What To Do In Kyoto This Summer - Things to do June, July and August

Kyoto in June is usually warm and sunny, and the first few weeks are typically dry. Many people choose to visit in early June for this reason - the temperatures aren’t too hot, and it’s still relatively quiet, as far as tourists go. Although the rains will arrive towards the end of the month, and hang around for much of the summer, it seldom rains every day or for days on end. Rather, you can expect warm days, and some showers in the afternoon that often provide some welcome relief.

If you’re wondering about things to do in Kyoto in summer, early June is a great time to tick off some of the city’s major attractions, including the popular bamboo forest. Kyoto is also slightly cooler at this time of summer than other times of the year, so it’s a great time to explore the city’s temples and other outdoor attractions. There are also several events if you’re wondering what to do in Kyoto this summer. On June 1st and 2nd you can witness the oldest style of Japanese theater still practiced, at the Heian Jingū shrine. The shows include music, dance, and ornate costumes. Throughout the remainder of the month, many other shrines also hold festivals relating to various important rituals and cultural traditions. If Kyoto summer weather gets too hot, or wet, towards the end of the month, head indoors for the fascinating Kyoto Antique Fair, which takes place from June 28th to 30th.

Kyoto in summer can be hot, and by the time July rolls around visitors often retreat indoors to escape the heat. Average highs at this time of year can reach around 32° Celsius, with lows around the 23° mark. It’s also well into the rainy season, and as such frequent downfalls and humidity can make it uncomfortable at times. But there are still a lot of things to do in Kyoto at this time of the year, and the warmer weather means the streets are often quieter and hotels cheaper than other times of the year, particularly if you know where to stay while in the city.

July is a good time to check out some of Kyoto’s hidden gems. Exploring the lesser-explored temples, and walks along the Kamo riverside, are fantastic experiences when the weather is agreeable. And if it’s too hot, or wet, you can retreat into the Kyoto Tower Sando, or Kyoto Ramen Street. But by far the most important reason to visit Kyoto in July is Gion Matsuri - one of the country’s most famous festivals that takes over the entire month. This alone makes Kyoto one of the best places to visit in Japan in summer. Throughout the month you can also experience Star Festival (July 7th and 8th) and Water Festival (July 8th). In 2019, the second half of July is also dominated by the Illustrated Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, a fascinating projection mapping display in Kōdai-ji in Higashiyama.

August in Kyoto is slightly warmer than previous summer months, but the rain starts to abate. Although there are only an average of eight rainy days in the month, the weather is hotter, sunnier, and often more humid than other times of the year, causing many visitors to shy away. Still, if you’re able to handle regular temperatures in the mid-30s, it’s a good time to visit - there are often fewer people in the city at this time of year, and as such there are ample opportunities to experience the city’s famed food. There are also several light and fireworks displays to experience, which are among the best things to do in Kyoto at night.

The first of the big light festivals, Kyo no Tanabata, takes place between August 4th and 10th at two locations along the Horikawa and Kamogawa rivers. On August 11th is the Kameoka Heiwasai Hozugawa Fireworks Festival, and on August 15th and 24th are the Matsu-age Torch Lightings. These torch lighting's take place throughout rural Japan, but you can witness them in villages that sit close to Kyoto. August is also a good time to explore some of Kyoto’s fascinating neighbourhoods - provided the weather is not too hot, you can walk through a variety of neighborhoods to sample food and experience local life. If you’ve yet to visit magical Arashiyama, the bamboo grove in Kyoto, this is also a good time to experience this enchanting attraction.