Rainy Day in Kyoto? Top 10 Indoor Activities in Kyoto!
ShinobuYou visit Kyoto, and you come across a rainy day.
Do not fret!
There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting temples and castles, touring museums, experiencing traditional culture, and exploring gourmet cuisine.
Why not immerse yourself in the quiet sound of rain and experience Kyoto in a deeper way?
- Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion: Become a Ninja and Learn Ninjutsu from a Ninja Master
- Sanjusangendo Temple: Solemn Sight with Golden Statues Lined Up
- Nijo Castle: Japanese Castle and the World of Samurai
- Nishiki Market: Enjoy the flavors of Kyoto
- Kyoto Tower: Take in a Panoramic View of Rainy Kyoto
- Kyoto National Museum: Dig Deep into the Depths of Japanese Culture
- Kyoto Railway Museum: A Railway Fanatic's Paradise
- Kyoto Aquarium: Connect with Sea Creatures
- Tea Ceremony Experience: Enjoy Matcha Tea and Tranquility
- Calligraphy Class: Try Writing Japanese Characters Traditionally
- Summary
1. Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion: Become a Ninja and Learn Ninjutsu from a Ninja Master
If you want a unique experience, we recommend Ninja Experience Cafe Gion Kyoto.
This cafe offers visitors the chance to try on authentic ninja costumes and learn ninja techniques such as throwing shuriken and using swords.
It is particularly popular with foreign tourists as it offers an entertaining way to experience Japanese culture.
The facility is indoors, so it is fine even if it rains, and you can create special memories of your trip.
Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion Official Website
2. Sanjusangendo Temple: Solemn Sight with Golden Statues Lined Up
Sanjusangendo Temple is one of Kyoto's most historic buildings and a spot where you can take your time to appreciate the interior.
The main hall is approximately 120 meters long, and inside, a thousand statues of Kannon are lined up in orderly rows, creating a spectacular sight.
The building itself is designated as a national treasure, and visitors can quietly walk through the space filled with the scent of wood, experiencing the exquisite craftsmanship of Buddhist art and Japanese architecture.
The quiet space, where the sound of rain echoes in the distance, will calm your mind and bring you deep emotion.
Sanjusangendo Temple Official Website
3. Nijo Castle: Japanese Castle and the World of Samurai
Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, is a historical treasure that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
Inside the castle, there is the Ninomaru Palace, which served as the political center during the Edo period, and is famous for its beautiful screen paintings and uguisu-bari corridors (corridors that make a sound when you walk on them).
Since the tour focuses on indoor viewing, you can experience Japanese castle culture and the world of samurai without being affected by the weather.
In addition, the rain-soaked gardens add to the charm, allowing you to enjoy their quiet beauty.
Nijo Castle Official Website
4. Nishiki Market: Enjoy the flavors of Kyoto
Nishiki Market, known as the “kitchen of Kyoto,” is covered by an arcade, so you can enjoy it comfortably even on rainy days.
It is a place where you can easily enjoy Kyoto's unique flavors, such as local ingredients, traditional Japanese sweets, pickles, tempura, and sushi.
There are also many shops where you can eat while walking, so you can have a good time just exploring the market while snacking.
It is an indoor spot where you can experience the local culture, which is also popular with foreigners.
Nishiki Market Official Website
5. Kyoto Tower: Take in a Panoramic View of Rainy Kyoto
Kyoto Tower, towering over Kyoto Station, is an indoor tourist attraction that can be visited even on rainy days.
From the 131-meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto shrouded in rain, creating a fantastical scene.
The tower also has restaurants, souvenir shops, and a public bath (large bathhouse), so you can relax between sightseeing.
In particular, the experience of viewing rainy Kyoto from a high place will be a quiet and special memory.
Kyoto Tower Official Website
6. Kyoto National Museum: Dig Deep into the Depths of Japanese Culture
If you are interested in Japanese art and culture, the Kyoto National Museum is a must-visit.
Both the main building, Meiji Koto-kan, and the new building, Heisei Chishinkan, feature a wide range of exhibits, including Buddhist art, calligraphy, paintings, and crafts.
Special exhibitions and planned exhibitions are held regularly, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture.
The building itself is beautiful, and spending time immersed in art while listening to the quiet sound of rain is truly a blissful experience.
Kyoto National Museum Official Website
7. Kyoto Railway Museum: A Railway Fanatic's Paradise
The Kyoto Railway Museum is enjoyable not only for railway enthusiasts but also for those who are not.
The museum has a large number of actual steam locomotives and Shinkansen trains on display, and visitors can also try their hand at driving simulators.
There are many interactive exhibits that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so you can spend the whole day there without getting bored, even on a rainy day.
The museum also offers a wide range of railway-themed souvenirs, making it the perfect place for a family trip.
Kyoto Railway Museum Official Website
8. Kyoto Aquarium: Connect with Sea Creatures
Kyoto Aquarium, located in Umeda Koji Park, is a popular indoor attraction.
It features a wide variety of exhibits, from Japanese freshwater creatures such as the Japanese giant salamander that inhabits the rivers of Kyoto to marine life.
The dolphin show and penguin exhibit are particularly popular, offering visitors a relaxing experience.
Listening to the sound of rain while gazing at the underwater world is sure to calm your mind.
Kyoto Aquarium Official Website
9. Tea Ceremony Experience: Enjoy Matcha Tea and Tranquility
There are many places in Kyoto where you can experience authentic tea ceremony.
On a rainy day, why not try your hand at making matcha tea in a quiet room and experience the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi?
Many tea ceremony experience plans include explanations in English.
This experience, filled with tranquility and etiquette, will calm your mind and make your trip even more memorable.
10. Calligraphy Class: Try Writing Japanese Characters Traditionally
Another recommendation for rainy days is calligraphy.
There are many classes in Kyoto where you can experience the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy by picking up a brush yourself.
There are an increasing number of classes that offer English support, allowing you to create unique memories by writing your name in kanji or expressing your favorite motto with a brush.
Many programs can be experienced in a short amount of time, making them easy to incorporate into your itinerary.
11. Summary
Even on rainy days, Kyoto will never bore you.
There are many places where you can enjoy yourself regardless of the weather, such as quiet temple visits, museums, aquariums, and unique cultural experiences.
In fact, you may even discover the beauty of Kyoto that can only be enjoyed on rainy days.
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
Unauthorized copying and replication of the contents of this site, text and images are strictly prohibited.
