Kyoto possesses a special charm in the rain. The temples and shrines veiled in mist, the glistening wet cobblestones, and the trees gleaming with moisture create a unique atmospheric beauty. While rainy weather may limit outdoor sightseeing, it presents an opportunity to discover new aspects of Kyoto's allure.
In this article, we'll introduce you to Kyoto's traditional cultural experiences and indoor activities that are best enjoyed on rainy days, as well as spots that are particularly beautiful in the rain. From tea ceremony experiences to contemporary art, we'll provide you with a fulfilling Kyoto sightseeing plan that isn't affected by the weather.
Additionally, we'll share insider tips not found in tourist guidebooks, including hidden cafes recommended by locals, special rainy day programs, and photogenic spots. Enjoy a deeper cultural experience and create lasting memories in rainy Kyoto.
Recommended Indoor Attractions
We'll introduce you to Kyoto's indoor attractions that can be comfortably visited even on rainy days. Here are 10 recommended spots where you can experience various cultures, from historical buildings to contemporary art.
Kyoto National Museum https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/
A sanctuary of Japanese art featuring National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
Access: 5-minute walk from "Higashiyama-Yasui" bus stop on Bus Route 100 from Kyoto Station, or 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art https://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/
View contemporary art in a renovated modern space. The Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts is located inside the adjacent ROHM Theatre, where you can see displays of traditional Kyoto crafts such as Nishijin textiles and Kiyomizu pottery, as well as artisan demonstrations
Access: Direct access from "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine" bus stop on City Bus Routes 5 and 100 from Kyoto Station, or 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Nijo Castle https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en
Admire the luxurious screen paintings in the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace
Access: Direct access from "Nijo-jo mae" bus stop on City Bus Route 9 from Kyoto Station, or 5-minute walk from Nijo-jo mae Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Kiyomizu-dera Main Hall https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
A stage offering panoramic views of misty Kyoto city from indoors
Access: 15-minute walk from "Kiyomizu-michi" bus stop on City Bus Routes 100 and 206 from JR Kyoto Station
Nishiki Market https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/
A 400-meter covered shopping arcade known as "Kyoto's Kitchen"
Access: 5-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Subway Karasuma Line
Nishi Hongwanji Temple https://www.hongwanji.or.jp/
Experience the majestic architectural beauty of the National Treasure Goei-do and Amida-do halls
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
Higashi Hongwanji Temple http://english.higashihonganji.or.jp/english_top/
One of Japan's largest wooden structures featuring a magnificent main hall and founder's hall
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
Kyoto Aquarium https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/en/index.html
Comfortable indoor viewing of dolphin shows and Kyoto river life exhibits even on rainy days
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
A complex facility offering shopping and dining in an underground mall
Access: Directly in front of JR Kyoto Station
Porta Underground Mall https://www.porta.co.jp.e.sd.hp.transer.com/
A convenient commercial facility connected to Kyoto Station with over 100 shops
Access: Directly connected to JR Kyoto Station underground
Gardens Beautiful in the Rain
Let us introduce you to Kyoto's garden spots that are perfect to visit on rainy days. The rain-soaked moss glows even more vividly green, and you can enjoy the profound scenery of Japanese gardens while listening to the sound of rain in tranquil spaces. We'll introduce both popular and hidden gems.
Nanzenji Temple The spacious temple grounds and rain-soaked gardens create a deeply atmospheric ambiance. The Suirokaku (aqueduct) is especially popular as a photo spot on rainy days. Web site: https://www.nanzenji.or.jp Access: 10-minute walk from Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Shisendo Temple The moss garden becomes even more vibrantly green when moistened by rain. The stone steps and stepping stones gleam beautifully when wet. Web site: https://www.shisendo.jp Access: Right at "Shisendo" stop on City Bus Route 5
Tojiin Temple Enjoy rainy scenery in a tranquil setting. As the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns, its misty gardens offer views of Arashiyama. Web site: https://www.tojiin.com Access: 5-minute walk from "Tojiin-cho" stop on City Bus Route 26
Ryosokuin Sub-temple of Kennin-ji A hidden gem where the small dry landscape garden is enhanced by rain. Recommended for garden viewing from the tea room in this quiet space. Web site: https://www.ryosokuin.com Access: 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
Fundain Temple A temple where the harmony between bamboo grove and moss garden is particularly beautiful on rainy days. The sight of raindrops trickling down bamboo creates a poetic atmosphere. Access: 10-minute taxi ride from Kitaoji Station on the Subway Karasuma Line
Taizoin Temple A famous spot where the garden's charm deepens on cloudy and rainy days. The hojo garden is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Web site: http://www.taizoin.com/ Access: 7-minute walk from "Daitokuji-mae" stop on City Bus Route 205
Daisenin Sub-temple of Daitoku-ji Enjoy garden viewing while listening to the sound of rain in this serene space. The dry landscape garden is particularly striking with its rain-moistened stones and moss. Web site:https://www.daisenin.or.jp Access: 5-minute walk from "Daitokuji-mae" bus stop
Exploring Covered Shopping Arcades with Unique Features
Kyoto's shopping arcades are ideal spots for sightseeing on rainy days. While walking through the covered streets, you can enjoy both traditional shops and modern stores. You can also glimpse into the daily lives of local residents, allowing for a deeper Kyoto experience. Each shopping arcade has its own unique characteristics and history, making them worthwhile to explore just for their ambiance alone.
Shinkyogoku Street
Kyoto's largest shopping arcade featuring a variety of shops from traditional Japanese confectionery stores to the latest fashion boutiques.
Nishiki Market
A historic shopping district known as "Kyoto's Kitchen" where you can fully experience Kyoto's food culture.
Teramachi Street
An atmospheric shopping arcade lined with shops characteristic of Kyoto, including used bookstores, stationery shops, and tea houses.
Sanjo Shopping Arcade
A shopping district supporting local residents' daily lives, rich with old-style eateries and specialty shops that maintain their traditional atmosphere.
Demachi Masugata Shopping Arcade
A shopping street leading to Shimogamo Shrine, lined with establishments including long-established tofu shops and Japanese confectionery stores, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Recommended Massages and Public Baths to Warm Up Your Chilled Body
On rainy days, it's easy for your body to get cold and tired. At times like these, why not warm yourself up from the core at a hot spring or public bath, and relieve your fatigue with a massage? Here are some recommended spots:
Public baths (sento) are traditional facilities that have played an important role in Japanese culture and society.
The history of public baths dates back to the Nara period (710-794). They originally started as "bath houses" established in temples for monks, and by the Heian period, they had spread to the general public.
During the Edo period, public bath culture greatly developed, especially in urban areas, becoming an essential facility in people's daily lives. Even today, public baths continue to play important social roles, with the following characteristics:
They function as community gathering places, especially serving as hangout spots for students and young people
They serve as places for health promotion and healing, particularly valued as spots to warm up on rainy days
Some facilities operate 24 hours, allowing flexible use according to visitors' lifestyles
Furthermore, they offer an affordable way to experience traditional Japanese bathing culture and are effective for refreshing both body and mind.
▼Recommended Public Baths
Kyoto Natural Hot Spring “Hotaru no Yu” Official website: https://dormy-hotels.com/dormyinn/hotels/kyoto/ Features: A spa facility popular for its stone sauna and massage services
Kyoto Onsen Take no Sato Onsen Official website: https://www.manyo.co.jp/kyoto/ Features: Popular for its combination of natural hot springs and aromatherapy massage
Funaoka Onsen Official website: http://funaokaonsen.net/dish.html Features: A popular spot open 24 hours, accessible even late at night
▼Traditional public baths and saunas have become popular among students and young people recently.
Sauna Umeyu Area: Gojo Official website: https://yutonamisha.com/sento/umeyu/ Features: Very popular among young people for its retro atmosphere and authentic sauna
Kuretakeyu Area: Kyoto City Hall Area: Kawaramachi Official website: https://kyoto-tamanoyu.com/ Features: An affordable public bath at 510 yen, conveniently located 10 minutes on foot from Kawaramachi
Cultural Experiences in Kyoto You Must Book on Rainy Days!
Let us introduce you to cultural experiences you can enjoy on rainy days in Kyoto
Tea Ceremony Experience - EN (Entoku-in) Web site: https://www.en-tea.com Enjoy matcha while learning proper tea ceremony etiquette in an authentic tea room.
Japanese Confectionery Making Experience - Kyogashi Suetomi Web site: https://www.kyoto-suetomi.com/ Learn to make seasonal wagashi directly from master craftsmen.
Lacquerware Painting Experience - Lacquer Workshop Zohiko Web site: https://www.zohiko.co.jp/global/en/ Experience traditional maki-e lacquer techniques.
Kimono Dressing Experience - Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Web site: https://www.en-kyoto.yumeyakata.com/ Experience professional kimono dressing by expert dressers. Multiple locations convenient to Kyoto's tourist areas.
Kyoto Fan Making Experience - Kyosendo Web site: https://kyosendo.co.jp/ Experience painting and assembling traditional Kyoto folding fans.
Incense Ceremony Experience - Tenkodo Main Store Sagano Branch Web site: https://tenkhodou.com/ Create your own "zuko" incense using the same materials as master craftsmen in the traditional Japanese world of fragrance.
Calligraphy Experience - CHIFUMI Web site: http://calligraphy.kyoto.jp/ Experience traditional Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink.
Sushi Making Experience - Sushi Lab. by Sumaya Web site:https://www.su4lab.com/ Try making sushi in Kyoto. Perfect for rainy days as it's indoors. Make and eat Japan's popular sushi cuisine, a favorite among tourists.
Transportation Tips for Rainy Days (How to Use Buses & Subway)
Here are three important tips for getting around Kyoto on rainy days:
Prioritize using the subway - During rainy weather, the subway is the most reliable means of transportation. Many major tourist spots are within walking distance of subway stations.
Consider crowding at bus stops - Bus stops tend to get especially crowded on rainy days, so we recommend allowing extra time for your journey.
Make use of day passes - Since you're likely to use public transportation frequently on rainy days, purchasing a day pass is convenient and economical.
For Family Travelers
-Kyoto City Bus & Subway Family Day Pass Available for 1 adult + up to 2 children, more economical than regular tickets
-For those traveling with children, elementary school students are half price, preschoolers ride free
For Friends Traveling in Pairs
-Subway & Bus Day Pass Set for two people Discounted when purchasing two passes together
-Especially economical when making multiple trips between tourist spots
For Group Travelers
-Group discount tickets: Discounted bus and subway passes available for groups of 15 or more
Special group passes offering even better value are available with advance reservation.
Since you're likely to use public transportation more frequently on rainy days, these day passes are both convenient and economical.
Recommended Historic Cafes and Traditional Sweet Shops for Sheltering from the Rain
Let us introduce you to recommended historic cafes and traditional sweet shops perfect for sheltering from the rain in Kyoto. The city is home to many long-established businesses with rich histories, and spending time in their atmospheric spaces will create special memories. Enjoying tea and wagashi while listening to the sound of rain is a luxurious way to pass time that can only be experienced in Kyoto. We have selected some special places that charm
visitors with their historic buildings and serene ambiance.
Inoda Coffee Main Store Established in 1940, this is one of Kyoto's most iconic historic cafes. Enjoy their signature coffee while listening to the sound of rain in their classical interior. Official website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UbGRjCe5tY9jdFsU8
Kikunoi Saryo An elegant tea house operated by a long-established traditional restaurant. Popular for its seasonal wagashi and matcha set, where you can experience the atmosphere of rain in a tranquil Japanese space. Official website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n2HeeyJu59QxNJTR8
Kyoto Sweets Bunnosuke Chaya A historic confectionery shop in Gion established during the Meiji era. Spend a luxurious rainy day moment enjoying seasonal sweets in a quintessential Kyoto townhouse setting. Official website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/smaoQGjZdXr3Kyzk8
blend kyoto A shop created from a renovated townhouse. You can select your favorite beans from their various coffee options to create your own original blend. They will hand-drip your custom blend on the spot, allowing you to enjoy freshly brewed coffee. Official website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PEYPY1pP2d7UdGQ77
Kurasu Kyoto Stand Conveniently located just 5 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station. Knowledgeable baristas carefully brew specialty coffee using carefully selected beans. The modern and minimal interior provides the perfect space to leisurely enjoy coffee on a rainy day. They also sell coffee beans, making it a popular spot for souvenirs. Official website: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nf8uhUgHVYa2qKeR8
How about trying a sushi-making experience indoors on a rainy day?
At Sushi Lab. by Sumaya, you can experience authentic sushi-making in a comfortable indoor setting even on rainy days. Using seasonal, carefully selected seafood and Kyoto-produced condiments, you can create your own original sushi under the guidance of professional chefs.
In addition to the sushi-making experience, we also offer vegan sushi-making courses and, for groups, an impressive tuna filleting show & sushi catering service.
Additionally, we are currently offering a popular salmon arrangement class exclusively for this winter. Please check our official website for details. With small class sizes and careful instruction, even first-time participants can join with confidence. English support is also available, making it perfect for creating memories with international guests.
After the experience, you can leisurely enjoy your self-made sushi in a beautiful Japanese setting. Photography is freely permitted, making it popular for creating memorable social media posts.
We can accommodate food allergies when booking, and the experience is enjoyable for everyone from children to seniors. Please enjoy this authentic sushi-making experience as a memorable part of your rainy day in Kyoto.
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