Summer in Kyoto: Explore Unique River Dining and Dreamy Festivals
Last Updated on May 7, 2026 by Audrey
If you’re thinking about venturing out in the sweltering sun to visit Japan’s most storied, ethereal city, then I applaud you. Summer in Kyoto honestly does get really hot and humid, I can’t even lie to you. But does that mean you should skip it? HELL NO!
If you decide to brave the sweatbox, it’s also one of the most fun times to visit the city because everything is so lush and green, and there are a lot of fun festivals happening in the summer.
The first time I ever went to Japan was in June, and while it was definitely hot at times, I survived to tell the tale. And believe me, it was a life-changing experience. Getting to experience the city in all its greenery and seeing the temples surrounded by such lush natural scenery made it feel even more awe inspiring. And you’re going to go through the same metamorphosis that I did.
In this Kyoto summer guide, I’ll go over why you should brave the heat to venture to Japan’s most historic, ancient city, seasonal events to see and do, and the best places to stay.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Summer in Kyoto Picks
My favorite hotel for summer in Kyoto - I LOVE Saka Hotel Kyoto because of its convenient location next to Kiyomizu Temple and the beautiful spacious rooms!
My favorite tour for summer in Kyoto - I loved this tour that takes you to Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple!
Summer in Kyoto Travel Guide
Let’s break down the beauty of Kyoto and the magic that you’ll see in summertime
Is Kyoto worth visiting in summer?
I’ll be honest, summertime in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka can get super humid. It feels really hot and sticky. But I still think it’s worth visiting in the summer for several reasons. The flowers are in bloom, so you’ll see tons of many beautiful gardens, and the shrines are surrounded by natural scenery that makes everything feel even more wistful.
Even though the weather is hot, there are still so many summer events and festivals that make Kyoto worth visiting.
I visited Kyoto for the first time in June and thought it was utterly beautiful. There is some rainfall during June and July, and it gets pretty hot in July and August, so it can feel like monsoon weather.
If you go in the beginning of summer, it’s bearable, but as the season goes on, July and August get super hot, so be prepared.
Summer Kyoto Weather (June to August)
- June - Expect a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 60s, with approximately 11 days of rain.
- July - Expect a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 70s, with approximately 12 days of rain. Expect hot days, warm nights, and high chances of rain.
- August - Expect a high of 92 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 75s, with approximately 8 days of rain. It’s still very hot, but the chances of rain are less.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto in summer?
I think it’s better to visit either in May or early June, when the weather isn’t super hot yet and it hasn’t started raining.
The end of August also works, when it’s still hot but doesn’t rain as much. I personally think July is the worst month because it’s hot, humid, and rainy.
Why Visit Kyoto in Summer
Okay, you get it, the weather isn’t great. Now let's get into all the reasons why Kyoto in the summer is legendary, starting with summer matsuri (festivals)!
Traditional festivals and seasonal events
If you’ve never gone to a traditional Japanese festival, it is honestly one of the most fun things about Japan in the summertime! When I went to my first festival in Tokyo, I felt like I was living out my anime dreams.
There are tons of food stalls where you can get street food like yakisoba and tanghulu, and then there are fun game vendors where you can win prizes. There’s also that goldfish catching game that seems to show up in every slice of life manga, and it’s just such a fun vibe. The energy is contagious.
Here are the best summer festivals in Kyoto:
- Gion Matsuri - Kyoto’s most famous summer festival and takes place throughout the month of July. The biggest highlights are the famous yamahoko float processions on July 17 (and a smaller one on July 24), which are part of a tradition that goes back more than 1,150 years.
- Gozan no Okuribi - the traditional August event where giant bonfires are lit on Kyoto’s mountains in kanji and special symbol shapes to send off ancestral spirits during Obon. It is best known for the huge “Daimonji” character that lights up the summer night sky on August 16.
- Fushimi Inari Motomiya Festival - worshippers from Inari shrines across Japan come to Fushimi Inari Taisha to pay their respects and give thanks for blessings received. It takes place around late July, and the shrine is especially known for its beautiful lantern lighting at night.
Lush greenery at temples and gardens
I think the temples in Kyoto are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else. There is so much history packed into them, and they’re just beautiful. My favorite temple in all of Japan is Kiyomizu-dera because it’s built on a mountain slope, so as you walk up, you pass little boutiques selling snacks and fun drinks, and then you’re met with this striking architecture of the temple grounds.
As you walk around, you get to wander the temple halls, and you can also look out over the city resting below among the green trees and blooming flowers. It’s almost indescribable and one of the most stunning things in the world.
Seasonal food
Summer is one of the best times to visit Japan because there is so much seasonal food to enjoy, and it’s seriously so delicious. Things like fresh fruit and vegetables are in season, and it’s perfect weather to enjoy kakigori (shaved ice), tanghulu (candied fruit), and cold soba noodles.
Things To Do in Kyoto in Summer
There are endless things to do in Kyoto, so I’ll focus on the summer must-dos!
1. See Gion Matsuri in July
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), the festival of Yasaka Shrine, is the most famous festival in Japan! While you can enjoy the festivities over the entire month of July, most people try to see the grand procession of floats, or Yamaboko Junko, that takes place on July 17.
This festival dates back to 869, when the city tried to appease the gods during an epidemic outbreak. Even today, the festival continues the practice of selecting a local boy to serve as a divine messenger. From July 13th to July 17th, he can’t touch the ground until the day he is paraded through town.
Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut from WikiMedia
As I’ve said before, Japanese festivals are incredibly festive and fun, with opulent floats, abundant food stalls, and tons of games, so definitely try to see this event if you’re planning to go to Kyoto in July.
2. Watch Gozan no Okuribi in August
One event that I always thought was kind of peculiar was how Japan lights many mountains on fire. However, only after I learned the symbolism behind it did I understand how unique and beautiful it was.
An example of this is Gozan no Okuribi. In this ceremony, five large fires are lit on the mountainsides around northern Kyoto on August 16 to help guide ancestors back to heaven. They’re lit in kanji and other symbolic shapes, so it’s a very unique spectacle, but it also has a lot of spiritual meaning behind it. It’s very moving to see, as it's almost like another goodbye for those who have passed away.
3. Visit Kifune Shrine in Kibune
Kibune is a peaceful half day escape into the mountains and is just 25 to 30 minutes from Kyoto by train. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Kyoto in the summer, especially if you want a break from the city heat and like nature.
You can visit Kifune Shrine and enjoy the serene mountain setting, or turn it into more of an active outing by doing the hike between Kurama and Kibune. The trail takes you through peaceful cedar forests, past small shrines, and up to Kurama dera Temple, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
4. Try kawadoko dining over Kibune river
I recommend ending your day in Kibune, and trying kawadoko dining over the Kibune river! Platforms are built directly over the river, and it’s a unique dining experience only in Kibune.
Photo by Satoshi Hirayama on Pexels
In Kyoto, there is Kawayuka dining over the Kamogawa River, but it’s more like riverside dining. In Kibune, you get to dine right above the river.
5. Spend a green morning in Arashiyama
Arashiyama is on the outskirts of Kyoto city, and you have to go there when you visit Kyoto because it’s packed with amazing temples, a lush bamboo forest, and so much natural beauty. You can spend the whole day in Arashiyama and not get bored.
Oh, and there’s also a monkey park where you can meet Japanese macaque monkeys!
6. Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Arashiyama’s top attractions, and while I usually don’t think it’s always worth going because it can get really shady and dark, summer is honestly one of the best times to go.
You’ll be shaded from the sun and be able to take amazing photos with more daylight hours in the summertime.
It’s also right next to Tenryu-ji (Silver Pavilion), which is a temple I went to and really loved. It has beautiful gardens, so it’s a nice place to pair with the bamboo forest.
7. Visit Tenryu-ji
On my first trip to Kyoto, I went to the Silver Pavilion during the summertime. Seeing it during peak greenery was unbelievably beautiful.
They have stunning, expansive Japanese style gardens with sand, rocks, and trees. Coming from California, we don’t have anything that even comes close to a dry Japanese garden. Everything is so immaculately maintained, and it was such a great way to spend half the day walking around the temple halls and going inside the buildings.
Unlike the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), which used to be the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and is off limits to visitors, you can actually go inside the Silver Pavilion, so I feel like it’s a bit more worth it. Plus, it’s right next to the bamboo forest.
8. Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway or Hozugawa River Boat Ride
I went on the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in March, and it was a little cold, so I feel like going during the summertime would be a great time to do it because the water will cool you down on a hot summer day. Also, the trees would be a stunning lush green color, so you’d get to enjoy some amazing scenery.
The boatmen are also really funny and make a lot of jokes throughout the ride, which keeps you entertained during the whole two hour ride. They really make it lively and fun the whole time.
If you want to book your boat ride, it does sell out pretty quickly, so I’d recommend booking at least a month or two in advance. You can click here for my link to book it!
👍 Pro tip: Make sure to check the official site the morning of to make sure there are no closures due to weather.
9. Visit Fushimi Inari in the Morning
It’s really great to visit Fushimi Inari during the summertime because the sun sets later, so you can visit in the evening. You’ll have more daylight hours to visit the shrine, which is great because it’s packed pretty much all the time.
The sun also rises earlier, so if you’re an early bird, you can take that opportunity and visit Fushimi Inari early in the morning at 7, before it gets too hot.
It’s Kyoto’s biggest attraction and totally worth going, even though it’s always busy with tourists, so I highly recommend it. I’ve been three times now, and it never gets any less amazing seeing the bright red (or in my opinion, orange) gates among the forest.
If you want to visit Fushimi Inari and also be taken to other great areas of Kyoto, I recommend booking this full day tour of Kyoto that includes Fushimi Inari. The main attractions in Kyoto are spread out, so having transportation will save you a ton of time.
10. Explore quieter, shaded spots in Kyoto
There are so many little pockets of Kyoto that aren’t super well known, and so many side streets that you can just get lost in, so I feel like Kyoto is perfect for exploring and wandering down shaded alleyways.
For example, you could go to Gion and then explore Pontocho Alley, where geishas roam. There are countless quiet teahouses that you can slip into and explore. You can even arrange a meeting with a geisha there!
Some lesser known spots that you could check out:
- Shimogamo Shrine and Tadasu no Mori - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, this shrine complex was built in the 6th century to protect against evil spirits, and features stunning vermilion colored gates shelved by the Tadasu no Mori forest.
- Sanzenin Temple - A large temple in Ohara with a stunning moss garden and awe-inspiring statue of Amina Buddha. While Ohara is a peaceful town, Sanzenin Temple and the Michelin starred ryokan Seryo (one of the BEST ryokans I found in Kyoto!) make this area worth an overnight stay.
11. Visit Nijo Castle grounds during a night illumination
Nijo Castle in central Kyoto would be perfect to explore during a summer night.
We visited at night during nighttime illumination for cherry blossom season, and it was super fun because the castle collaborated with a digital art project NAKED to showcase beautiful art around the temple grounds.
The collaboration continues into summertime, and you can book a ticket to visit Nijo Castle after hours, from around 6 to 10 PM.
The interactive art bounces off the historic walls, inspired by Kyoto’s summer scenery, with riverbed platforms, moon flowers, and bamboo leaf boats. It’s a perfect evening activity, where you can wander the castle during a warm summer night and enjoy the expansive gardens and beautiful layout.
12. Take a summer day trip from Kyoto
One of my favorite things about Kyoto is how close it is to other amazing cities. Nara, Uji, and Ogoto onsen are all nearby, and are great day trips from Kyoto.
Feed deer in Nara
Nara is the most common day trip from Kyoto, popular for the bowing deer in Nara Park. I visited Nara on my first trip to Kyoto and absolutely loved feeding the deer! There are vendors around the park who sell biscuits you can feed to the deer.
If you decide to go here in the summer, I recommend coming to Nara early before it gets super hot. Nara is famous for its deer and stunning temples, both of which are primarily outside.
🦌 Click here to book this popular tour to Nara with 1,700+ 5-star reviews! 🦌
Uji for matcha and riverside scenery
Uji is one of my favorite day trips from Kyoto because it has the perfect amount of things to do for one day trip, with the iconic temple, authentic tea ceremonies, and tons of tea shops if you love matcha. There’s also a shopping street with cute little shops that we wandered around after learning about an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.
If you want to know more about what a day trip to Uji looks like, click here!
It was super hard getting to Uji from Kyoto and we had to take three different trains, so if you want an easier way to get there, I recommend taking a day tour with transportation included.
Lake Biwa for a refreshing escape
Last time I went to Kyoto, I stayed in an onsen in Ogoto Onsen right next to Lake Biwa. Ogoto Onsen, or Otsu city, is pretty convenient because it’s only about a 20 to 30 minute train ride from Kyoto Station, and it’s very relaxing if you want to get away from the city for a while and just hang out by the lake and recuperate your energy.
If you want a relaxing ryokan stay, then going to an onsen near Lake Biwa is a good move. There isn’t much to do there besides go to the lake and Shirahige Shrine, but if you’re going there to relax at a ryokan, then it’s perfectly fine for a one night stay or even a day trip.
I stayed at Yuzanso in Otsu and wasn't 100% in love with it, mostly because the only shower is outside with no in room bathing option. Because of that, I recommend Biwako Ryokusuitei, which is more updated and modern.
What to Eat in Kyoto in Summer
Here's the can't-miss foods you should try in Kyoto during a hot summer day!
Kakigori
Kakigori is delicious Japanese shaved ice that’s usually flavored with syrup and topped with things like red bean paste, mochi, and condensed milk.
The texture of the ice is super soft and fluffy, and it’s similar to bingsu, another asian shaved ice dessert. It’s perfect for a hot summer day!
Kawayuka and kawadoko dining
Kawadoko or Kawayuka dining refers to eating outside on special seating in restaurants specifically set along riverbanks in Kyoto. Not only is it a bit cooler because of the river, but you also get to enjoy an incredible scene.
Photo by Satoshi Hirayama
It’s especially spectacular in Kibune, because you’re literally on top above the river and can feel the pleasant mist. However, there are some restaurants in Kyoto along the Kamogawa River as well, although it pales in comparison because you’re farther from the river.
If you’re also interested in kawadoko dining and staying in a ryokan while you’re in Kyoto, I recommend checking out Momijiya! It’s a traditional ryokan built in a beautiful forest, and they feature temporary kawadoko dining from July to September.
🍁 Click here to book your stay at Momijiya for the perfect summer escape in Kyoto before it SELLS OUT! 🍁
Cold soba and somen
I love having cold sober when it’s hot in Japan because it’s pretty refreshing and it doesn’t make you feel too full soba is buckwheat noodles and it’s usually paired along with maybe shrimp tempura or some sort of meat or you can just have the noodles with vegetables
Matcha sweets in Kyoto and Uji
Kyoto is right next to Uji so of course you have to try Matcha from Uji while you’re here. I always stock up on tea leaves and gouge myself on Matcha desserts and sweets.
Whenever I go to Kyoto, I personally love getting soft serve Matcha ice cream as well as Matcha mochi.
My favorite mochi is from Kyoto, a specialty triangle mochi from Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten. It’s incredibly soft and perfectly sweet, with tons of different flavors like matcha, strawberry, and my personal favorite, chocolate banana.
Where to Stay in Kyoto in Summer
There are three main places in Kyoto I would recommend staying in during the hotter months.
Best area for first timers visiting Kyoto in summer
- Kyoto Station - Perfect for first time visitors, staying around Kyoto Station will make it easy to navigate around the city. I LOVED M’s Hotel Gojo Odawara for its close proximity to the train station (4 mins) and its budget-friendly price.
- Gion/Higashiyama - This area is picturesque old world Japan. Wander through quiet alleyways, or stop at a tea house and meet a geisha. My absolute FAVORITE accommodation is Saka Hotel Kyoto, an upscale modern ryokan that I have a full review on here.
- Arashiyama - A couple of degrees cooler than Kyoto, Arashiyama is perfect for those who love shrines and natural scenery. There are tons of great ryokan here, my FAVORITE is Togetsutei for its historical symbolism and prime location!
Top Pick #1 - Saka Hotel Kyoto
I’ve written about this ryokan many, many times, and I can’t stop recommending it.
Saka Hotel is a modern ryokan situated in the heart of Higashiyama, right next to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Not only is it in a convenient location next to Kyoto’s most famous temple, but the hotel itself is breathtaking.
Designed with natural wood, lush gardens, and ambient lighting, Saka Hotel elevated my stay in Kyoto to a higher level.
The rooms were enormous and came with private Hinoki cypress wood baths. There was also a private bath that we rented for complete relaxation. Lastly, the kaiseki dinner and traditional Japanese breakfast were so decadent and used extremely fresh ingredients. You can read more about my perfect stay here!
Top Pick #2 - M’s Hotel Gojo Odawara
For a more budget-friendly stay, I also loved my stay at M’s Hotel Gojo Odawara.
This modern hotel comes with spacious rooms and keyless entry. It’s located in a central location just a 6 minute train ride from Kyoto Station, and it’s only a 4 minute walk to Gojo Station.
If you want to stay around the central Kyoto area, I highly recommend this hotel because of its close proximity to the train station. Most of the hotels close to Kyoto Station are actually a 10 minute walk or more, so it’s a better idea to stay somewhere closer to a train station, even if that’s not necessarily Kyoto Station.
Tips for Visiting Kyoto in Summer
Summer in Kyoto is doable, and still enjoyable. It’s best to be prepared so that you don’t let the heat bother you too much. Here are my top tips:
Start sightseeing early
Start your day early, around 7-8 AM if you can. That way, it’ll still be relatively cool and you’ll get a lot of sightseeing done before it becomes unbearable in the afternoon.
Take a midday break
Spend your afternoon relaxing in an air-conditioned cafe after a long morning of sightseeing! That way you’ll spend the hottest part of the day in comfort.
Plan evenings for outdoor exploring
Just like the night illumination in Nijo Castle, you can still explore Kyoto’s top sights at night! Look up what attractions have extended night hours, so you can enjoy the warm summer night doing a fun activity.
Carry water, sunscreen, and a portable fan
There are tons of vending machines everywhere you look in Japan, with refreshing ice cold water. Always make sure you have water on hand so you don’t get heatstroke. A portable fan will also help cool you down, and sunscreen will protect your youthful face from the sun's harsh rays.
What to Wear in Kyoto in Summer
The main goal of planning what to wear during your trip is to prepare to beat the heat. Here’s what I recommend to bring during your trip.
- Portable fan - This one is a lifesaver! I recommend bringing one that you can add water to make mist, like this one on Amazon that also doubles as a battery pack.
- Sun hat - Any hat that will protect you from the UV rays constantly beating down.
- Sunglasses - A non-negotiable to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Comfortable sneakers - You’ll be walking 10,000-20,000 steps a day, so sometimes I even bring two pairs of sneakers to Japan. My Nike p-6000s carried me through my last Japan trip.
- Sunscreen - You can buy this in Japan. I recommend Biore or Anessa.
- Battery Pack - An essential. Make sure your phone doesn’t die while you’re wandering the streets of an unknown country. Here’s the one I use that lasts 3 charges.
- Loose clothing - long skirts, loose pants, shorts, and comfortable clothing is essential.
Summer in Kyoto FAQs
Conclusion: Summer in Kyoto
There you go, your complete guide to help you dominate a Kyoto summer vacation!
Don’t get dissuaded by the Reddit posts telling you to avoid it. I say embrace the heat! And okay, maybe go during the beginning or tail end of summer so it’s not sweltering. But even so, there are things you can do to combat the heat, like waking up at 7 in the morning! Who doesn’t love an early bird?
Anyways, I hope this helped you plan your dream trip to Kyoto. I recommend checking out my 2 day Kyoto itinerary next, or my 10 day Japan itinerary that takes you to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. As always, feel free to email me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com with any questions! I offer customized itineraries as well. Good luck!
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