Kyoto

Kyoto — explore by quarter

Explore temples, shrines, and historic streets on foot. Group sights into eastern and western areas instead of trying to combine distant places.

4 quarters4 attractions and 4 foods per quarter

MONTHLY WEATHER

Explore monthly temperatures

Average monthly low and high temperatures · °C

Average high temperatureAverage low temperature

Kyoto — average monthly temperatures (°C)
Mon	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Average high	9°	10°	14°	20°	25°	28°	32°	34°	29°	23°	17°	12°
Average low	2°	2°	4°	9°	15°	19°	24°	25°	21°	14°	8°	4°

Observation station Kyoto · 京都 (47759) · Reference 1991–2020

Japan Meteorological Agency JMA ↗ · Displayed rounded to whole numbers.

These averages are a reference for travel timing and may differ from actual forecasts.

YOUR SEASON

When are you leaving?

Choose a quarter to explore travel highlights.

January–March · Weather and clothing

Enjoy quiet winter streets and scenery that begins to change in late winter. Wear warm layers and divide outdoor walks into shorter sections.

Check official information before visiting for flowering, festivals, and facility operations.

Kyoto attractions 4 attractions

Location · Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

This shrine is known for mountain paths lined with red torii gates. The worship area near the entrance and the trails farther up the mountain require different amounts of time and effort.

January–March — travel highlights

Before enjoying winter landscapes and trees, check cold winds and conditions underfoot.

View details

Visiting and transport tips

Bring water and comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the mountain trails, and set a return time before sunset.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Location · Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

See the temple’s hillside stage and views over Kyoto. Explore slowly, combining the visit with nearby Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets.

January–March — travel highlights

Divide walks into short sections away from cold winds to enjoy the streets’ quieter atmosphere.

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Visiting and transport tips

There are many slopes and steps. Check photography restrictions outside shops and in residential areas.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

Nekosuki · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Location · Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Follow the route past the pond, golden pavilion, and gardens. Take in the building’s reflection alongside the colors of the surrounding trees.

January–March — travel highlights

Before enjoying winter landscapes and trees, check cold winds and conditions underfoot.

View details

Visiting and transport tips

Follow the visitor route when taking photos, and watch for slippery paths in rain.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Location · Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

This western suburban area combines paths through tall bamboo with riverside scenery. You can explore it separately from a walk around Togetsukyo Bridge.

January–March — travel highlights

Before enjoying winter landscapes and trees, check cold winds and conditions underfoot.

View details

Visiting and transport tips

Be considerate of other pedestrians on narrow paths. When linking several sights, check walking distances and the last transport service.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Kyoto — food to try 4 foods

We chose dishes available year-round. Photos are examples; ingredients and presentation may vary by shop and season.

Available year-round · Availability may vary with ingredients and shop operations.

Yudofu

Tofu warmed in water or broth and eaten with seasonings. Take your time enjoying its soft texture and accompaniments.

January–March — travel highlights

Enjoy this alongside a warm meal between walks. Allow time to rest as you move between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

View details

How to enjoy it

Check the contents of courses and individual dishes, and ask about ingredients in the broth and sauces.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

さかおり · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Available year-round · Availability may vary with ingredients and shop operations.

Matcha drinks and desserts

Enjoy the aroma and pleasantly bitter flavor of powdered green tea in drinks or desserts. Sweetness and tea strength vary by shop.

January–March — travel highlights

Enjoy this alongside a warm meal between walks. Allow time to rest as you move between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

View details

How to enjoy it

Choose to taste after checking drink or dessert size, sweetness, and whether milk is used.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

Derjochenmeyer · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Available year-round · Availability may vary with ingredients and shop operations.

Soba

Buckwheat noodles served with broth or a dipping sauce. Compare the textures of hot and cold dishes.

January–March — travel highlights

Enjoy this alongside a warm meal between walks. Allow time to rest as you move between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

View details

How to enjoy it

Check the noodle and broth ingredients, and order after reviewing accompanying tempura and set portions.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

pelican from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

Available year-round · Availability may vary with ingredients and shop operations.

Kyoto wagashi

Sweets made with rice cake, red beans, or different doughs, enjoyed with tea. Shapes and assortments vary by shop and season.

January–March — travel highlights

Enjoy this alongside a warm meal between walks. Allow time to rest as you move between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

View details

How to enjoy it

Check individual pieces and sets. For gifts, check storage instructions and use-by dates.

View official tourism guidance ↗

Photo sources and usage terms

rhosoi · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Original photo ↗ · Resized and converted to WebP

April–June · Weather and clothing

A good period for spring flowers and fresh greenery. Bloom dates vary each year; bring an umbrella and an extra layer for late-spring rain and temperature changes.

Check official information before visiting for flowering, festivals, and facility operations.