Things to do in Kyoto on a Rainy Day

When you plan a trip to Japan, what’s one of the cities that should be at the top of your itinerary? Kyoto, of course! The beautiful city of Kyoto was once the home of the imperial family and even continues to live up to its namesake as the cultural capital of Japan today. But there’s one thing that we can’t always predict on our exploration through Kyoto and that is… the weather! A beautiful sunny day can suddenly turn cloudy and rainy or you may be visiting in early June to July when Tsuyu (rainy season) is in action. Now don’t despair, you can still explore Kyoto amongst the wet weather. You may not be able to explore the great outdoors but sure enough, there are still many places you can see and explore the culture of Japan. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Museums

Okay so hear me out! Museums may not be at the top of your list but I can assure you there is something for everything. It’s also a great way to travel through the years and experience the former capital in all of its different eras. Kyoto has numerous museums on a wide variety of topics. Are you a manga lover? Then the Kyoto International Manga Museum is perfect for you! Do you enjoy sake? Then check out the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. If you’re fascinated with samurais and ninjas, then head on over to the Samurai and Ninja Museum with Experience! Our tea lovers will absolutely enjoy the Raku Museum which displays at least 1200 Raku tea bowls and holds exhibitions for each season. They also host tea ceremonies for the visitors to enjoy!

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum website: https://www.gekkeikan.com/

Samurai and Ninja Museum: https://mai-ko.com/samurai/

Raku Museum: https://www.raku-yaki.or.jp/e/

And of course, we can’t forget our art lovers! The National Museum of Modern Art, Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hosomi Museum, and the Furuta Oribe Museum are must-sees. The Kyoto Cultural Museum takes you on a journey of Japanese traditions throughout the eras. And if you’re looking for a special treat, head over to the Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum where you can find at least 50 unique kaleidoscopes! Visitors can even try them out to view these spectacular patterns. There is even a construction taster where you will be taught how to make kaleidoscopes.

National Museum of Modern Art: https://www.momak.go.jp/English/

Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art:http://www.kahitsukan.or.jp/frame_e.html

Hosomi Museum: https://www.emuseum.or.jp/eng/

Furuta Oribe Museum:http://www.furutaoribe-museum.com/museum.html

Kaleidoscope Museum: http://k-kaleido.org/

Historical Sites

Kyoto is home to over 1600 temples, some of which have breathtaking gardens that are enhanced by the rain and can be viewed whilst exploring. It’s a different experience listening to the rain far away from the sounds of civilization. The rain can really enhance your experiences at temples if this weather brings you comfort and you like being out and about in it. Not to mention, most people stay inside on these days so there are no crowds at any of these gorgeous, tranquil sites. So where should we start our historical journey? Kinkakuji (金閣寺) or the Golden Pavilion should definitely be on your list! This temple is known as Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement villa and was first called Rokuonji. As per Ashikga Yoshimitsu’s will, the temple became a Zen temple after his death. It looks over a large pond and the two topmost floors are entirely covered in gold leaf! In addition to Kinkakuji Temple, there are tons more that are special and worth seeing in the nation’s old capital, as well as cool historical architecture like castles. Here are a few of our favorites:

Kinkakuji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7mkmTD7iHBv7x8tH6

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JfAKHP56oVL7vMk58

Ginkakuji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aULbZudzcW6iPetH7

Nanzenji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lwd7JSHtX2sQxL318

Nijo Castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/avWqc2u35CK4DWLA7

Cultural Workshops

Cultural workshops can give you another experience of Japanese culture. You can join a tea ceremony like at Kinkaku-ji Temple or Camellia in Northwestern Kyoto. Our sweet lovers would enjoy Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) making workshops which gives you the chance to make a delicious and beautiful sweet that can be enjoyed with Japanese tea! If you want to make something to take home with you, you can check out a pottery workshop where you can hand make or even decorate a fired piece!

Kinkakuji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7mkmTD7iHBv7x8tH6

Camellia: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UfKdMPitJ7ScqDqo7

Shop Till You Drop!

One activity that you can always do rain or shine is… shopping! Nishiki market stands as one of the most popular places, especially in the rain. You can find traditional gems and mouth-watering delicacies in this lively roof-covered market! You can also take a detour to Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade which is south of Teramachi Arcade, Daimaru Department Store in the west, and Takashimaya Department Store, just to name a few!

Check out our Nishiki Market Tour: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/tours/kyoto-walking-food-tour/

Nidec Kyoto Tower

Now you can’t go to Kyoto and not visit Kyoto Tower, can you? Located near Kyoto Station, it is the tallest and most iconic structure within the city fitted with an observation deck to give a panoramic view of Kyoto City! There are also great places to shop for souvenirs and even workshops around the area like do-it-yourself miniature sample food replicas!

Nidec Kyoto Tower: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6pGjNdrx2YdLKHDX9

Kyoto Aquarium

If you’re an ocean and animal lover like me, the Kyoto Aquarium will keep you dry whilst you take a tour of Kyoto’s Sea, River, and Countryside views. You may even experience one of the activities that the event hall hosts whilst also making a few friends with the garden eels, anemones, and corals! Or you might make acquaintances with the giant salamander or a penguin or two!

Kyoto Aquarium:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/GPAX2Am8XtxYAmU37

Kyoto has a wealth of culture and experiences to enjoy no matter the weather. Even if there is a symphony being played by the rain outside, you can still find some fun activities from museum hopping, temple hopping, or shopping to viewing the city from Kyoto Tower and even the friendly faces of aquatic creatures at the Kyoto Aquarium. That means rain or shine, there is still something wonderful and new to find within the walls of this incredible city. So what do you say? Is anyone up for a new adventure?

 

Feature photo credit: 犬 の口

 

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If you’re coming to Kyoto to check out any of these locations or events, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?