What to do in Kyoto on a rainy day

Posted by PSEDEN

2025-05-30

On 2025-05-30

If you are heading to Japan during the rainy season, checking the weather app can be frustrating – popular areas such as Kyoto and Tokyo may show continuous drizzle cloud icons. But a little bit of rainfall in Kyoto can actually be a blessing in disguise, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s rich culture and hidden gems, away from the usual crowds. From ancient temples to hands-on traditional crafts, Kyoto has plenty of charming indoor activities. Here are some.

Explore world-class museums

As the American cultural capital, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most impressive museums and art galleries. From the large collection of Japanese art at the Kyoto National Museum to the treasure house of the Kyoto International Manga Museum, there are many wonders to enjoy indoors. Here are some good options:

Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum is one of the most famous museums in Japan, displaying traditional Japanese art and artifacts from various eras. Its enormous collection provides an excellent overview of the country’s artistic heritage. With a large number of over 12,000 items, including sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, pottery, fabrics, lacquerware, metalwork and archaeology, the museum is an indispensable landmark.

Kyoto Museum of Art, Kyoto

The Kyoto Museum opened in 1933 and has recently been renovated and is a landmark of modern art in Kyoto. It houses a wide variety of collections of approximately 4,400 pieces of Kyoto art from various eras and genres, including Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, prints, handicrafts and calligraphy. Its new wing, Higashiyama Cube, focuses on contemporary art. The museum is famous for its wonderful special exhibitions.

Fuda Art Museum

The Fujian Museum of Art is perfect for those visiting Arashiyama, and offers picturesque rivers and a quieter atmosphere than some of the larger museums in Kyoto. It has a collection of approximately 200,000 works by Japanese painters from the Edo period to the modern era, including rare works.

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Located in a former primary school, the museum is a must-visit for comic lovers. It contains a large number of over 300,000 comic scrolls (many readable comics), exhibitions about the history and evolution of comics, interactive experiences, and even the opportunity to get personalized portraits drawn by comic artists.

Kyoto Railway Museum

The museum is ideal for train lovers of all ages and delves into Japan’s railway history, including steam locomotives and bullet trains, with interactive exhibitions and impressive train displays.

Laku Museum

The museum is dedicated to the famous Raku ceramic family, with an in-depth understanding of their unique tea ceremony ceramic styles, which have been produced since the 16th century. It has an impressive collection of handmade Raku ceramics and seasonal exhibitions.

Participate in a traditional Japanese experience

Tea utensils

Traditional tea utensils are a typical Kyoto experience, providing people with the opportunity to learn the art of matcha preparation and enjoy the warm hospitality of Japan in a quiet indoor environment. Many teahouses, such as those in Kiyomizu, offer English-friendly meetings and even offer kimono rental options.

Traditional craft workshop

Hands-on with Kyoto’s heritage. Options include:

Pottery workshopfor example Kyo-Yaki.
Vagasi Production Course Use ingredients such as red bean paste, rice flour and agar.
Origami and calligraphy lessons There are simple steps and guidance.
Wood block printing (Gold coupons)which involves etching the image backwards onto a wooden block, coating it with ink, and then pressing it on paper or fabric.
Experienced Samurai Ninja Museum: Located near Nissicki Market, this interactive museum offers insights into Japanese warrior culture through fascinating exhibitions and opportunities to try out ninja tools or samurai sword performances.
Cooking class: From sushi and ramen to bento boxes and traditional Kyoto dishes, you can learn to recreate your favorite Japanese flavor. Many courses also include sourcing of ingredients to the Nishiki market.

Nishiki Market

Indoor shopping and cooking gemstones

The rainy day is perfect for exploring Kyoto’s vibrant shopping arcades and cozy cafes, offering opportunities to discover souvenirs and local flavors.

Browse the shopping arcade machine

Nishiki Market (Kyoto’s Kitchen): Although it is often bustling, most Nissiki markets are covered, making it an ideal rainy day destination. Explore more than 100 stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, traditional Kyoto cuisine and souvenirs.
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping streets: These two interconnected, covered shopping arcades are parallel to each other and offer a wonderful combination of traditional and modern stores. You’ll find everything from clothes, cosmetics and souvenirs to quirky anime merchandise and delicious street food. They are also home to several small temples and shrines.
department store: For a more modern shopping experience, Kyoto’s department stores offer floors of a variety of stylish, household items and exquisite food halls that are a feast of the senses.

A comfortable coffee shop

cafes: Looking for a peaceful garden view that offers even on rainy days. Many traditions Machia (Townhouse) has been transformed into a charming cafe with an internal courtyard. Nittodo Kyoto Cafe and Need coffee It’s some beautiful choices.
Local coffee shop: There is a prosperous coffee scene in Kyoto. See places like this Weekend coffee or Walden Woods Kyoto Relax beer.

Temple Kunni

Temples and shrines have indoor appeal

While many temples are known for their outdoor gardens, several temples in Kyoto provide important indoor areas for contemplation, art appreciation or simply enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.

What to do in Kyoto on a rainy day Sanjusangendo Thousand armed Kannon 2

Sanjusangen-Do’s Thousand Arm Kannon.

Sanjusangendo Temple

This is an impressive temple, with 1,001 life-sized Cannon statues all situated in a magnificent wooden hall.

Temple Kunni

The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto is located in Gion, and the beautiful tang garden can be seen from its main hall. You can also experience Sutra Copy or Zazen Meditation here.

Higashi Honganji Temple

This sprawling temple complex near Kyoto Station features a huge hall that offers a peaceful and unsatisfactory interior experience.

tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji is known for its stunning autumn leaves, and its interior area also boasts an impressive interior area that includes its main hall and various sub-stories that provide tranquil spaces for reflection.

Ni Castle

Although the Castle Field is an outdoor activity, the Ninomaru Palace offers a fantastic interior exploration, which includes ornate sliding doors, “Nightingale Flooring”, chirp to warn invaders and historical exhibitions.

Practical tips for rainy days in Kyoto

Wear the right footwear

Comfortable and waterproof shoes are recommended.

Carry an umbrella

While most accommodations offer umbrellas, it’s easy to have your own umbrella. You can also buy an affordable umbrella at a convenience store or one of Japan’s famous high-quality and quirky designs.