Experience Winter in Kyoto with its many attractions!
ShinobuKyoto is famous for its spring and fall seasons, but winter is no less beautiful and magical.
This ancient city, with its historic temples, shrines, and traditional culture, is covered in white snow and takes on a quiet charm that only winter can offer.
Another major attraction of this time of year is that you can enjoy events, heart-warming food, and traditional Japanese cultural experiences that can only be experienced during the winter season.
In this article, we will be introducing the following:
- Climate in winter Kyoto
- Attractions of winter Kyoto
- Sightseeing Spots in winter Kyoto
- Events and Festivals in winter Kyoto
- Food in winter Kyoto
- Japanese Cultural Experiences in Kyoto from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day
- Example Itinerary of a Day in winter Kyoto
- Summary
1. Climate in winter Kyoto
Winters in Kyoto are cold with chilly mornings and evenings, especially from December to February.
Temperatures average between 5°C and 10°C (41F and 50F), with occasional snowfall.
However, snowfall is not so heavy that it interferes with sightseeing.
On clear days, the clear blue sky and cold air make the scenery look even beautiful.
When visiting Kyoto in winter, a special experience awaits you in the cold.
2. Attractions of winter Kyoto
One of the most attractive features of Kyoto in winter is its beautiful snowy scenery.
When it snows, historical buildings and gardens turn white and resemble beautiful paintings.
Temples and shrines in Kyoto offer a different kind of serenity than usual, allowing visitors to experience Kyoto in a way that only winter can.
The quietness and mysterious atmosphere of Kyoto's nature in winter is enhanced when snow covers the ground, inviting visitors into a world of fantasy.
This beautiful snowy scenery is not always available even in winter, which makes it even more special and memorable.
3. Sightseeing Spots in winter Kyoto
In winter, Kyoto's tourist attractions are relatively less crowded than other times of the year, so visitors can take their time and enjoy sights at their leisure.
Below is a partial list of Kyoto attractions to visit in winter.
Kinkakuji (Rokuonji)
This is a classic Kyoto travel spot.
The contrast between the golden building and the white snow makes a beautiful sight, and is truly an iconic sight of Kyoto in winter.
For more about Kinkakuji, visit our Ninja Blog article Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto's golden treasure
Kinkakuji's Official Website
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
This temple is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in fall, but the view from the stage of Kiyomizu covered with snow in the clear winter air is also very atmospheric.
Kiyomizudera's Official Website
Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji Temple has a more subdued appearance than Kinkakuji Temple which is more flamboyant.
The quietness of Ginkakuji's garden allows visitors to experience the beauty of a dignified winter.
For more on temples in Kyoto, visit our Ninja Blog article! 10 Must-Visit Temples in Kyoto
Ginkakuji's Official Website
Arashiyama
Arashiyama's snow-covered Togetsu Bridge and bamboo forest paths are a beautiful harmony of nature and history.
In winter, there are fewer people and you can enjoy a quiet stroll in Arashiyama.
For more about Arashiyama!
At these places, you can experience Japanese history and culture while enjoying the clean winter air and snowy landscape.
It will be a memorable experience that is different from other seasons.
4. Events and Festivals in winter Kyoto
Kyoto offers visitors a special experience with a variety of events and festivals that are unique to winter in many areas of the city.
The following are some of the typical events that can be enjoyed in Kyoto in winter.
New Year's Hatsumode
On January 1, many people visit shrines and temples to pray for good health and good fortune as the New Year begins.
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is home to many historic shrines, including Heian Shrine and Fushimi Inari Shrine, which are popular Hatsumode spots.
Each temple and shrine has its own deity, such as a god of marriage and prosperity, so it may be fun to research them when deciding where to go.
If you're interested in What's the Difference Between Shrines and Temples in Japan? click on the link and read on to find out!
Illuminations
In winter, Kyoto's illumination events create a fantastic atmosphere in which historical buildings and beautiful nature are lit up differently from the daytime.
The “Illuminated Fantasy Train” is a great way to enjoy the illuminated nature from the Sagano Romantic train.
The beautifully lit scenery on a quiet winter night is a must-see as you will find a new charm of Kyoto in winter.
Sagano Romantic Train's Official Website
Toka Ebisu (8 Jan - 12 Jan, 2025)
Toka Ebisu is a festival to pray for prosperous business and family fortunes.
At the Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, many visitors give thanks to the god Ebisu and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
The lively atmosphere and the bustling food stalls are also attractive.
For more about Toka Ebisu!
Through these winter festivals and events, visitors will be able to experience Kyoto's traditional culture and enjoy interacting with the local people.
5. Food in winter Kyoto
In Kyoto in winter, you can enjoy warm dishes perfect for the cold season and gourmet foods made with seasonal ingredients.
Here are some of Kyoto's winter delicacies to enjoy.
Yudofu
Yudofu is one of Kyoto's most popular winter dishes. Yudofu, especially those served around Nanzenji Temple, is a simple yet excellent dish that allows you to enjoy the true taste of tofu.
In the cold weather, eating tofu with steam rising from the tofu will warm your body and soul.
Yellow-tail Cuisine
Winter is the season for yellow-tail.
Raised in the cold Japan Sea, yellowtail is firm and full of fat.
The taste of the best yellowtail dishes is a pleasure that can only be enjoyed during the cold season.
Kyoto Pickles
Kyoto's unique pickles made with winter vegetables are one of the most popular winter delicacies in Kyoto.
"Senmaizuke" and "Sugukizuke" are especially recommended.
You can enjoy tasty pickles with good texture and flavor, tightened by the severe winter cold.
Hot green tea and sweet snacks are also perfect for a break after walking around in the cold.
Enjoying them with Kyoto's traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) is a great way to experience Kyoto in winter.
6. Japanese Cultural Experiences in Kyoto from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day
Spending New Year's Eve through New Year's Day in Kyoto is a great opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese way of welcoming the New Year.
On New Year's Eve, visitors can listen to the sound of the temple bell at many temples.
It is said that the ringing of the temple bell on New Year's Eve helps people break away from suffering and troubles and receive blessings.
On New Year's Day, Hatsumode is very popular.
Hatsumode is a visit to temples and shrines at the beginning of the year to offer gratitude for the previous year and to pray for a good year ahead.
People also draw lots and buy good luck charms, and food stalls get crowded with people.
Many ryokan also offer osechi ryori and ozoni, which are a traditional Japanese New Year's meal.
It will be an unforgettable opportunity to experience the unique culture and customs of the New Year at a historic Japanese temple or shrine.
7. Example Itinerary of a Day in winter Kyoto
For a winter trip to Kyoto, it is recommended to start early in the morning and spend a day at leisure.
The following is an example to enjoy Kyoto in winter.
Morning
Stroll through the bamboo groves and Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama.
The view of quiet Arashiyama in the clear air of a cold morning is soothing.
If you are lucky enough to go on a snowy day, you will be able to see the beautiful nature.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a nearby yudofu restaurant.
Hot yudofu is a perfect dish for a cold winter day.
Enjoy a warm meal and take a breather to prepare for the activities in the afternoon.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, return to the city and visit Ginkakuji or Nanzenji, where you can enjoy a cup of green tea in a tea ceremony room while gazing at the snow-covered gardens.
The area around Nanzen-ji Temple is also home to old teahouses and souvenir shops, offering a taste of Kyoto in winter.
Here are some of The best tea ceremony experience in Kyoto - Top 5 stores
Evening
For dinner, enjoy Kyoto's culinary culture at a ryokan.
We recommend warming up your cold body from the inside out with shabu-shabu or hot-pot dishes.
After dinner, why not go see the beautiful illuminations?
Nature and buildings illuminated by brilliant lights in the darkness will bring you a mystical experience different from daytime.
8. Summary
Kyoto in winter has a serenity and beauty unlike any other season.
Snow-covered temples, shrines and gardens, sightseeing in the clear air, and heartwarming winter cuisine are special experiences that can only be enjoyed during this season.
In addition, with fewer tourists, winter in Kyoto offers the perfect opportunity to experience Kyoto's history and culture in a relaxed atmosphere.
We encourage you to choose Kyoto in winter as your next travel destination and see for yourself its charms!
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