cover image by ayako
Kyoto's summer is famously hot.
When the humid days continue, it can be hard to motivate yourself to go outside. However, if you know how to enjoy Kyoto's summer comfortably, you might rediscover its charm. Here are some ways to make the hot summer in Kyoto a bit more enjoyable.
Start Your Day with a Refreshing Morning Walk
While the daytime in Kyoto can be hot, the mornings are relatively cool. Why not enjoy a morning walk in the fresh air? Areas rich in nature, such as along the Kamo River, are particularly recommended.
For a bit of a journey, head to Kifune Shrine or Kurama Temple in the Kitayama area, where the plentiful shade and cool air are refreshing. Additionally, the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Tadasu-no-Mori at Shimogamo Shrine offer quiet spots that make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, despite being not far from the city center.
Relax at a Wa-Modern Cafe
Kyoto's wa-modern cafes offer a respite from the summer heat. How about trying a matcha parfait or chilled zenzai? Take a break with these sweet and cold treats.
Enjoy Dinner by the Riverside
One of the quintessential experiences of a Kyoto summer is dining on a kawadoko. Along the Kamo River, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy this experience. Listening to the murmuring of the river while enjoying a delicious meal helps to alleviate the heat. Especially from evening to night, you can encounter beautiful sunsets.
Enjoy the City Lights in the Evening Breeze
Visiting illuminated temples and gardens on summer nights is also recommended. For example, enjoying the dreamlike and fantastic night views at Kiyomizu-dera or To-ji while feeling the cool evening breeze is exceptional.
What do you think?
Even the hot summer in Kyoto can be enjoyable with a little creativity. There are many places where you can savor the summer atmosphere from morning till night. Kyoto's summer is so appealing that you can't help but go outside, and it's full of excitement that keeps you up at night.
