Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Kyoto

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Kyoto on a Rainy Day

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Kyoto

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249 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 249

What travellers are saying

  • Dan S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tour was amazing great job buy the guide Takto! Would recommend in Kyoto. Spoke English and Japanese and was very knowledgable . Absolutely great experience!
    Written 19 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 649001
    Springfield361 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a magical place.
    The main hall contains a big Buddha sitting on a lotus flower surrounding 1001 (!) standing golden Kannons (Goddess of Mercy) about human height made from cypress wood almost 1000 years ago. It's a shining army! The statues have 21 pairs of arms which symbolizes 1000 arms. There are different objects in the statues' hands. The statues have many faces (there are 11 small heads attached to the Main head). There are many other statues: G-d of Wind, G-d of Thunder, Heavenly Kings, etc. Some are playing musical instruments, some have wings, some have horse head on their head, some have fin-like brows, etc.
    Unfortunately, you cannot take a picture there.
    There is also a nice small garden outside.
    Allow at least an hour.
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Loc H
    Portland, OR17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nishiki Market Review

    Nishiki Market is a must-visit spot for any food lover in Kyoto, and it’s especially popular with tourists. Be prepared for crowds, as the narrow alleys get quite packed, especially on weekends. However, the vibrant atmosphere and variety of foods make it worth navigating through the bustle.

    The market offers a fantastic selection of traditional Japanese foods. Shrimp skewers are a standout, along with fresh sashimi, savory ramen, and unique local delicacies. Many stalls also have quick bites and samples, making it easy to taste a bit of everything. If you’re patient with the crowds, you’re in for an authentic Japanese food experience that’s both delicious and memorable.
    Written 29 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • karenpammy2016
    San Francisco, CA1,258 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is worth a visit to the huge and busy Kyoto Station if you have some time. Make sure you stop by the Daikaiden-Giant Grand Staircase from 5p.m. - 10p.m. each day on as the staircase is lit up from the 3rd floor to the 8th floor with colorful flashing LED lights of different themes depending on the month and season as the images are depicted accordingly. During our visit in July, the theme was "Summer- Gion Festival Lights." It was very colorful and many different scenes change and move around the staircase itself that acts as a background screen.
    There are no seats so make yourself comfortable by locating a good spot to view the lighted staircase. Also, there are people who sit and/or run up and down the staircase, so it may obstruct your view or while you are taking photos as it is a working staircase. Definitely worth a stop for a short break over to view it if you are in the Kyoto Station after sunset.
    Written 2 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maurizio P
    Santiago, Chile139 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to visit in order to see something different! This zen / buddist temple charges an 800 fee to enter, but is worth to see the twin dragons, green garden and zen garden! Wouldn’t hesitate in recommending.
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stay03529981616
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pigs are very adorable and friendly. I took a lot of pictures.The staff is so nice and the place is very clean. Must come place😍😍😍
    Written 27 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SBR
    Dallas, TX527 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth seeing even if not a train buff. Extensive collection of trains & memorabilia. A little difficult for nonJapanese-have to use QR code for each area. Model train presentation was NOT worth seeing-children might enjoy it but entirely in Japanese.
    Written 26 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tomato_7070
    Aberdeen, UK254 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was not difficult to access to Rurikoin and u can even take the beautiful train.

    Before getting inside the Rurikoin, u have to walk around 10 minutes from the station. Autumn leaves were very pretty along the walk, and the weather was also fantastic in November.

    When u get inside the Rurikoin, u can view the amazing view in the particular spot, the table is just like a mirror and reflected the leaves, just like a wonderful picture.

    U will definitely amazed by the power of light and reflection, just a bit sadness about the early arrival to Japan, probably it will be even gorgeous 1-2 weeks later 😭
    Written 14 November 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC6,624 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Riding the City Bus, I noticed the intricate roofs and awnings of this attraction. I decided to walk towards it, It is about 10 minutes walk away from the Kyoto Station.

    Entrance here is FREE! No crowds to fight for best place to take photos. Entry inside the buildings is also free, and taking pictures is ALLOWED! One of the buildings has a small museum, explaining the birth of the founder of the Buddhist Sect. There is an elevator to go to the lower floors of this building.

    Another buidling is the prayer room where floors are covered with mats. Altars are separated by movable dividers. Beautiful chandeliers here. Felt sompeaceful and serene here. Took seceral pictures here.

    There are toilet facilities inside and outside the buildings. There is also a small Gift Shop

    Highly recommended to visit! FREE entrance, NO crowds, Beautiful buildings with ornate, beautiful features, Ok to take photos inside!
    Written 24 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rudy_setiawan
    Batam Center, Indonesia332 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw this temple when we took can on the way to Ninja & Samurai museum, it looks very grand from outside and not crowded so we decided to visit the temple once we are done with the museum. It is quite near to the JR kyoto station therefore can walk easily from there. The temple consist of few buildings and it has very nice surrounding especially if you visit during spring time. Our visit is in February so its Winter but still feel very nice. It is not crowded so you can relaxly walk around.
    Recommended for those who has limited time in Kyoto and want to see temple near to the station.
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard W
    Dallas, TX1,929 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We pre-purchased both the tea ceremony and tickets for the geisha performance. Guests walk through about three rooms of art about geisha performers and tea displays that are void of any English before being directed to a waiting room. Groups enter into another room to observe the tea ceremony, meaning a seiko is offered tea and drinks by a maiko in an elaborate ceremony. Unfortunately, no explanation was provided. Guests were seated and served tea and a sweet. Again, no explanation is given. The guest is given the plate that the sweet is on as a “gift”. Then the guest may walk for a short time in a lovely garden.

    The geisha performance was fascinating and wonderful. Headphones are available to rent (700 JPN) that provide a running English commentary and explanation of the performances. In my humble opinion, don’t bother going if you don’t intend to rent the headsets. They are excellent and imperative to understand the performances. The music and instrumentation and clothes and dances and scenery were extremely special. The performance hall is very large. We sat in the last row on the main floor and had no difficulty seeing and appreciating the view. No photography permitted of the performance.
    Written 5 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • maapar
    Mount Pleasant, SC968 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So glad that we found this small museum. It was beautifully laid out and artists and craftsmen were actually demonstrating various crafts. It was fascinating and I cannot believe more people do not know about it. It should definitely be rated higher as a must see
    Written 20 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Israel A
    Tel Aviv, Israel34 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Panoramic view of the city , useful to getfirst good orientation of Kyoto, and helpful for planning next days.
    Across the street from Kyoto station , with a lot of good in the first and basement floors.
    Can be good starting point for rest, AC upon arrival
    Written 30 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LVV
    Takatsuki, Japan63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beautiful historical shrine is a little bit far from Kyoto station. Maybe that's why it's very quiet and peaceful on the grounds. It's a world heritage site and an important part of Kyoto history, but you can really enjoy the serene atmosphere because there are very few tourists.
    Written 8 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LVV
    Takatsuki, Japan63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great place to visit if you want to see Japanese art. There are many impressive items on display and the temporary exhibition is always worth a visit. I think the size of the museum is perfect. It's large, but not overwhelmingly so. Perfect destination for a rainy or hot day in Kyoto!
    Written 8 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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