Kyoto Summer Travel Guide: Traditional Festivals and Cool Spots
Summer in Kyoto is filled with the excitement of festivals and beautiful greenery.
For me, who spent my student days in Kyoto, the memories of summer in Kyoto are endless. I still remember the excitement of the Gion Festival, cool evenings at the riverside dining platforms, and the tranquility of temples and shrines enveloped in greenery.
In July, Kyoto is dominated by the Gion Festival. Seeing the magnificent and splendid floats always made my heart race. And in August, I can't forget the night when I looked up at the Daimonji bonfire with my friends near the university during the Gozan no Okuribi.
Summer, despite being hot, offers unique ways to enjoy Kyoto. I used to enjoy Kyoto cuisine on the cool riverside platforms and savor the chilly natural air in Arashiyama and Kibune. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I fully enjoyed the summer in Kyoto.
In this article, based on those memories from my student days, I'll introduce the charms of summer in Kyoto to foreign visitors.
Please experience the summer of the ancient capital, woven by its long history, while enjoying festivals, gourmet food, and cool spots.
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・Summer Events and Festivals in Kyoto
・Recommended Cool Spots for Summer in Kyoto
・How to Enjoy Kyoto's Unique Summer Cuisine
・Tips for Enjoying Summer in Kyoto
Summer Events and Festivals in Kyoto
Summer in Kyoto is all about festivals. Traditional summer festivals are held at shrines, and there are many Kyoto-specific events like the impressive float processions and the fantastical Gozan no Okuribi. For me, who spent my student days in Kyoto, the heat and excitement of the festivals are unforgettable memories.
Gion Festival
The Gion Festival is one of Kyoto's three major festivals and a celebration of Yasaka Shrine. It starts on July 1st and is divided into the earlier festival (July 14th-17th) and the later festival (July 21st-24th).
During the earlier festival's eve, colorful "Yamahoko" floats line up, and the streets of Gion are filled with excitement. The parade of about 20 floats on the 17th and about 10 floats on the 24th during the later festival is an impressive spectacle.
The origins of the Gion Festival date back to the 9th century, believed to have started as a prayer to ward off epidemics. Due to its high historical value, it's registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is a world-renowned festival.
I remember going out to the festival eve with my friends during my student days. Despite being jostled by the waves of people, I was fascinated by the beautiful decorations and my heart was racing with the excitement of the festival.
Please refer to the map below for recommended viewing spots.
If you are interested in Gion Festival, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Gion Festival as much as possible.
sena kanda
Gozan no Okuribi
On the night of August 16th, bonfires in the shape of Chinese characters or boats are lit on the five mountains of Kyoto. This is called "Gozan no Okuribi". It's said to have meanings of ancestor worship and warding off evil spirits, and is known as a summer tradition in Kyoto.
I recommend viewing the "Daimonji" bonfire, shaped like the character for "big", from the Kamogawa River in central Kyoto or from the Daimonji Viewpoint. From Kyoto Tower, you can see all five characters at once, but please note that advance reservations are required.
Website: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/
I still can't forget looking up at the Daimonji bonfire with my friends near the school during my graduate school days. Although the area where I used to watch only shows one mountain, it's a relatively less crowded spot, so please visit using the map below as a reference.
Fushimi Inari Main Shrine Festival
The "Main Shrine Festival" of Fushimi Inari Shrine, held in late July every year, envelops the entire Inari mountain in a fantastical atmosphere.
This shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates, is decorated with thousands of lanterns throughout the precinct during the summer festival period, showing a different, fantastical face from its daytime appearance.
In 2024, it's scheduled to be held on July 20th and 21st. It's about a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Line, or right next to Inari Station on the JR Nara Line.
Website: https://inari.jp/en/
If you are interested in Fushimi Inari Taisya Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Uji Cormorant Fishing
Cormorant fishing at night, with over 1000 years of history, is also a major summer event in Kyoto. Cormorant fishing is a traditional fishing method where birds are used to catch fish.
Once enjoyed as entertainment for nobles, this traditional fishing scene can now be enjoyed by the general public.
Cormorant fishing on the Uji River is usually conducted from July 1st to September 30th. There are boats available on the day that allow you to see the impressive cormorant fishing up close. Boarding is on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved, so I recommend arriving with plenty of time to spare.
Website: https://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/ukai-en.html
It's accessible about a 10-minute walk from Uji Station on the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Uji Line.
Recommended Cool Spots for Summer in Kyoto
Summer in Kyoto is hot. But you don't have to go far to find a cool retreat - there are plenty of spots within Kyoto where you can feel the coolness.
When I think back to my student days, I remember strolling through Arashiyama filled with fresh greenery, or listening to the babbling of the stream in Kibune. I think the charm of Kyoto is that you can feel the coolness of nature close at hand just by moving a little from the city center.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's finest scenic spots. In summer, it's known as a cool retreat where you can enjoy the fresh greenery and cool breeze of the valley.
The view of the lush greenery from Togetsukyo Bridge is spectacular, and if you walk through the bamboo grove path of Tenryuji Temple, you'll feel cool even in midsummer.
But my top recommendation is to feel the wind by riding the Sagano Scenic Railway. It's a perfect experience for the sweaty season.
Check the official website for Scenic Railway reservations and details.
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
The Arashiyama area is just a short walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
If you are interested in Arashiyama, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Shimogamo Shrine
The "Tadasu no Mori" (Forest of Correction) at Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage site, is a recommended cool spot for summer.
Tadasu no Mori is a forest that spreads behind Shimogamo Shrine. Compared to places like Arashiyama, Shimogamo Shrine is easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, which is a nice point.
It was close to my university, so I often walked here in summer.
Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english
Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine, an ancient shrine nestled in the mountains of northern Kyoto, is known as one of the coolest places in Kyoto and is also popular as a spot where you can enjoy kawayuka dining.
kawayuka refers to special seats set up only in summer facing the river, where you can enjoy meals in a cooling atmosphere while listening to the sound of the stream.
It's been a memorable place for me since I visited with friends during my university summer. Walking through the precinct surrounded by greenery and listening to the babbling of the stream - I still vividly remember that refreshing feeling.
For access, get off at Kibuneguchi Station on the Eizan Electric Railway Kurama Line, then take a bus or walk. It's a bit inconvenient, but it's definitely worth it.
Website: https://kifunejinja.jp/en/
If you are interested in Kifune, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Sanzen-in Temple
"Sanzen-in" in eastern Kyoto is a venerable temple also known as the "Moss Temple". In summer, its fantastical garden covered in beautiful green moss is a feast for the eyes.
During my student days, even though I thought it was "far", it's a memorable place I visited to soothe my body tired from the heat. Once you arrive, it's a place that makes you feel like you're in the middle of a deep forest.
Although the access is a bit inconvenient, it's well worth a visit if you have time to spare. Why not try experiencing this quiet space in harmony with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto?
For access, get off at Kokusaikaikan Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, transfer to Kyoto City Bus No. 19, get off at "Ohara" bus stop, and then it's about a 10-minute walk.
Website: http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/en/
How to Enjoy Kyoto's Unique Summer Cuisine
When it comes to summer in Kyoto, "kawayuka" is a quintessential feature. It's a luxurious dining style where you can enjoy meals on terrace seats set up along the river, feeling the river breeze. You can experience this at ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) along the Kibune River or Kamogawa River.
The menu typically centers around high-end Kyoto cuisine, homestyle dishes called obanzai, or sushi. While many restaurants require reservations, the two establishments I've listed below allow you to enjoy kawayuka dining without a reservation if you arrive early.
Generally, kawayuka is available from around May to September, so be sure to experience it at least once during the summer.
Recommended kawayuka Restaurant 1: Kappa Sushi Pontocho
Source: Tabelog by Kappa Sushi Pontocho
This is a restaurant opened by the national sushi chain "Kappa Sushi" to match the atmosphere of Pontocho, an old street in Kyoto.
It features a high-quality menu that you can't taste at other "Kappa Sushi" branches. In summer, you can dine on the outdoor terrace seats overlooking the Kamogawa River.
The budget is about 4,000 to 6,000 yen per person. No reservation is required, but be aware that lunch is only served on Saturdays and Sundays.
<Store Information>
Address: Shiori Building 1F, 160 Matsumotocho, Pontocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8013
Closed: None
Phone: 075-746-3061
Hours: 5 PM–11 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–11 PM
Website: https://kappasushi.gorp.jp/
Recommended kawayuka Restaurant 2: Ponto
Source: Tabelog by PC-Mike
This izakaya is also located in Pontocho and offers relatively affordable kawayuka dining and Kyoto's small dishes. I'm happy that you can enter without a reservation.
In my opinion, many foreign tourists have been using it recently, so I feel that the staff is accustomed to dealing with them. The budget per person is about 3,000 to 4,000 yen.
<Store Information>
Address: 232-13 Nabeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8015
Closed: None
Phone: 075-221-1537
Hours: 5 PM–11 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26003450/
If you are interested in Kawayuka restaurants, check the article below! I summarized Kawayuka restaurants I recommend and how I felt each restaurant.
sena kanda
Tips for Enjoying Summer in Kyoto
Finally, I'll introduce some tips for enjoying summer in Kyoto from the perspective of someone who actually lived there.
Prepare for the Summer Heat
Summer in Kyoto is really hot. The temperature and humidity are high, and walking around town can feel painful.
To endure the heat even a little, it's important not to neglect sun protection with a hat or parasol. Also, make sure to hydrate frequently and prepare a change of clothes.
For footwear, you might be tempted to wear sandals that look cool, but since sightseeing in Kyoto involves a lot of walking, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you're used to and won't cause blisters.
Be Cautious of Pickpockets and Fights During Festivals
The Gion Festival is a popular festival that attracts many people not only from Kyoto but from all over Japan. Therefore, it gets quite crowded.
While Kyoto is generally a safe city, there have been reports of pickpocketing in the crowded festival areas. Take extra care of your valuables.
Also, the Gion Festival period coincides with the peak of summer heat, and with people in an excited state, minor troubles can escalate into fights.
Be careful not to cut in line and remember to be considerate of others while enjoying the festival.
In this article, I've introduced traditional events like the Gion Festival and Gozan no Okuribi, famous spots where you can feel the coolness like Arashiyama, Kibune, and Sanzen-in, and ways to enjoy summer-specific gourmet experiences like kawayuka dining.
I hope I've fully conveyed the charms of summer in Kyoto, woven by the history of the ancient capital.
While being cautious about the heat, please enjoy the summer experiences that you can only have in Kyoto to the fullest!
