Kyoto on a Rainy Day

Kyoto on a Rainy Day - Image 1
2026.02.03

This guide helps travelers make the most of rainy days in Kyoto. It answers: “What to do in Kyoto when it rains?”

Quick Facts

  • Rainy season: June-July (tsuyu)
  • Typhoon season: August-October
  • Essential: Umbrella, waterproof shoes

Indoor Attractions

Nishiki Market

Covered arcade with 100+ food shops. Perfect for a few hours of tasting and shopping.

A bustling covered arcade of Nishiki Market in Kyoto, with various food stalls and shoppers.
Nishiki Market — Photo by ignis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kyoto International Manga Museum

50,000 manga to read freely. Housed in a former elementary school. Unique rainy day activity.

Interior view of the Kyoto International Manga Museum, showing rows of manga books on shelves.
Kyoto International Manga Museum — Photo by Peat Bakke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Sanjusangendo Temple

1001 life-size Kannon statues in a long hall. Mostly indoors, awe-inspiring sight.

The long hall of Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto, lined with 1001 life-size Kannon statues.
Sanjusangendo Temple — Photo by Imperial Japanese Commission to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Museum Hopping

National Museum of Kyoto, Kyoto Railway Museum, and craft museums offer quality indoor time.

The red brick main building of the National Museum of Kyoto on a cloudy or rainy day.
National Museum of Kyoto — Photo by Syced / Wikimedia Commons / CC0

Temples in the Rain

Atmospheric Visits

Some temples are more beautiful in rain. Moss gardens at Gio-ji and Kokedera shine when wet. Gardens at Kennin-ji can be viewed from covered corridors.

A serene view of a raked gravel garden and moss from a covered wooden corridor at Kennin-ji Temple on a rainy day.
Kennin-ji Temple — Photo by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
Lush green moss garden at Gio-ji Temple in Kyoto, glistening with raindrops on a rainy day.
Gio-ji Temple Moss Garden — Photo by Yanajin33 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tips

  • Convenience stores: Sell cheap umbrellas (¥500-700).
  • Shoes: Waterproof footwear essential for temple grounds.

Getting There

Arriving in Kyoto

From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔵 JR Haruka Limited Express from Terminal 1 directly to Kyoto Station in approximately 75–80 minutes. This is the most comfortable option during bad weather as it connects directly to the station complex. Budget: Airport Limousine Buses serve Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, dropping passengers at the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit in approximately 85–100 minutes.

From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Airport Limousine Bus to Kyoto Station in approximately 50–55 minutes. This is often more convenient than trains for travelers with luggage, minimizing transfers in the rain.

From Osaka City: Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station in approximately 29 minutes. Alternatively, the 🟤 Hankyu Line connects Osaka-Umeda to Kyoto-Kawaramachi (near covered shopping arcades) in approximately 45 minutes.

Getting Around in the Rain

While Kyoto is famous for its bus network, buses can be crowded and require waiting outdoors. On rainy days, prioritize the Kyoto Municipal Subway (Karasuma and Tozai Lines) to move between major districts while staying dry underground. Taxis are highly recommended for the “last mile” travel from stations to temples and shrines.

For covered shopping and dining, head to the Shijo-Kawaramachi area. This district is accessible via the 🟤 Hankyu Line (Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station) and the 🟢 Keihan Line (Gion-Shijo Station). IC cards like ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO are accepted on all trains, subways, and most buses and taxis.

Sources

Last updated: 2026-02-03

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