Experience Kyoto’s Breathtaking Winter Views: 11 Scenic Snowy Spots
Located in the Kansai region, slightly southwest of Japan’s geographic center, Kyoto is a top destination known for its picturesque streets, historic temples and shrines, and traditional Japanese scenery.
In winter, Kyoto occasionally sees snowfall, transforming the city into a beautiful, snow-covered landscape that evokes a classic Japanese aesthetic.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto in winter, be sure to visit spots where you can enjoy these stunning snowy views.
Since snowfall is rare in Kyoto, use this guide to help you quickly adjust your itinerary to include scenic snow-covered spots when snow begins to fall.
When Does It Snow in Kyoto? Tips for Catching the Snowy Views
Snowfall is relatively rare in Kyoto due to its climate.
In central Kyoto, snow only falls about two or three times a year, and even then, it usually melts by the afternoon.
Mountainous areas within Kyoto City are slightly more likely to experience snow accumulation, but even so, it only occurs around five to six times a year.
When Kyoto’s streetscapes and temples are blanketed in snow, they offer an exquisitely atmospheric view.
Although the first snow often comes in December, the best chance for actual accumulation is from late January to February.
If you want to see snow-covered scenery in Kyoto, plan to get up early and head out in the morning.
Average Winter Temperatures and Clothing Tips for Kyoto
Because Kyoto lies in a basin, Kyoto can get extremely cold in winter.
Refer to the average winter temperatures and clothing examples below to make sure you're well prepared for the cold.
Average Winter Temperatures in Kyoto
- December
- 7℃
- January
- 6℃
- February
- 7℃
What to Wear in Winter in Kyoto
To retain your body heat and stay warm, wearing layers is recommended.
Be sure to bring scarves and gloves to keep your neck and extremities warm.
Choose footwear that is easy to walk in, water-resistant, and slip-resistant for snowy or icy conditions.
- December - February
- Coat, warm sweater, and jacket
11 Scenic Winter Spots to Visit in Kyoto
When traditional architecture like shrines and temples are covered in snow, the result is a deeply atmospheric landscape that captures the essence of Japanese beauty.
While each location shares this charm, the views differ greatly from place to place, offering a variety of unique experiences.
If you happen to be in Kyoto during a rare snowfall, we highly recommend visiting the following scenic spots—ideally in the morning before the snow melts.
1. Kinkaku-ji – Its brilliance is enhanced even more by a snowy veil.
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
2. Kifune Shrine – A solemn yet other-worldly atmosphere permeates the grounds.
Located along the Kibune River at the foot of Mt. Kibune in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, the shrine is the head shrine of about 2,000 water god shrines in Japan, and enshrines the deity Taka-okamino-kami, who controls water. The exact date of establishment is unknown, but there is a record of the rebuilding of the shrine in the 6th year of Hakuho (677), during the reign of Emperor Temmu, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan with a history of over 1,300 years.
3. Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail – A surreal, other-worldly path through towering bamboo.
The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.
Green bamboos shoot up to the sky. The beautiful scene is often in travel magazines, TV shows, and ads, known as Kyoto’s famous landscape. The trees grow straight up and the tops bend over, creating a bamboo tunnel.
4. Togetsukyo Bridge – A landscape reminiscent of an ink painting unfolds.
The bridge was built in the first half of the 9th century during the Heian period (794-1185). It has been washed out many times, but each time it has been rebuilt. It is said that the name was given by Emperor Kameyama in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), as the moon moved across the bridge as if it were crossing over it.
The bridge has been featured in numerous ukiyoe woodblock prints, including those by Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai, and has become a representative landscape of Arashiyama.
5. Heian Jingu Shrine – The vivid red structures stand out beautifully against the white snow.
Established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, this shrine is relatively new. The buildings emulate the central government office, the "Chodo-in," where significant ceremonies took place during the Heian period. Once you step into the precincts, adorned with these vermilion structures, you feel as though you've time-traveled back to the Heian era.
6. Tenryu-ji Temple – A serene garden that looks like a monochrome painting in the quiet snow.
This is the head temple of the Tenryuji sect of the RInzai school. It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, during the early Muromachi period, in memory of Emperor Go-daigo, with Muso Kokushi (the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki) appointed as founding abbot. It was ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains of Zen temples. The temple’s precincts, which stretch across the site of Emperor Go-Saga’s Kameyama detached palace, are both Japan’s first historic site and special scenic beauty. They were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”.
7. Fushimi Inari Taisha – The iconic thousand torii gates create a magical, snowy corridor.
It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.
The most noteworthy spot is “1000 Toriis”. Vermilion-colored Toriis stand in a queue making a tunnel behind the Main Hall. It is the beginning of history when worshippers donated Toriis with its wish and thankfulness for the god, now that over 10000 Toriis are placed in the whole Inari-Yama mountain.
8. Amanohashidate – A grand panoramic view blanketed in snow.
Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores. It’s magical look and feel carved out by nature over many millennia has earned it a spot on many of Japan’s best 100-lists, including 100 Best Famous Pine Trees, 100 Best Green Pines and White Sands, 100 Best Shorelines and 100 Best Beautiful Biospheres in Japan.
9. Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Its iconic silhouette stands out even more in winter.
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties. The changes in scenery of the Kiyomizu-dera temple can be seen every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.
10. Kamigamo Shrine – A striking contrast of colors evokes traditional Japanese beauty.
In ancient times, Kamowakeikazuchi-no-okami, the god of the shrine, descended to the mountain northwest of the main shrine, and the Kamo clan, a powerful local family, built a shrine building in 678, and it is the oldest shrine in Kyoto. The name of Kamigamo Shrine is a common name, and the official name is Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine, named after the god. The mountain of sand in the precincts is called "tate-zuna," and it resembles a sacred mountain.
11. Nanzenji Temple – The play of light and shadow becomes even more dramatic in the snow.
In the latter half of the 13th century, Emperor Kameyama, who had defeated the Mongols (Yuan) twice, became the Pope and made the temple the first imperial temple in Japan as a Zen temple. After the main temple complex was built by Norian Soen, it was succeeded by Issan Ichinei, a high priest who was dispatched to Japan as an envoy of the Gen.
Warm Up on Cold Days! 3 Must-Try Kyoto Winter Dishes
When snow accumulates in Kyoto, the temperatures can become extremely cold.
While admiring the snowy landscapes, your body may start to feel chilled to the core.
Here are three comforting dishes that will warm you up from the inside out on such frosty days.
1. Yudofu Sagano
Near the renowned Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, famous for its Sogenchi Garden and dragon ceiling painting, lies Yudofu Sagano, a specialty restaurant offering exquisite tofu hot-pot meals. Guests enjoy dining while appreciating the scenic beauty of a traditional Japanese garden, all within an impressive modern Sukiya-style building designed by renowned architect Togo Murano.
The establishment comprises two main buildings: the original main building primarily featuring traditional tatami seating, and an annex equipped with table and counter seating. On pleasant days, outdoor bench seating overlooking the garden is also available.
2. Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya
Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya is ideally located along the bustling approach to Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its specialty, Yudofu (tofu hot-pot). Designed in the style of a traditional Kyoto townhouse, the restaurant offers spacious, barrier-free seating areas as well as an on-site gift shop. Particularly appealing is the view from its upper terrace, accessible via external stairs, overlooking the adjacent Goryukaku, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and its picturesque fountain.
3. Gion Gyuzen
Located near the popular tourist spot Yasaka Shrine, this popular restaurant offers all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Renowned for its selection of carefully selected domestic beef and premium Kuroge Wagyu, the restaurant offers a wide range of courses to suit various budgets and group sizes, earning it high praise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow in Kyoto
Q
When does it typically snow in Kyoto?
Snowfall in Kyoto generally occurs from early December to late February.
Q
Which areas in Kyoto are more likely to get snow?
The mountainous areas tend to have a higher chance of snowfall and accumulation than central Kyoto City.
Conclusion
This article introduced some of Kyoto’s most breathtaking winter view spots, along with warming dishes perfect for chilly days.
If you’re lucky enough to experience snowfall during your Kyoto trip, be sure to visit the scenic locations listed here.
For more travel ideas, don’t miss our article on must-see spots in Kyoto that are beautiful year-round—it’s a helpful reference for planning your visit.