The Joys of Summer 2025 in Kyoto

Kyoto Aquarium

From April 26 to August 24, 2025, enjoy the magical evening illumination of the outdoor “Kyoto Satoyama” area at Kyoto Aquarium, open nightly from 6:00 PM to closing. Located about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after a hot summer day.

Official Website
Kyoto Aquarium

Address
35-1, Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-shi,Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan(in Umekoji Park)

Access
7-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (JR San-in Main Line)

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Escape the heat and immerse yourself in Japanese manga culture. Enjoy thousands of manga in a fully air-conditioned, comfortable setting.

Official Website
Kyoto International Manga Museum

Address
Karasuma-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0846 Japan

Access
Subway Karasuma/Tozai lines, Karasuma Oike Station, Exit 2, short walk

Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

Featuring a blend of Kyoto’s historic architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions, this museum provides cool respite and world-class art in air-conditioned comfort.

Official Website
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art - Official Website​

Address
124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku,Kyoto, 606-8344 Japan

Access
8-minute walk from Higashiyama Station, Kyoto Subway Tozai Line

Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove Path​

Stroll through a 400-meter path enveloped in vibrant green bamboo. The cool shade and whispering leaves create a soothing oasis from urban life.

Address
Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0000 Japan​

Access
13-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or 10 minutes from Arashiyama Station (Keifuku/Randen Line)

Kamogawa Noryo-yuka

Experience Kyoto’s traditional riverside dining from May 1 to October 15. Lunches enjoy river breezes among fresh green foliage; dinners enjoy the cool evening air—both with scenic views over the Kamo River.

More Info
Kyoto Kamogawa Nouryou - Yuka

Location
West side of Kamo River, between Nijo-dori and Gojo-dori

Access
Kyoto City Bus 5, 7, 205: Get off at “Shijo Kawaramachi” or “Kawaramachi Sanjo”

Kawadoko Dining in Kibune

Enjoy extraordinary dining just above the cool riverbanks of Kibune. Savor specialties like ayu (sweetfish) while temperatures hover about 10℃ below the city’s.

More Info
Kawadoko in Kibune​

Access
From Kyoto Station: JR Nara Line → Tofukuji, transfer to Keihan Line → Demachiyanagi, then Eizan Railway → Kibuneguchi. About 1 hour.

Gion Matsuri Festival

Kyoto’s most famous festival. Throughout July, streets fill with celebrated processions and illuminated floats. Don’t miss the Yamahoko Junko (grand float parades) on July 17 and 24, and magical Yoiyama evenings.

More Info
Gion Matsuri Festival

Location
Around Shijo and Karasuma streets, central Kyoto​

Kifune Shrine "Tanabata" Bamboo Light-up

Marvel at illuminated bamboo decorations from July 1 to August 15, 2025, in Kyoto’s cool, forested north. The shrine is dedicated to the Water God and offers a peaceful summer retreat.

Official Website
Kifune Shrine

Address
180 Kuramakibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 601-1112 Japan​

Access
6-minute walk from “Kibune” bus stop

Shoju-in Temple "Wind Chime Festival"

From June 1 to September 30, 2025, about 2,000 wind chimes fill the temple grounds. Try your hand at painting a wind chime to take home! (Closed Aug. 17)

Official Website
Shouju-in Wind Chime Festival​

Address
149 Okuyamada Kawakami, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto 610-0211 Japan

Access
From JR Uji/Keihan Uji station, take Keihan Bus #180 to “Ichinaka-mae” then taxi (10 min)

Ruriko-in "Special Summer Viewing"

Open July 1 to August 17, 2025. Famous for dazzling garden views and “floor reflections” of lush maple leaves.

Official Website
Ruriko-in Special Summer viewing

Address
55 Higashiyama, Kamitakano, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0067 Japan ​

Access
12-minute walk from Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Eizan Railway)

Hozugawa-kudari (Hozu River Boat Ride)

Journey down the scenic Hozugawa River from Kameoka to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. This 16-kilometer ride, popular since the Meiji era and now enjoyed by around 300,000 people each year, offers beautiful scenery in every season and the excitement of navigating gentle river rapids. The trip takes about two hours and is an unforgettable way to experience Kyoto’s natural beauty.

Official Website
Hozugawa-Kudari

Boarding Address
2 Shimonakajima, Hozu-cho, Kameoka-shi, Kyoto 621-0005, Japan​

Zazen Meditation Experience
@ Ryōsokuin Temple

Take a pause from your daily routine and refresh your mind and body with a zazen meditation session at Ryōsokuin Temple. The temple offers a variety of programs, including beginner-friendly experiences and sessions that combine meditation with additional activities. Visit the temple’s website for details and reservation.

Official Website
Ryōsokuin Temple

Shakyō Experience
@ Myōkenji Temple

Discover the tranquility of shakyō—the practice of hand-copying Buddhist sutras. This activity, undertaken for peace of mind, prayers, or even improving handwriting, offers a chance for quiet focus and reflection. Try your hand at this calming practice at Myōkenji Temple.

Official Website
Myōkenji Temple

Shakyō & Shabutsu Experience
@ Zuishin-in Temple

At Zuishin-in Temple, you can experience both shakyō (sutra copying) and shabutsu (tracing a Buddha image) in a serene setting associated with the legendary poet Ono no Komachi. Choose from several Buddha images and spend two to three restful hours immersed in this meaningful tradition.

Official Website
Zuishinin Temple