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30 Indoor Activities on Rainy Days in Kyoto

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Okay, no person desires of coming to Japan throughout wet season, or tsuyu because it’s identified to the locals. From June to early July, Japan is in wet season, however that doesn’t imply it’s a foul time to go to! Airfares could also be cheaper, folks could also be on summer time holidays, and all in all it might be the one time you may make the journey. It may be a random wet day any time of yr so it’s finest to be ready for the likelihood! However don’t fear, the rain doesn’t should get you down. And in relation to someplace as standard as Kyoto, consider it as a secret invitation to find an entire different (and quieter!) aspect of the town, one stuffed with heat cups of matcha, hidden temple corners, and the soothing sound of raindrops on historic roofs.

In search of the most effective locations to go in Kyoto on a wet day? Maintain studying as a result of we’re diving headfirst into 30 good indoor actions that’ll make you fall in love with Kyoto, rain or shine!

▶Get essentially the most out of your time in Kyoto with our guided personal tour right here

Museums

Since Kyoto was once the capital metropolis for 1,000 years and is likely one of the most historic cities in Japan, there are many necessary museums to go to. And there’s no different excellent time to go to a museum than on a wet day! 

1. Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

For those who like Japanese Sake, the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is value a go to. This museum is in Fushimi ward which is the most well-known place for high-quality sake in Japan. On this museum, you possibly can be taught the historical past, tradition, and the method of creating sake. You may also bask in three totally different sake tastings on the finish of the tour. 

Web site: Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Admission price: 600 yen (Over 20 years previous), 100 yen (13-19 years previous), free (kids) 
*Over 20 years previous will get the sake tasting, and over 13 years previous will get small presents

2. Kyoto Railway Museum

The Kyoto Railway Museum is the largest practice museum in Japan. Its giant assortment permits guests to be taught the tradition and historical past of railway innovation, whereas trying out some cool trains up shut and private. It has 53 totally different actual practice automobiles on the exhibition to be taught the historical past and the way they labored. Guests may even get pleasure from practice simulators and an actual steam practice journey for a memorable expertise. 

Web site: Kyoto Railway Museum

Admission price: 1,500 yen (adults) 1,300 yen (college and highschool college students), 500 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students), 200 yen (kids) 

3. Nishijin Textile Heart

u dou, CC BY-ND 2.0 through Flickr

Nishijin is a standard textile produced in Nishijin in Kyoto and the Nishijin Textile Heart is the most effective place to find out about Nishijin textile and its historical past. On daily basis they host a Kimono present that introduces Japanese conventional trend, and so they have a handwoven workshop, kimono carrying expertise and exhibition. 

Web site: Nishijin Textile Heart

Additionally, if you wish to have the possibility to put on your personal kimono throughout your time in Japan, we advocate trying out a rental kimono. That is often the most effective and most price efficient approach to expertise this conventional apparel. Plus, you possibly can depart your baggage or different luggage on the retailer so you possibly can get pleasure from your kimono hands-free. Test it out beneath!

Kyoto Kimono Rental wargo | Lease Fashionable Kimono at Costs You may Love!

Lease a kimono or yukata at resaonable costs, excellent for sightseeing! We now have shops in standard areas like Kyoto, Asaku…

4. Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum

The Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum is a small museum showcasing about 50 kaleidoscopes from round 300 totally different collections from all around the world. This can be a nice alternative to strive them out, too! The gathering will probably be past your creativeness, with many kaleidoscopes that don’t seem like what you’ll count on, such because the one that appears like a Maiko doll.  

Web site: Kyoto Kadeidoscope Museum

Admission price: 500 yen (adults), 300 yen (seniors), 300 yen (highschool college students), 200 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students)  

5. Furuta Oribe Museum

Furuta Oribe was a grasp of tea ceremony within the late sixteenth century, and the Furuta Oribe Museum is a small museum which shows his tea ceremony instruments and calligraphy works. The exhibition modifications twice a yr. 

Web site: Furuta Oribe Museum

Admission price: 500 yen (adults), 400 yen (highschool and college college students), 300 yen (junior highschool college students and below)

6. Kyoto Cultural Museum

The Kyoto Cultural Museum opened in 1988 because the museum to introduce Kyoto’s historical past and tradition. It options greater than exhibitions, you too can get pleasure from procuring on the primary flooring which recreates the townscape of Kyoto throughout the Edo interval.  One other attraction is the western impressed constructing subsequent to the primary constructing. This was once the Kyoto department of the Financial institution of Japan, and is now used as a music and particular exhibition corridor. The third flooring is dwelling to a small theater the place previous Japanese movies are performed.

Web site: Kyoto Cultural Museum

Admission price: 500 yen (adults), 400 yen (faculty/college college students), free (highschool college students and below) 

7. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design 

Initially opened in 1977 and reopened in 2020, the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design displays the world of crafts made by Kyoto’s skilled craftsmen. The everlasting exhibition shows artwork with electrical panels for description and movies of the method that was concerned in making the items. Craft demonstrations carried out by skillful craftsmen and the particular exhibitions are additionally stand out causes to go to the museum. 

Web site: Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design

Admission price: free (besides some particular exhibitions)  

8. Hosomi Museum

The Hosomi Museum opened in 1998 based mostly on the Hosomi household’s giant assortment and impressed by conventional Kyoto machiya homes. The collections are targeted on Japanese arts from varied intervals, just like the Jomon interval (14,000-300 BCE) to the Edo interval. There’s a tea room, museum store and cafe on the museum as effectively. For those who’re a fan of traditional Japanese structure, it is a hidden gem you actually shouldn’t miss.

Web site: Hosomi Museum

Admission price: varies relying on the exhibition

9. Kyoto Worldwide Manga Museum

Olivier Bruchez, CC BY-SA 2.0 through Flickr

Manga is the Japanese phrase for comedian e-book or graphic novel, and the Kyoto Worldwide Manga Museum has over 300,000 manga books from all around the world! It’s the most effective place for manga lovers, there are large bookshelves overflowing with books, and you’ll learn them and find out about manga tradition to your coronary heart’s content material. The museum constructing was renovated from an previous elementary college, which provides a extra fascinating ingredient to the museum. Don’t miss the particular exhibitions which will probably be held 2-3 instances a yr. 

Web site: Kyoto Worldwide Manga Museum

Admission price: 1,200 yen (adults), 400 yen (junior and highschool college students), 200 yen (elementary college college students) 

10. Kyoto Metropolis KYOCERA Museum of Artwork

Wei-Te Wong, CC BY-SA 2.0 through Flickr

Kyoto Metropolis KYOCERA Museum of Artwork is thought for its stunning structure and Japanese backyard. Since its opening in 1933, it’s been beloved by locals and it reopened in 2020 with the combination of historic and fashionable style. Whereas particular exhibitions function varied artworks from the world, Assortment Room options Japanese arts from Kyoto the place the exhibition modifications each season.  

Web site: Kyoto Metropolis KYOCERA Museum of Artwork

Admission price: 730 yen (adults/different metropolis’s residents), 520 yen (adults/Kyoto residents), 300 yen (college students/different metropolis’s residents), free (college students/Kyoto residents and youngsters)  

11. The Nationwide Museum of Fashionable Artwork, Kyoto

The Nationwide Museum of Fashionable Artwork, Kyoto is situated in Okazaki Park, and hosts about 12,000 collections from in and outdoors of Japan. You may benefit from the giant collections of artwork together with work, and crafts equivalent to porcelain and textiles. 

Web site: The Nationwide Museum of Fashionable Artwork, Kyoto

Admission price: varies relying on the exhibition

12. Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Comtemporary Artwork

The Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Up to date Artwork is situated within the Gion space close to Yasaka Shrine. The collections are based mostly on the philosophy of “all the time doubting established idea with freed from thoughts”. The primary artists are Rosanjin, Murakami Kagaku and Yamaguchi Kaoru, and the collections developed with varied artworks from in and outdoors of Japan.   

Web site: Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Up to date Artwork

13. Kyoto Nationwide Museum

Photograph by ⓒKyoto image

The Kyoto Nationwide Museum has over 120 years of historical past. It’s dwelling to Buddha statues, work and movie scrolls and so forth. You may benefit from the necessary artworks in Japan. They host particular exhibitions sometimes, and through that point, everlasting collections will probably be closed. 

Web site: Kyoto Nationwide Museum

Admission price: varies relying on the exhibition

Temples and different Historic Websites

There are about 1,700 temples in Kyoto, and a few have stunning gardens the place you possibly can benefit from the view from inside. You may spend a soothing time having fun with the view and feeling the circulate of time whereas listening to falling rain. It doesn’t get way more zen than this!

14. Genko-an

Genko-an is thought for its two huge home windows. One is spherical and one other one is sq..
The spherical window is known as “The Window of Enlightenment” and the sq. one is known as “The Window of Confusion”. Since Genko-an could be very quiet, it’s a good place to meditate and let it undergo all of the stress you might have. The attractive view of the backyard will change every season and it’s a standard spot for the autumn foliage!

Web site: Genko-an

Admission price: 400 yen (adults), 200 yen (kids)
*In November admission price is 500 yen (adults)

15. Sanjusangendo Temple (Rengeo-in)

Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 through Wikimedia Commons

Sanjusangendo is usually described as a forest of Buddha Statues. The temple corridor is the longest picket construction in Japan and it’s dwelling to 1,001 picket statues of Buddha. Each statue was made roughly 1,000 years in the past with a want for a delicate and simple dying. Since Sanjusangendo could be very near Kyoto Nationwide Museum, visiting these two locations is a really useful route for a wet day.

Web site: Sanjusangendo

Admission price: 600 yen (adults), 400 yen (junior and highschool college students), 300 yen (kids) 

16. Kennin-ji Temple

663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0 through Wikimedia Commons

Kennin-ji was inbuilt 1202, one of many oldest zen temples in Japan. Many vacationers go to the temple for stunning fusuma (sliding doorways) work and byobu (folding screens) work. Wind God and Thunder God is essentially the most well-known byobu portray which you could see on the temple. It’s the portray by Ogata Korin, and the true one is now a part of the collections of Tokyo Nationwide Museum and infrequently exhibited, however you possibly can see the reproduction at this temple. 

Web site: Kennin-ji

Admission price: 800 yen (adults), 500 yen (elementary, junior and highschool college students)

17. Daitoku-ji Temple

663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0 through Wikimedia Commons

Daitokuji performed an necessary function within the tea ceremony and was related to the tea grasp Sen no Rikyu. This temple consists of over 20 sub temples that are largely closed to the general public. It’s an important place to see the gorgeous zen gardens particularly at Daisen-in, Zuiho-in and Ryugen-in. At Koto-in, stroll on the stone path surrounded by bamboo forest to the backyard, within the fall you possibly can see the breathtaking autumn foliage as effectively. 

Web site: Daitoku-ji Temple

Admission price: varies 

18. Ryoan-ji Temple

Ryoanji’s rock backyard might be essentially the most well-known rock backyard in Japan. It was based in 1450, and when Queen ElizabethⅡvisited the backyard in 1975, she praised the backyard which has attracted a whole bunch of tourists each day since. The origin of the backyard continues to be unknown, who and when it was created is a thriller. Across the pond you too can get pleasure from seasonal flowers on the temple. 

Web site: Ryoan-ji Temple

Admission price: 600 yen (adults), 500 yen (highschool college students), 300 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students)

19. Eikando Temple

Eikando is situated in Higashiyama district and is a highly regarded spot for autumn foliage. Throughout fall, you possibly can benefit from the autumn shade wherever you take a look at the positioning of the temple with about 3,000 maple timber. Buddhist statues and different necessary treasures are different sights of the temple. 

Web site: Eikando

Admission price: 600 yen (adults), 400 yen (college students/kids) 
*Throughout autumn foliage season, admission price might change 

20. Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzenji’s Sanmon is likely one of the tallest gates on the top of twenty-two meters. Climb up the steps and you’ll see beautiful views over the mountains and Kyoto Metropolis. One other distinctive spot is the waterway pavilion which was accomplished in 1888, with its fashionable and western influenced design including agreeable attraction to the temple website. After visiting Nanzenji, we advocate you to stroll on the thinker’s path to Ginkakuji, which lets you get pleasure from a nice stroll on a stone path even on a wet day! 

Web site: Nanzen-ji Temple

Admission price: Sammon gate – 600 yen (adults), 500 yen (highschool college students), 400 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students)  

21. Nijo Citadel

Nijo Castle

Nijo-jo is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Websites and enjoyable truth: the citadel within the first scene of the film, ‘Inception,’ was modeled after Nijo Citadel! In actual life, the citadel performed a job as a safety for the Imperial Palace and Shogun’s residence in Kyoto. It’s an necessary citadel as a result of that is the place the Edo interval ended, and when the final Shogun returned its energy to the Imperial court docket. Nijo-jo consists of six linked buildings, together with Ninomaru-goten Palace which is the must-see important constructing. You don’t need to miss trying out the beautiful rooms and wall work the place time has stopped because the Edo interval. 

Web site: Nijo Citadel

Admission price: 1,300 yen (adults), 400 yen (junior highschool college students), 300 yen (elementary college college students) 

Onsen (Scorching Springs) in Kyoto

Take a day journey to Onsen (sizzling springs) if you need to deal with your self out of your lengthy journey to Japan. It’s extremely really useful as a result of you will get the distinctive bathing expertise of Japan and scale back your fatigue (and sore ft!). 

22. Onsens in Kyoto

  • Nizaemon-no-yu: a full service onsen with open air mineral baths with onsite massages, a hair salon and restaurant.
  • Tenzan-no-yu: an enormous super-sento complicated with baths, a big sauna and occasional manzai comedy routines. There’s additionally a full restaurant.
  • Fufu-no-yu: River views set the scene at this stunning onsen with indoor and out of doors mineral baths.
  • Gyokkoyu Hijirinone: Gorgeous complicated with baths, a restaurant and therapeutic massage providers.
  • Mibu Onsen Hana-no-yu: Snug and comfortable onsen with 12 sizzling spring baths to select from.

Cultural Experiences and Workshops

23. Tea Ceremony

There are quite a lot of locations the place you possibly can be part of a tea ceremony and Kyoto is the most effective place to take action on the earth because it originated right here. Collaborating in a tea ceremony is a well-liked factor to do in Kyoto when you actually need to be taught extra concerning the Japanese tradition. Since tea ceremony is an indoor exercise, it is strongly recommended on a wet day.

Put together Japanese native meals and tea ceremony in beautiful Arashiyama! | Kyoto Cooking Class | airKitchen

Put together Japanese native meals and tea ceremony in beautiful Arashiyama! | Cooking class in Kyoto | Get pleasure from a cooking class with…

~The tea ceremony with kimono at 300 years samurai home. | Kyoto Cooking Class | airKitchen

~The tea ceremony with kimono at 300 years samurai home. | Cooking class in Kyoto | Get pleasure from a cooking class with locals

24. Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Making Workshop

If you’re focused on making (and consuming!) Japanese sweets referred to as wagashi, Kanshundo which is a well-liked wagashi store in Kyoto affords workshops for it. You may make a fantastic piece of scrumptious artwork which is suited to every season. The workshop is for inexperienced persons, so don’t fear when you’ve got no concept how one can make Japanese sweets! English, Chinese language and Korean texts can be found for the workshop. 

Web site: Kanshundo

Different Wagashi Workshops:

25. Samurai and/or Ninja Expertise

No person can deny the need for a samurai expertise after spending a while across the historic websites! There are some locations that present samurai expertise with Japanese sword apply or simply taking some photographs in samurai outfits and watching a efficiency.

You may also be taught the fundamental abilities to be a Ninja in Kyoto! Get a full on Ninja expertise with a Ninja grasp whilst you immerse your self within the conventional tradition that Kyoto has to supply. You’re going to get to decorate up like a Ninja, be taught all about what it was like again within the day, and even strive some Ninja associated actions your self.

26. Pottery Expertise 

There are a variety of various pottery experiences you possibly can have whilst you’re in Kyoto. Whether or not you need to make issues on the wheel, make items by hand, and even simply paint already fired items, there’s something for everybody. Take a look at this workshop!

Theater

27. Maiko Dance Performances 

Maiko / Geisha
Michael Elleray through Flickr

At Gion Nook which is situated on Hanamikoji alley in Gion District, you possibly can see seven sorts of conventional Japanese performing arts. And it’s one of many well-known locations to see a dance efficiency by Maiko! Often it’s very troublesome for vacationers to observe Maiko performances on the Ozashiki since many locations are invite-only, so the Gion Nook is the right place to get pleasure from Maiko dance efficiency for first-timers.

Web site: Gion Nook

Admission price: 5,500-6,600 yen (adults), 3,850 yen (ages 16-22), 3,300 yen (kids 7-15), free (preschool kids)

Buying

28. Nishiki Market

For those who love meals, you HAVE to go to and discover Nishiki Market. There are about 130 shops on this 400 meter lengthy procuring arcade. There’s a roof over the market so you possibly can benefit from the energetic market even on a wet day. Enterprise hours of most retailers are from 10:00 am to six:00 pm.

Japan Marvel Journey affords a Nishiki Market Meals and Drink Tour, it’s way more enjoyable and informative to stroll across the conventional market with a educated native information. For those who don’t need to miss the most effective retailers and hidden gems across the space, be part of our tour!

Discover Nishiki Market: Meals & Tradition Stroll

Kyoto Meals Tour takes you to the Nishiki Market and can introduce you to Kyoto’s avenue meals tradition. We can even visi…

Different Buying Spots

  • Shinkyogoku Buying Arcade
  • Furukawacho Buying Road
  • Kyoto Station Constructing

Different Spots to Get pleasure from on A Wet Day

29. Nidec Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is an iconic tower and the tallest construction in Kyoto which is situated close to Kyoto Station. It affords a panoramic view over Kyoto Metropolis on the statement deck.  It’s additionally a great place for memento procuring as a result of there are a number of outlets, eating places and bars throughout the tower and its base. Kyoto Tower even affords distinctive experiences equivalent to public bathhouses and workshops inside!

Web site: Nidec Kyoto Tower

Admission price: 900 yen (adults), 700 yen (highschool college students), 600 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students), 200 yen (kids)

Guide tickets: Kyoto Tower Remark Deck Admission E-Ticket

30. Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium is a 15 minute stroll from Kyoto station and a preferred wet (and each day!) spot. It’s a small aquarium however it has top quality amenities and you’ll take an in depth take a look at the aquatic lives. Don’t miss distinctive dolphins reveals and feeding packages that are held a few instances a day! 

Web site: Kyoto Aquarium

Admission price: 2,400 yen (adults), 1,800 yen (highschool college students), 1,200 yen (elementary and junior highschool college students), 800 yen (kids)

Advocate Wet Day Exercise

Wargo is a kimono rental model that gives a variety of kimono, excellent for exploring these wet days in Kyoto with type and authenticity. It’s straightforward to make lasting recollections when each you and the town look so photogenic! Get pleasure from an unforgettable date or make core recollections with your loved ones with all varieties of kimono for the right event.

Japan Marvel Journey Excursions in Kyoto

If you find yourself visiting Kyoto and also you want some assist organizing your journey, you got here to the best place. We’re completely happy that can assist you make your journey to Kyoto the most effective journey ever. We will advise you on the place to go and even higher, present you round with a neighborhood, English talking information. Allow us to allow you to create secure, comfy, and unforgettable recollections in Kyoto!

▶Discover Nishiki Market: Meals & Tradition Stroll
For those who’re trying to be taught extra concerning the tradition and the native delicacies of Kyoto, that is the right tour for you! Participate on this Kyoto foods and drinks tour and discover the 400-year-old market and the well-known surrounding areas.

▶Kimono Expertise
Kyoto is the most effective metropolis to discover in kimono, Japanese conventional clothes. You may select the one you want essentially the most from a number of patterns and colours on the rental store. In Kyoto, two areas are each accessible from the primary vacationer sights which makes it straightforward to strive it on and discover the town for a day!

Hope this text lets you discover a approach to get pleasure from a wet day. Have an exquisite journey in Kyoto and Japan!

Additionally try indoor actions for wet days in Tokyo:

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Pleased touring!

Keep knowledgeable of the most effective journey tricks to Japan, essentially the most thrilling issues to do and see, and the highest experiences to have with the Japan Marvel Journey E-newsletter. Each week we’ll introduce you to our newest content material.

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