Okuribi, a seasonal summer event in Kyoto

Embrace Kyoto’s Summer!

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in Culture and Traditions, Japan Tourism

Tips for Beating the Heat and Recommended Events in Kyoto.

Welcome to summer in Kyoto! The ancient capital awaits you with its beautiful temples and shrines, lush nature, and vibrant festivals. While Kyoto’s summers are known for their heat, with a little preparation and ingenuity, you can fully savor the unique charm of this season. This article will provide Western travelers with information on Kyoto’s summer climate, must-see events, and practical advice for wisely navigating the heat.

Table of Contents

Understanding Kyoto’s Summer Climate: The Heat of a Basin City

The key to understanding Kyoto’s summer lies in its geography.
Kyoto is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, and this topography creates its unique summer climate.

Why is Kyoto’s Summer So Hot?

One of the main reasons is the Föhn phenomenon.
Air blowing down over the mountains becomes warm and dry, making it easy for heat to get trapped within the basin.
The sun’s rays are also strong, causing daytime temperatures to rise significantly.

Kyoto is often described as a “steam bath,” and the feeling of intense heat is also influenced by the basin’s poor air circulation and the difficulty of warm air escaping once it has heated up.

Monthly Summer Climate Data (Kyoto City)

The average climate for Kyoto’s summer (June to August) is as follows.
Please use this as a reference for your travel plans and clothing choices.

Month	Average Temp (°C)	High Temp (°C)	Low Temp (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Humidity (%) (Southern Kyoto, Aug)
June	21.0	25.7	16.9	199.7	–
July	26.8	31.5	23.2	223.6	–
August	28.2	33.3	24.3	153.8	66

June falls during the rainy season (tsuyu), bringing more rain and higher humidity. In July, the rainy season typically ends, and summer truly begins.
August is the hottest month of the year, with daytime high temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), making extreme heat days quite common.

Two Major Events That Color Summer in Kyoto

Kyoto’s summer is not just about the heat; it’s also about captivating traditional festivals.

Gion Matsuri (July)

Ranked as one of Japan’s three greatest festivals, the Gion Matsuri is a festival of Yasaka Shrine held over an entire month, from July 1st to 31st.
Its origins are ancient, believed to have started in the Heian period to pray for the eradication of epidemics.
The highlight of the festival is the Yamaboko Junko (procession of floats) held on the 17th (main procession, Mae Matsuri) and 24th (later procession, Ato Matsuri).
The sight of the lavishly decorated Yamaboko floats parading through the city streets is breathtaking, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
The distinctive sounds of the Gion Bayashi music, often described as “kon-chiki-chin,” also enhance the festive atmosphere.

For more information about the Gion Festival: Click here

Gozan Okuribi (August 16)

The Gozan Okuribi, a traditional event to send off the spirits of ancestors during the Obon festival, takes place every year on the night of August 16th.
Starting at 8:00 PM, characters and shapes are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto in sequence: Daimonji (大文字 – “large character”), Myo/Ho (妙法 – “Buddhist law”), Funagata (船形 – “boat shape”), Hidari Daimonji (左大文字 – “left large character”), and Toriigata (鳥居形 – “torii gate shape”).
These fires majestically illuminate the night sky.
Each lighting lasts for about 30 minutes. This send-off fire is designated as a Kyoto City Registered Intangible Folk Cultural Property, with many people quietly putting their hands together to bid farewell to their ancestors’ spirits.

Stay Comfortable in Kyoto’s Summer! Your Complete Heat Countermeasure Guide

Kyoto’s summer is undeniably hot, but with proper preparation and measures, you can enjoy your time comfortably.
The most important thing is to avoid heatstroke.

A. Stay Hydrated Constantly: Your Bottled Tea is Your Best Friend!

Kyoto’s heat and humidity can drain your energy without you realizing it.
It’s crucial to always carry water and drink frequently before you feel thirsty.
In particular, cold tea is perfect for Japan’s summer.
You can easily purchase various kinds of bottled tea, water, and sports drinks from vending machines found everywhere in the city.
This is incredibly convenient and means you won’t have to worry about finding drinks while sightseeing.
Aim to drink about a glass every hour.

B. Smart Clothing Choices: Comfort Meets Style

For summer in Kyoto, light and cool clothing is essential.

Materials and Fit
Choose clothes made from breathable cotton or linen, or quick-drying fabrics.
Loose-fitting designs are recommended.
Colors
Brighter colors that reflect sunlight are better.
Accessories
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will protect you from the strong sun.
Temple and Shrine Etiquette
Kyoto has many temples and shrines.
When visiting, try to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect.
Carrying a thin cardigan or scarf is also useful for temperature regulation and comes in handy for these occasions.
Footwear
You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Kyoto, so comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or sneakers are a must.

C. Smart Sightseeing: Pacing and Timing Are Key

Plan your activities during hot hours carefully.

Activity Times
It’s wise to schedule outdoor sightseeing for the relatively cooler early morning or evening hours.
Avoid demanding schedules during the hottest part of the day (around 11 AM to 3 PM).
Breaks
Take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned places.

D. Summer Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without These!

Sunscreen
Choose one with a high SPF and reapply frequently.
Folding Fan (Sensu) or Portable Fan
A sensu is indispensable for Japanese summers.
It folds up small, is easy to carry, and traditional Kyoto designs make great souvenirs.
Portable electric fans are also popular.
Cooling Sheets/Towels
These are useful for wiping away sweat or cooling your neck.
Insect Repellent
If you plan to visit green areas like Arashiyama or Kibune, insect repellent spray will offer peace of mind.

E. Make the Most of Indoor Facilities: Cool Havens

During the hottest parts of the day, spending time in air-conditioned indoor facilities is a good strategy.

Museums and Art Galleries
You can immerse yourself in culture while staying cool at places like the Kyoto National Museum or the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Department Store Basements (Depachika) and Cafes
Department store basements are full of delicious food and are fun just to browse. Taking a break at a stylish cafe is also a great option.

Experience Kyoto’s Unique Ways to Cool Down: Summer Traditions

Summer’s heat allows you to enjoy unique, refreshing experiences in Kyoto.

A. Dining by the River: The Charm of Kawaboko and Noryo-Yuka

A quintessential summer experience in Kyoto is dining on outdoor seating set up along the river.

Kamogawa Noryo-Yuka
Along the Kamo River in central Kyoto (mainly from Nijo to Gojo), these platforms are set up from May to September.
Many restaurants, ranging from Kyoto cuisine to international dishes, set up stalls on these platforms that extend over the river, becoming particularly lively at dusk. These are called “yuka.”
Kibune no Kawadoko
In the Kibune area north of Kyoto City, dining platforms are set up directly over the Kibune River, or so close to the water you can almost touch it.
Kibune is said to be 5-10 degrees Celsius cooler than the city center, acting as a natural air conditioner.
Dining while listening to the murmur of the clear stream is exceptional.
These are called “kawadoko” and offer a more natural cooling experience.

Both are very popular, so reservations are recommended, especially for weekends or dinner.

B. Sweet and Cold Temptations: Summer Japanese Sweets

Why not try some deliciously refreshing Japanese summer desserts, perfect for a hot day?

Kakigori (Shaved Ice)
Japanese shaved ice is characterized by its fluffy, delicate texture.
In Kyoto, a classic is Ujikintoki, made with rich matcha syrup, adzuki beans, and mochi balls.
Many tea houses and sweet shops offer kakigori with their own special homemade syrups.
Somen (Cold Noodles)
Thin, easy-to-slurp somen noodles are a summer staple.
They are served chilled with a light dipping sauce.
In Kibune, you can even experience Nagashi Somen (flowing noodles), where you catch noodles flowing down a bamboo flume with your chopsticks (available at places like Hirobun, usually from May to mid-October, reservations often not accepted).
Hiyashiame (Chilled Malt Syrup Drink)
This cold drink, made from malt syrup with a hint of ginger, has been popular in Kyoto and the Kansai region for a long time.
The sweet taste with a spicy kick of ginger is said to be good for preventing summer fatigue.

C. Nature’s Air Conditioner: Cool, Shady Spots

Kyoto also has many natural, refreshing places to escape the heat.

Lush Temple Grounds and Gardens
The Tadasu no Mori (糺の森 – “Forest of Purification”) at Shimogamo Shrine is a dense primeval forest where the shade of the trees provides natural coolness.
The expansive grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple are also suitable for a leisurely stroll.
Bamboo Groves
The famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is cool and airy, as the tall bamboo blocks the sun.
However, it’s a popular spot, so an early morning visit is recommended.
Mountain Retreats
Returning to the Kibune area, besides the kawadoko, exploring the area around Kibune Shrine is also recommended.
Surrounded by trees and with the pleasant murmur of the river, you’ll feel a different kind of coolness than in the city.

Conclusion: Get Ready for a Sparkling Summer in Kyoto!

Kyoto’s summer definitely requires preparation for the heat. However, within that heat, there are wonderful experiences unique to this season: the excitement of the Gion Matsuri, the solemnity of the Gozan Okuribi, evening涼 (cooling down) by the river on a yuka, and the tranquility of shady groves.

By staying well-hydrated, choosing appropriate clothing, planning a sensible schedule, and embracing Kyoto’s unique wisdom for staying cool, your summer trip to Kyoto will surely become an unforgettable journey.
Now, let’s embark on a journey to discover the charms of the sparkling ancient capital in summer!