Kyoto’s notoriety for scorching hot weather is largely attributed to its geographical location. Surrounded by mountains and with limited airflow, the city experiences stifling conditions, particularly during the summer months. To help manage the intense heat, I’ve compiled a list of activities and tricks that can provide relief and enjoyment during your time in Kyoto.

Avoid waiting for a taxi at Kyoto station

Kyoto station is notorious for being one of the most difficult place to catch a taxi. Kyoto station has two major exits, central exit (Karasuma exit) on the north side and the Hachijo exit on the south side. Most of the people arriving at Kyoto will head straight to the taxi stands by those exits. Often times, there are no taxi cars waiting at those taxi stands due to the shortage of the drivers. My recommendation is the Mk Taxi station across from the Hachiji exit. It is the dedicated taxi stand for Mk taxi, one of taxi companies in Kyoto. Mk Taxi’s stand is conveniently located under the ibis Styles hotel across Kyoto station’s Hachijo exit. The location is ideal because the Hachijo exit taxi stand is on the path to Mk so you can check out the Hachijo exit taxi stand to beforehand.

Visit Biwako Terrace for a cooler weather:

The Biwako Terrace is a mountain-top resort area near Kyoto, nestled atop two mountains on the western side of Lake Biwa. Positioned at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level, it offers a welcome escape from the heat. The resort’s setting, coupled with the abundance of vegetation, results in significantly cooler air compared to Kyoto. Beyond its renowned panoramic views of the lake and the invigorating fresh air, the Biwako Terrace boasts an array of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

To access the Biwako Terrace from Kyoto, the optimal route is to take the Kosei Line to Shiga Station. From there, a bus journey to the Biwako Valley Ropeway Station completes the trip. Notably, bus schedules are coordinated to align with most train timings, ensuring a seamless transition. Prior to your visit, make sure to visit the Biwako Terrace’s website for the bus schedule. However, it’s important to note that this journey involves multiple modes of transportation—train, bus, and ropeway—resulting in associated costs. For a round trip per person, the approximate expense is around 6,000 yen.

Eat on the river in Kibune:

Kibune is situated within a small valley near Mount Kurama and is renowned for its unique riverside restaurants. These restaurants are constructed on the riverbed itself, creating an extraordinary dining experience. Notably, the temperature in this area is notably cooler than the bustling city center of Kyoto, with the riverside eateries providing a particularly refreshing atmosphere.

Kifune Shrine, known for its association with the water deity, is a significant landmark located in Kibune.

When you visit Kibune, why not take the opportunity to explore the nearby Kurama Temple? Situated on the opposite side of Mount Kurama, you can access the temple from Kibune via the west gate, with an entrance fee of 300 yen. The pathway leading to Kurama Temple is unpaved, and considering its higher elevation, it’s generally more convenient to descend from the temple back to Kibune.

To reach Kibune, the most convenient route is to take the Kyoto bus, the maroon and white color bus (not the green Kyoto City Bus), Route 33 from Eizan Railway’s Kibuneguchi Station. Another option is to walk from Kibuneguchi Station. Alternatively, if you’re starting your journey from Kokusaikaikan Station, the Kyoto bus Route 52 will transport you to Kibuneguchi Station.

The most practical way to exploring both Kurama Temple and Kibune is to begin with a visit to Kurama Temple, then descend to Kibune and conclude your experience with a riverside restaurant.

To reach Kurama Temple, you have a few options. You can take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi or utilize Kyoto Bus Route 52 from Kokusaikaikan to reach Kurama Station. From there, you can either a walk up to the temple or take the Kurama Dera Cable Car. The cable car is unique because it is the only rail public transportation operated by a religious organization.

Swim in lake biwa:

Are you interested in swimming in a lake? You are in the right location for that. Lake Biwa (Biwako), the largest lake in Japan, is conveniently located not far from Kyoto. This lake boasts an array of accessible beaches, all reachable with just a single train ride from Kyoto Station. Among the various options, several stand out as great choices for a beach day.

Manohama Beach, Matsuno-ura beach, Omi-Miko Nakahama Beach, and Shirahige Beach Beach are all within easy reach. Notably, Omi-Maiko and Matsuno-ura beaches are conveniently located near train stops.

Omi-Maiko Beach is divided into two sections: a city-managed area on the north side and a privately-operated campsite on the south side. The campsite offers a host of activities, including wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. However, entry to this area generally requires a fee.

Shirahige Beach distinguishes itself due to the presence of the captivating “floating gate.” This unique feature creates an enchanting ambiance, reminiscent of Miyajima’s iconic gate. The nearby campsite, offering activities such as kayaking, a water park, and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities centered around the floating shrine, the experience that you cannot experience in Miyajima.

There are other beaches on the lake but some may require taking a taxi from the nearest train station on the Kosei line. It’s important to come prepared with cash, as certain beaches might require an entrance fee or fees for facility usage. Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is the operational timeframe. While these beaches are open year-round, it’s vital to acknowledge that lifeguards are only on duty during the official beach season, which typically spans from the end of July to August 31st.

Swim in Kiyotaki River (and Hike to Takao)

Kiyotaki is a hidden spot where you can swim and hike near Arashiyama. The river is not well known among tourist so if you want to get away from the crowded and hot Kyoto, it is a great place to go. The river is easily accessible by bus from Arashiyama. To reach there, you can take Kyoto bus (not Kyoto city bus) route 62, 72, 92 and 94 from either Randen-Arashiyama or Hankyu-Arashiyama to Kiyotaki, to the last stop. From the bus stop the road to leads to the river.

Kiyotaki river is a hidden gem where you can swim and hike in close proximity to Arashiyama. This river remains off the radar for many tourists, making it an ideal escape from the bustling and scorching city of Kyoto.

To venture to this serene spot, you can board the Kyoto bus (Not the green Kyoto City Buse) routes 62, 72, 92, and 94 from either Randen-Arashiyama or Hankyu-Arashiyama, ultimately reaching Kiyotaki—the final stop on these routes. Upon disembarking at the bus stop, the road on the left leads you to the river. The swimable area is located upstream of the parking lot. This hidden gem a great escape from the crowds and heat, all conveniently located near the iconic Arashiyama.

If you want to hike, especially during fall foliage and spring, there is a hiking trail towards Takao along Kiyotaki river. The 3.7km hiking course is relatively flat and well travelled so it is beginner friendly. On top of that once reaching Takao, there are three well known temples, Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji and Kosan-ji, that you can visit. Each temple charge a fee around 500-600 yen to enter but it is less crowded and serene as they are surrounded by mountains and trees.

For a hiking adventure, particularly during the captivating fall foliage and spring seasons, the hiking trail leading to Takao along Kiyotaki River is a good way to experience the nature. Spanning 3.7 kilometers, this hiking course showcases a relatively level terrain and is frequently traversed, making it an excellent option for beginners.

Upon reaching Takao, you’ll have the opportunity to explore three distinguished temples: Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji and Kosan-ji. Each temple charges an entrance fee of around 500-600 yen is typically charged for access to these temples but it is worth the fees to visit them, especially during the fall foliage season. Embraced by mountains and lush vegetation, these temples provide a serene environment to soak in their unique atmosphere.

These temples are especially picturesque during fall foliage. Takao is accessible by Kyoto city bus route 8 (To Toganoo) from Karasuma, Omiya, Saiin and Uzumasa Tenjngawa stations, and by JR bus “Takao Kyohoku line” (To Shuzan or Toganoo) from Kyoto, Emmachi and Kitano Hakubaicho stations.

To Takao, you can take the Kyoto City Bus Route 8, from Karasuma, Omiya, Saiin and Uzumasa Tenjngawa stations. If you are coming from Kyoto, Emmachi and Kitano Hakubaicho stations, the JR bus “Takao Keihoku Line”, is the way to go. You should note that the JR bus runs more frequently than the Kyoto city bus. The bonus is that both Kiyotaki and Takao is within the Subway, Bus One-Day Pass zone.

Take Kyoto bus route 32 to Hanase and Hirogawara

Exploring Kyoto by bus on a hot summer day can be a unique adventure, offering a refuge from the heat. Among the various bus routes in the city, I highly recommend Kyoto Bus Route 32, which begins its journey from Demachiyanagi, Kitaoji (Karasuma Kita Oji), and Kurama stations. This route extends all the way to Hirogawara, where Kyoto’s one and only ski destination within the city limit. Notably, this is one of the ongest bus routes operated by a non-coach-style bus in Kyoto.

In Hirogawara, you’ll find a serene landscape comprising a café, a handful of houses, and trails. The primary attraction along the way is the Hanase Resort Park, an ideal for river swimming, outdoor barbecues, and hiking (please note that it’s closed on Tuesdays). Along the route, there is Bujoji Temple, adding a touch of cultural exploration to your journey.

The entire route from start to finish, you’ll be treated to a nearly 2-hour ride. This route is packed with so many different sentries as the bus passes the city, new and old residential areas, narrow road in the cedar tree forest, the mountain pass (Hanase pass), farmland, village and a random cafe in the middle of nowhere.

Several important points to bear in mind: Kyoto Bus Route 32 operates twice a day, with an additional midday service on weekends. Once the morning bus departs, the next bus is available in the evening. Missing the last bus north of Kurama would leave you stranded, so it’s crucial to take a close look at the timetable posted at the bus stop right after getting off. Furthermore, the area lacks stores, so bringing food and drinks is advisable, especially if you intend to hike. Lastly, ensure you have sufficient cash or money stored in your transit IC card, as the bus fare is 1,100 yen one way. This recommendation is an excellent way to experience a comprehensive and varied glimpse of Kyoto and Japan as whole, all while keeping cool and comfortable.

Visiting an Aeon Mall:

On days when the weather is too hot, cold, or rainy to explore outdoor attractions in Kyoto, visiting a local mall can provide a fun experience. It offers insight into the everyday lives of typical Japanese people as they spend time in these malls. Aeon, a prominent mall chain, operates several malls across Japan, and within Kyoto city, there few Aeon malls that offer diverse experiences.

The closest one from Kyoto station is the Aeon Mall Kyoto, which is conveniently located near Kyoto Station. This mall is a great destination for those staying around Kyoto Station. It features an array of amenities, including a movie theater, drug store, electronics store, clothing shops, restaurants, food court and even a Toys “R” Us outlet. Aeon Mall Kyoto is only a 10-minute journey from Kyoto Station, making it easily accessible.

Aeon Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa is another convenient option. It is directly connected to JR Katsuragawa Station and is a mere five-minute walk from Hankyu Rakusaiguchi Station, which is in close proximity to Arashiyama. This mall is literly just 10 minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, potentially making it a quicker option than walking to the Aeon Mall Kyoto near the main station. It’s the largest mall in Kyoto in terms of floor area and offers an impressive array of amenities, including well-known a ramen shop like Ippudo, a food court, a movie theater equipped with a 4DX auditorium, a grocery store, and a gift shop. This comprehensive offering ensures that you can comfortably spend a few hours indoors, avoiding unfavorable weather conditions.

Summary:

Kyoto’s unbearably hot in summer, period. On those hot summer days, there are activities in and around Kyoto that you can enjoy while avoiding the heat. To start with, you should definitely avoid standing in the taxi line at Kyoto station. The Mk taxi stand is the best place to catch a taxi.

You can visit Biwako Terrace for the view and cooler breeze, Kibune (and Kurama) for the on the river restaurant experience, swimming in lake Biwa and Kiyotaki river to cool you down, taking the Scenic Bus Route 32 and spending time in an Aeon Mall for indoor enjoyment.