Local tells 10 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Kyoto!What locals do when it rains?

Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka!

You have been excited for your trip to Kyoto and now that you are here…it is raining?

Don’t be disappointed!

Kyoto is beautiful in rain and there are many places you can visit without getting too wet.

There are also places that truly come alive when it rains.

Let me share my secret on 10 ways to best enjoy rainy Kyoto.

10 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Kyoto

1.Shisendo Temple/詩仙堂

Shisendo is a Buddhist temple, famous for its zen garden.

The temple was established in 1641.

The zen garden here is considered one of the best in Kyoto.

Paticularly noticeable is a sozu, a type of shishiodoshi, made of a bamboo tube, to scare away wild animals by making a loud noise.

Its noise in the quiet rain is more magical and soothing than you can imagine.

The garden becomes even greener on rainy days making its rustic green more dramatic.

Shisendo somehow becomes more picturesque on a rainy day.

Shisendo is a 5 minute-walk from Ichijoji Kudari Matsumachi Bus Stop on Kyoto Bus #5.

2.Daitokuji Temple, Koto-In/大徳寺・高桐院

Koto-In is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple.

The temple has a beautiful teahouse, various art works and scrolls that are registered as the national treasure.

Popularized for its maples, the stone-paved approach to the temple, perfectly beautified with moss, surrounded with the deep green trees are worth traveling for.

The approach is most magical during the rainy days, as its green comes alive.

Koto-In is located next to Daitokuji-mae bus stop and accessible via Kyoto bus # 101, 205 or 206 from Kyoto Station.

3.Sanju Sangen Do/三十三間堂

This is a Buddhist temple built on a massive land, whose deity is the Thousand Armed Kannon statue, the Goddess of mercy.

The name of the temple literally means a hall with thirty three spaces between columns, highlighting its massive scale of the main hall.

Besides the long main hall, the temple is also famous for having 1001 statues of Kannon in the compound, which is an awe sight you do not want to miss.


4.Kyoto National Museum/京都国立博物館

This great museum stands right in front of Sanju Sangen Do so you can visit them together.

The museum was originally built to house cultural properties, works owned by temples, shrines and Imperial Household Ministry.

It mainly features pre-modern Japanese and Asian arts.

The place is massive, perfect place escape the rain.

However, it also has lots of open space where interesting exhibits are, so it might not be a good idea to visit during the heavy rains.

5.Shorenin Temple/青蓮院

Shorenin is a significant Buddhist temple, where the founder of Pure Land Buddhism was ordained a monk at the age of 9.

Built in the late 13th century, Shorenin was originally an abbot.

Today, its compound’s beauty, garden, and the eight hundred year old camphor tree attract many tourists.

You can admire the garden with the pond from the tatami room of the hall without worrying about the weather.

The temple is a five minute walk from the nearest subway station, Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line.


6.Nishiki Market/錦市場

Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s kitchen, has over 100 stores and restaurants along narrow streets.

This is the place to be if you want to look into the belly of the locals.

There are ready to eat food, fresh produce, souvenir shops… basically anything you may need.

You can get to the market on foot from Shijo Station on Karasuma Subway Line or from Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.

Please take a look at this article for more information.

7.Kyoto Station Building/京都駅ビル

The Kyoto Station Building is not only a transportation hub but also an entertainment area that offers everything one needs.


The futuristic modern building with exposed steal beams is to be admired at.

There is a skyway on the 11th floor, through which you can view the city and the architectural design of the station building. 


There are a few shopping malls inside, including Porta, Cube, Isetan Department store, where you can do souvenir shopping. 


Please take a look at this article for more information.

8.Kyoto Railway Museum/京都鉄道博物館

This railway museum is considered one of three top rail museums in Japan.

Three floors and with a 30,000 sqm area, the museum showcases various retired trains, including romantic locomotives and futuristic shinkansen.

You can also ride a steam locomotive.

On your way out, do not miss the old beautiful Nijo Station which was transferred from the nearby original site.

9.The Kyoto International Manga Museum/京都国際マンガミュージアム

This 4 story building’s (3 floor with a basement) walls are stacked with comics!

For Japanese anime or comic fans, this is your dream land.

Though most comics here are in Japanese, the museum has some collections of foreign comics.

10.Kyoto Aquarium/京都水族館

This 3-story building aquarium features aquatic ecosystems of creeks, rivers and oceans.

Popular exhibits include giant salamander, beautiful jellyfish tank, and dolphin shows. 

Kyoto aquarium is about a 15-minute walk, west of Kyoto Station.




Have a happy rainy day in Kyoto!