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Best time to visit Kyoto

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Best time of year to visit Kyoto

Mild periods from March to May and September to November are the best time to visit Kyoto. Cherry blossoms and tourist crowds fill the streets in April, so you should book accommodation well in advance. If you are a fan of festivals like Gion and Tanabata, the crowdless time between June and August will suit you best. Just mind that summers can get unbearably hot and humid, especially when the typhoon season kicks in. Autumn will stun you with red and orange hues and treat you with exotic fruits like kyoho, kaki or yuzu. Winter in Kyoto is cold, but it comes with a bonus—moderate rates in hotels, where your toes will get all the warmth they deserve.

15 THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO (JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 09)

Hanami Season

February–April • activity

Enjoy the colorful sights of spring blossoms

Ume Blossom

February–March • nature

The beautiful though often underappreciated blossom of the Japanese plum is one of the first signs of spring

Sagano Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama)

all year round • nature

Mind visiting this bamboo grove to relax from the noisy city streets

Samurai Kembu (Sword Dance)

all year round • activity

Learn about the Samurai culture and traditions at Kembu Theater in Kyoto

Strawberries

December–May • food

The unique Japanese strawberries make for great romantic gifts

Kinkan

November–February • food

A small fruit with a sweet peel

Inago

December–February • food

This insect dish is available in jars or freshly boiled and prepared over rice during winter

Kaki

November–February • food

An autumn fruit with a woody texture

Kichiji

December–February • food

A small fish with a great taste

Sea Cucumber

December–February • food

Though not too pleasing to the eye, these creatures are a true delicacy

Tea Ceremony

all year round • activity

Kyoto is the magical place where tea ceremonies were born, so be sure to check out the best tea houses in the city

Nabemono or Nabe

December–February • food

Try this Japanese hot pot dish when it's cold outside

Onsen (Hot Springs)

December–February (all year round) • activity

One of the best ways to relax after a busy day of sightseeing

Hozu-Gawa River Boat Ride

March–May | September–November (all year round) • activity

The perfect activity for a nature lover with plenty to see and explore

Mikan

October–January • food

A citrus fruit that is easy to peel

30 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Geisha Dances in Kyoto

out of rangeApril–late May | early November • event

Don't miss the chance to meet prominent Japanese Geishas while in Kyoto

Daimonji or Gozan no Okuribi

out of rangeAugust 16 (limited event) • event

Enormous characters set afire to guide ancestors to the other world

Tanabata Festival

out of rangeJuly 7–August • event

Celebrated nationwide, this festival brings colour and romance to daily life!

Azaleas

out of rangelate May–June • nature

A colourful miracle of spring!

Obon Matsuri

out of rangeJuly 13–15 | August 13–15 • event

Feel the spirituality of the Japanese Buddhist festival of the Dead

Baseball Season

out of rangelate March–October • activity

An American sport with a Japanese twist

Aoi Matsuri (Festival)

out of rangeMay 15 • event

Go back to ancient Kyoto and take in the real atmosphere of imperial culture

Jidai Matsuri (Festival)

out of rangeOctober 22 • event

An ancient costume procession that cannot be missed

Hanami Dango

out of rangelate March–April • food

Thanks to this traditional Japanese dessert you will be able to feel cherry blossoms with all your five senses

Autumn Foliage (Kōyō)

out of rangemid-October–mid-December • nature

This is a magical time when all parks, temples, shrines and gardens explode into red and orange hues

Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro

unconfirmedearly-to-mid-March 2023 • event

This unusual event creates a dreamy and magical atmosphere around Higashiyama

Kusa Mochi

out of rangeMarch–May • food

Traditionally eaten in spring, "grass mochi" is a true delight

Toshikoshi Soba

out of rangeDecember 31 • food

Traditional noodles for a great New Year's meal

Fukinoto

out of rangelate March– April • food

Taste this true sign of spring

Yabusame Shinji

out of rangeMay 3 • event

Check out unique Japanese sports of mounted archery at Yabusame Shinji

Kakigori or Shaved Ice

out of rangeJune–August • food

Suffering from intense summer heat? Cool down with delicious Kakigori

Cherry Blossom

out of rangelate March–mid-April • nature

View stunning sakura blossoms with UNESCO world heritage sites on a backdrop

Ume

out of rangeJune–July • food

Well-known for their blossoms, umes are Japanese plums

Sunakake Matsuri

out of rangeFebruary 11 • activity

Have you ever dreamt of going back to your childhood and starting a sand fight?

Yuzu

out of rangeNovember–December • food

Used mostly for cooking, this citrus fruit has a unique taste

Fuji Apples

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

These special Japanese apples are both sweet and juicy

Satonishiki Cherries

out of rangeMay–July • food

A bright red and luxurious variety of cherry

Gion Matsuri (Festival)

out of rangeJuly • event

This month of rituals and traditions can't be missed during your Kyoto vacation

Kyoho

out of rangeSeptember–December • food

Japanese grapes with a thick skin

Eel

out of rangeJune–August • food

In Japan summer means eel time!

Nashi Pears

out of rangeSeptember–October • food

Similar to apples in taste and texture, Japanese pears are large and crispy

Asparagus

out of rangeMay–July • food

You will find it everywhere during this season!

Water Lilies Season

out of rangemid-May–mid-September • nature

The rainy season is the perfect time for nature fans to be in Kyoto

Hiking

out of rangeMarch–May | September–November • activity

Marvellous mountains, hills, crystal blue lakes, rivers and waterfalls, multiple spiritual temples and shrines—all of this awaits you in the Kyoto area