Rainy Day Activities In Kyoto

What is there to do in Kyoto on a rainy day? In this section, I’ll introduce some of my favorite rainy day activities in the city.

Fushimi Inari Temple: Fotos593 / Shutterstock.com

Kyoto is not a particularly rainy city. But rain can fall any time of year, not just in the June-July rainy season (which isn’t all that rainy some years). If you wake to find the rain coming down when you’re in town, don’t despair. There are plenty of things to do in Kyoto on a rainy day. Here is a brief list and a few tips to make the most of a damp day.

Museums

Kyoto is home to several world-class museums, making for a perfect rainy-day escape. You can easily spend hours exploring exhibits on art, history, and modern technology, all while staying warm and completely dry.

• teamLab Kyoto Biovortex

  Art collective teamlab’s huge art experience museum is located conveniently near Kyoto Station. It’s a breathtaking sensory journey that blends technology and nature. Read more details and book your tickets online via Klook. Prepare to be enveloped in massive, interactive artworks, from spiraling vortexes of light to digital ecosystems that bloom and evolve in real-time.

• National Museum of Kyoto

  This is Kyoto’s premier museum and it’s within easy distance of both Downtown Kyoto and Kyoto Station. You can pair this with a visit to Sanjusangen-do Temple, which is just across the street (see the listing below on this page).

• Okazaki Museum District

  This park-like area in the Northern Higashiyama District is home to two good museums: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art and National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto. The Kyoto Handicraft Center is also nearby, along with Heian-jingu Shrine.

• Museum of Kyoto

  Located right downtown, this museum is worth a visit if there is a good exhibition on.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony

(Mainly) Dry Activities

If sightseeing in the rain isn’t for you, consider an indoor activity that offers a unique cultural experience. From the tranquility of a tea ceremony to the thrill of samurai sword dancing, these activities let you dive deep into Japanese culture, safe from the downpour.

• Tea Ceremony

  Escape the wet weather and find tranquility indoors. Kyoto is the spiritual heart of the tea ceremony, making it the perfect place to experience this calming ritual. Duck out of the rain and into a serene tea room. You can browse experiences offered by Klook and GetYourGuide to book online.

• Sword Dancing

  If you want something a bit more action-packed, head indoors to the Samurai Kembu Theatre for a dynamic show. Kembu, a martial art combining sword play and dance, offers a thrilling, dry-weather look into the samurai world. You can even try swordsmanship yourself. See our Samurai Kembu performance review or buy tickets from GetYourGuide and Klook.

• Dress Up Like A Geisha

  A rainy day is the perfect excuse for an indoor transformation. While the weather might spoil an outdoor photoshoot, you can still fully experience dressing in an intricate kimono. Renting a kimono allows you to enjoy the elaborate dress-up and makeup process, all while staying perfectly dry.

• Sento Baths

  Though not a dry activity at all, what better way to escape the cold than by soaking in a warm, traditional sento or public bath? After a day of dodging puddles while temple hopping, there is no better way to relax, warm up, and unwind. It’s an ideal and cozy retreat from a dreary day, leaving you refreshed for the evening.

• Go To The Movies

  A classic rainy-day activity. You can catch the latest blockbusters at a convenient downtown multiplex like MOVIX Kyoto. If you prefer independent or arthouse films, shelter from the storm at the excellent Kyoto Minami Kaikan, Kyoto Cinema, or Demachiza. Note that all sites are in Japanese only.

• Take A Cooking Class

  Spend a gray afternoon learning a new skill in a warm, fragrant kitchen. Kyoto is a fantastic place for a Japanese cooking class, drawing inspiration from its traditional markets. It’s a fun and productive way to stay indoors and dry. See our guide to the Best Cooking Classes in Kyoto for details on booking your culinary escape.

Nishiki Market

Shopping

A rainy day is a perfect excuse for some retail therapy, especially since many of Kyoto’s best shopping areas are completely covered. You can explore traditional markets and modern department stores for hours without ever needing an umbrella.

• Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades

  These two downtown shopping arcades are covered for their entire length. You can easily enter Nishiki Market from the southern end of Teramachi Arcade, and this is a good route for a rainy day.

• Nishiki Market

  Kyoto’s best food market is a sure-fire hit on a rainy day. You can expect crowds during bad weather because everyone knows this.

• Daimaru Department Store

  Located a short walk from the west end of Nishiki Market, this is one of Kyoto’s best department stores. The basement food floor is fantastic and there are several good restaurants on the upstairs restaurant floor.

• Takashimaya Department Store

  Located not far from Nishiki Market and Teramachi/Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades, this is another great department store. The basement food floor is unmissable and there are some fantastic restaurants on the restaurant floor.

Geishas: Grant Tiffen / Shutterstock.com

Sights Where You Can Stay (Mostly) Dry

Don’t let the weather stop you from sightseeing. Many of Kyoto’s most famous locations are vast temple and castle complexes with extensive indoor areas to explore. You can easily stay (mostly) dry while still experiencing the city’s grandest sights.

• Nijo-jo Castle

  There is a lot to see inside the castle here, making it a great rainy day destination. And, if the rain lets up (or you have an umbrella) head outside to visit the gardens.

• Higashi Hongan-ji Temple

  A short walk north of Kyoto Station, this vast temple has huge roofs to keep you dry while you soak up the grandeur of the place.

• Tofuku-ji Temple

  The Hojo Garden at this superb temple has long eaves that will keep you dry while you admire the garden. It should be noted that the garden looks great in the rain.

• Sanjusangen-do Temple

  Just across the street from the Kyoto National Museum, this temple with its awe-inspiring collection of kannon (Buddhist goddess of mercy) figures is a great spot to visit on a rainy day. Everything to see here is inside.

• Kyoto Station

  With hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes, not to mention spacious open areas, all under a vast roof, the station can serve as a good rainy day destination and you can pair it with a short walk north to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (see listing above).

Higashiyama district

A Few Hints For Rainy Days In Kyoto

A bit of rain doesn’t have to ruin your day. Here are a few practical tips for navigating the city, finding an umbrella, and making the most of a damp day in Kyoto.

Where can I get an umbrella in Kyoto?

Most hotels and ryokan will lend umbrellas to their guests.

What’s the best way to stay dry outdoors in Kyoto?

Consider buying a small folding umbrella at a convenience store and carrying it everywhere you go. A small plastic bag will keep it from wetting other things in your bag.

What’s the best way to travel in Kyoto when it’s raining?

Travel mostly by subway on rainy days. Street traffic slows down on rainy days and taxis can be harder to get.

What if my clothes get wet?

If you find yourself in need of dry clothes, ask at your lodgings for the nearest “coin laundry” (laundromat). And you can always buy new clothes for cheap at a store like Uniqlo (there are several branches in Kyoto).

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation