June 2025　Kyoto Rainy Day Sightseeing Guide☔️

Junna.K
Jun 11
5 min read

June in Japan is the rainy season. The continuous rainy days can make you feel a bit melancholy. However, this is precisely why it's easier to visit major tourist spots, as there are fewer tourists due to the rain.

In this article, we'll introduce tourist spots that you'll want to visit on rainy days, starting from Kyoto Station.

🏯 Cultural & Historical Sites

01 - NIjo Castle

Location & Access: Right at “Nijojo-mae Station” on the Subway Tozai Line.

About 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・The National Treasure “Ninomaru” Palace is an indoor facility comfortable to visit even in rain

・Covered corridors and rooms ensure comfortable movement throughout

・Opportunity to carefully appreciate the magnificent wall paintings in the “Kō-no-ma” and “Tora-no-ma” chambers

Recommended for: History enthusiasts and photography lovers. Enjoyable for both solo travelers and groups.

Web site

Special Event:

Anselm Kiefer Exhibition "Between Earth and Heaven" is being held

at Nijo Castle from March 23 to June 23, 2025.

https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/event/anselm-kiefer/

Exhibition Features:

・Large-scale exhibition by world-renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer

・Fusion of Nijo Castle's historic space with contemporary art

・Display of profound paintings and large-scale installations

・Unique artistic experience at a World Heritage site

Benefits of Rainy Weather:

・Mainly indoor exhibitions unaffected by weather

・Rain creates a more atmospheric experience for viewing the artwork

・Fewer visitors allow for unhurried art appreciation

02 - Kyoto National Museum

Location & Access: 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by city bus.

Get off at "Museum Sanjusangendo-mae" stop.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Both regular and special exhibitions are indoor facilities

・View Japanese art masterpieces in a comfortable environment

・Relax at the museum café

Recommended for: Art and history enthusiasts, those who want to enjoy sightseeing in a quiet atmosphere. Popular with families.

Web site

03 - Daigoji Temple

https://www.daigoji.or.jp/en/
- Location & Access: 15 minutes walk from "Daigo Station" on the Subway Tozai Line, or about 45 minutes by city bus from Kyoto Station.
  Highlights for Rainy Days: ・Main structures like the five-story pagoda and Main Hall can be viewed from under the eaves ・The Reihokan Museum is an indoor facility displaying precious Buddhist statues and cultural artifacts ・Fewer tourists on rainy days, allowing for quiet temple visits ・A hidden gem that's relatively uncrowded except during cherry blossom season
  Recommended for: Those interested in Buddhist art, people who prefer quiet tourist spots. Also recommended for photography enthusiasts.

Web site

04 - Myoshinji Temple Taizo - in

Location & Access: 15 minutes walk from JR "Hanazono Station," or immediately from "Myoshinji-mae" city bus stop.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・View sliding door paintings and gardens from inside

・Zen meditation and sutra copying experiences available even in rain

・Guided tours by the head priest (reservation required)

・A hidden gem that rarely gets crowded

Recommended for: Those interested in Zen culture and visitors who want to enjoy the temple at a leisurely pace. Ideal for small group tours.

Web site

🍜 Food & Shopping

01 - Kyoto Station Building

Location & Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Shopping at Isetan Department Store

・Ramen Street and traditional Kyoto-style Japanese restaurants in the station building

・City view from the observation deck

・Wide selection of souvenir shops

Recommended for: All age groups. Perfect for shopping enthusiasts and food lovers.

Web site

02 - Nishiki Market

Location & Access: About 5 minutes walk from Subway "Shijo Station" or Hankyu "Karasuma Station." 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Covered arcade makes it comfortable even in rain

・Experience Kyoto's food culture in this market street

・Enjoy food samples and street food

・Kyoto-style condiments and pickles for souvenirs

Recommended for: Those who love food hopping and photography. Perfect for couples and friends sightseeing together.

Web site

🎨 Anime & Subculture

01 - Kyoto International Manga Museum

Location & Access: 5 minutes walk from "Karasuma Oike Station" on the Subway Karasuma Line. About 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Free access to approximately 500,000 manga volumes

・Exhibits on manga history and culture

・Regular special exhibitions

Recommended for: Manga enthusiasts and anime fans. Enjoyable for both solo visitors and groups.

Web site

02 - Animate Kyoto Store

Location & Access: Located on Kawaramachi Street, 5F of Kyoto Marui. About 5 minutes walk from Hankyu "Kawaramachi Station" or Subway "Shijo Station".

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Indoor facility with extensive anime merchandise

・Wide selection of comics, CDs, DVDs, and more

・Regular fairs and events

・Additional shopping available within Kyoto Marui

Recommended for: Anime fans and voice actor enthusiasts. Popular among merchandise collectors.

03 - Pokémon Center Kyoto

Location & Access: B2F of Kyoto Tower Building in front of Kyoto Station. 1 minute walk from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Sells Kyoto-exclusive Pokémon merchandise

・Rich variety of figures and plush toys

・Photo spots available

・Directly connected to the station, convenient on rainy days

Recommended for: Pokémon fans and families. Also recommended for souvenir shoppers.

Web site

🎡 Entertainment

01 - Kyoto Aquarium

Location & Access: 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station, or get off at "Umekoji Park/Kyoto Aquarium" bus stop.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・All-weather facility unaffected by rain

・Dolphin shows and penguin feeding sessions

・Exhibits featuring aquatic life from Kyoto's rivers

・Interactive areas for children

Recommended for: Families and couples. Especially popular with families with small children.

Web site

🎮 Indoor Entertainment

01 - Round 1 Kyoto Kawaramachi

Location & Access: 5 minutes walk from "Shijo Station" on Kyoto Municipal Subway. About 15 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Multiple entertainment facilities including karaoke, bowling, and billiards

・Sports activities in the Spocha area

・Open 24 hours, available for late-night use

・Various package deals available for groups

Recommended for: Youth groups, couples, and families. Perfect for extended stays on rainy days.

Web site

02 - Sushi Lab. by Sumaya

Location & Access: 3 minutes walk from "Shijo Station" on the subway.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Innovative experimental approach to sushi

・Creative sushi fusion of tradition and innovation

・Watch sushi chefs' techniques up close

・Comfortable dining experience in stylish interior

Recommended for: Those seeking a modern sushi experience and people who enjoy photogenic dishes. Perfect for special dinners and dates.

Web site

☕ Cafe

01 - % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama

Location & Access: 3 minutes walk from Randen "Arashiyama Station." About 40 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・World-famous specialty coffee

・Relax while viewing the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

・Photogenic interior and drinks

・Takeout available

Recommended for: Coffee enthusiasts and café hoppers. Perfect for a sightseeing break.

Web site

02 - GOOD TIME COFFEE

Location & Access: Located in Porta underground shopping mall inside Kyoto Station Building. Directly connected to Kyoto Station.

Highlights for Rainy Days:

・Excellent access within the station building, perfect for rainy days

・Plenty of seating and relatively uncrowded

・Serves specialty coffee

・Open from morning until dinner time

・Extensive food menu including pancakes and sandwiches

Recommended for: Perfect for those wanting to take a break while waiting for trains or between sightseeing spots. Ideal for people who want to enjoy coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

Web site