NipponPlan · Kyoto

Kyoto in DecemberA good time to go

Weather: Cool · 4 to 12 °C
Rain: Dry · Comfortable air
Events: New Year closures, Autumn leaves
What to pack: Layers and a jacket.

Our advice: The weather suits your trip. Book early if the dates fall in a busy week. Better months for your interests: January, February, November.

The old capital: temples, gardens, geisha districts and quiet lanes. Spring and autumn are very busy, so start early.

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Who travels友 Friends 恋 Couples 独 Solo 家 Families

I like

食 food 夜 nightlife 寺 temples 買 shopping遊 anime and games 山 nature 湯 onsen 芸 art and design+ 4 moreShow fewer

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Great fitKimono rental and a walk着Wear a kimono for the day and walk in the old streets. Shops include hair and shoes.because temples, art and design芸art and design寺temples4 h

Great fitEvening temple light-up夜In some seasons temples open at night with lights on the trees. Check the dates.because temples, art and design寺temples芸art and design2 h

Good fitTraditional dance show舞A short evening show of music, dance and tea. A simple way to see the arts.because art and design芸art and design1.5 h

Good fitMatcha sweets and a tea house茶Green tea parfaits, soft serve and warm sweets. Kyoto is known for this tea.because art and design食food芸art and design1 h

Good fitZen meditation session禅A short guided sit with a monk in a quiet hall.because temples寺temples1 h

Good fitPhilosopher's Path walk道A stone path beside a canal with cherry trees and small temples. Best in spring.because temples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Good fitCraft workshop: dyeing or ceramics工Try a local craft with a teacher and take your work home.because art and design芸art and design2 h

Good fitMoss garden at a quiet temple苔Some temples keep moss gardens and ask you to reserve and copy a sutra. A slow, calm morning.because temples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Good fitCycling in the east side輪The city is flat. Rent a bicycle and cover many temples in one day.because temples山nature寺temples3 h

Good fitKyoto Imperial Palace park苑A very large green park in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths and old gates.because temples山nature寺temples1.5 h

Okay fitKaiseki multi-course dinner懐A set meal of small seasonal dishes. It is a special meal, so book well ahead.食food2 h

Okay fitFushimi sake district tasting酒Old breweries by a canal where you can taste local sake in small cups.食food夜nightlife2 h

Okay fitHome cooking class料Make sushi or home dishes with a local teacher, then eat what you made.食food3 h

Okay fitLate-night ramen after dinner夜A bowl of rich ramen to end a night out. Many shops open until late.食food夜nightlife1 h

Okay fitKyoto Aquarium魚An inland aquarium near the station with river animals and a dolphin show. Good in the rain.山nature2.5 h

Reading for this place

Seasons5 min readArashiyama in autumn: how to beat the crowdsArashiyama is busy in autumn, from October to December. Here is how to plan an early visit, pick a quieter path and check the leaf forecast before you go.About this place

Seasons6 min readAutumn leaves: the timing, city by cityAutumn leaves change colour at different times in each place. Learn how to read the leaf forecast for Kyoto, Nikko and Tokyo and plan a trip with some room to spare.About this place

Seasons5 min readWinter in the old cities: quiet streets and short daysWinter in Kyoto and Tokyo is cold, with short days and fewer crowds. Learn how to plan the shorter light, the cold and the quieter streets.About this place

Weather by season

Spring春

Mild9 to 20 °CSome rain

Summer夏

Hot23 to 31 °CWet

Autumn秋

Mild15 to 23 °CSome rain

Winter冬

Cool2 to 10 °CDry

Official climate normals (Japan Meteorological Agency), checked 2026-10-04.

Kyoto京都

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Reading for this place

Weather by season