masukata Shopping Arcade, offering visitors a multifaceted artistic journey.​



Last year, the festival attracted an impressive 270,000 visitors over a month, underscoring its status as Kyoto's premier photographic art celebration. The 2025 theme, "HUMANITY,"

delves into love, empathy, resilience, and the complexities of human life. Through photography, the exhibition addresses pressing contemporary issues, set against the backdrop of Kyoto's charming historical architecture and modern spaces, creating a harmonious blend of art and environment.​

Explore Exhibition Venues and Programs in Detail



For the 2025 Kyoto International Photography Exhibition, there's no need to purchase individual tickets for each venue. A single Kyoto Photography Exhibition Passport grants access to all exhibitions citywide, allowing you to navigate Kyoto freely and curate your own art-viewing itinerary.​

Through WAUG, you can conveniently secure the Kyoto Photography Exhibition Passport, along with the Haruka Express Train—a vital transportation option for Kyoto travelers—at a discounted rate. Combine value and convenience as you embark on a special artistic stroll through Kyoto.​