そうだ京都、行こう

そうだ京都、行こう

Find coolness
in the summer of Kyoto

JP

EN

A historic shrines and temples' prestigious garden viewed
from a room where the sunlight does not reach
— Feel the coolness of moss and green maple leaves —
— Wind blowing through a temple path —

There is “coolness” to see, hear, and feel in the summer in Kyoto.
This year, look for cool things that are unique to Kyoto.

Cool shade
Cool shade

In Kyoto, there is a place of shadow (or darkness) where you may experience coolness in an artistic way.
Enjoy the coolness of a prestigious garden from the shadows of the shrines and temples and the shade of the trees.

Shrines and temples with an artistic cooling effect of shadow

Kenninji Temple

Take your time to feel the breeze in the temple

A Zen temple founded by Eisai Zenji in the Kamakura period. The airy and quiet main hall of the temple welcomes visitors with comfort even in summer. The "Shioontei" garden that you see through the shadows is decorated with green leaves and hair moss, which looks cool to your eyes.

Location: 584 Komatsu-cho, Shijo Sagaru Yamatooji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Opening hours: From 10:00 to 17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
Admission: Free within the precinct, 600 yen for the Hojo and the Hodo.
Access: 5 minutes’ walk from the City Bus “Higashiyama Yasui” stop, or 7 minutes’ walk from “Gion Shijo Station” on Keihan Main Line.

Kenninji Temple

  • Tenryuji Temple

    Tenryuji Temple

  • Jojakkoji Temple

    Jojakkoji Temple

  • Enkoji Temple

    Enkoji Temple

Cool breeze
Cool breeze

Summer pinwheels and wind chimes will make you more aware of the breeze more sensitively through the traditional places of Kyoto. Enjoy the pleasant air flow Kyoto-style.

Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

The shrines and temples' breeze cools you

  • Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

    Yanagidani Kannon, Yokokuji Temple

  • Kifune Shrine

    Kifune Shrine

  • Tofukuji Temple

    Tofukuji Temple

  • Sanjusangen-do

    Sanjusangen-do

Other shrines and temples where wind chimes are displayed throughout the year

  • Matsuo-taisha Shrine

    Matsuo-taisha Shrine

  • Shoju-in Temple

    Shoju-in Temple

Cool water
Cool water

Blessed with abundant underground water veins, Kyoto is closely connected with water. Here is a unique way to present summer coolness using water.

Lotus leaf shower in Houkongoin Temple

This year’s Kyoto in early and mid-summer features lotus leaf showers displayed in the temple. Enjoy the refreshing combination of greenery and water. Lotus leaf shower exhibition date: 17 (Sun.), 18 (Mon., national holiday), and 24 (Sun.) of July

  • 法金剛院

    Houkongoin Temple

MAP

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.

Coolness in the summer of Kyoto (promotional movie)

*All photos are for illustrative purposes.
*Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.

  • 【TVCM】

  • 【Poster graphic】

    Click here to see past posters.

    When you can only say “it’s too hot,”br what kind of scenes would ease your mind?

    In Kyoto, the green color of the plants gets deeper and deeper every day, every hour. Spacious shadows and wind paths are found at the sites of old and magnificent shrines and temples here and there, as if they were designed to absorb the harsh summer. A Zen temple founded by Eisai Zenji roughly 800 years ago, for example. The space is quiet, cool, and even friendly, clearing anything extra. Dignity may not be the only word to describe these historic buildings. Another option is to find spring water in the town, or leave the central area of the city and visit the mountains. Historic festivals and events also await you.
    The photo above is Kennin-ji Temple. Walk from Gion Shijo Station (Shijo Sagaru Yamatooji, Higashiyama-ku)

    Photographed in May 2022. The image has been processed for advertisement.