A complete guide to indoor sightseeing spots you can enjoy even on rainy days in Kyoto

Kyoto is attractive for its seasonal natural beauty, but there are also many indoor spots that are not affected by the weather.

We carefully select tourist spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy or hot days, and suggest indoor sightseeing where you can spend a comfortable time.

In this article, we'll introduce spots for every style of tourism, such as history, art, culture, shopping, and food.

Indoor sightseeing to enjoy history and culture

Recommended place for history fans “Kyoto National Museum”

The Kyoto National Museum is a place where you can learn more about the history of Kyoto.

It houses cultural assets from the Heian period to the Edo period, and you can see Buddha statues, paintings, crafts, calligraphy works, etc. in the permanent exhibition.

Don't miss the special exhibitions that are held regularly.

In particular, there are plenty of audio guides for tourists from overseas, and it is attractive that they can enjoy listening to detailed explanations about Japanese culture.

The inside of the building is large, and you can take a leisurely tour even on rainy days, so it is recommended for those who take the time to learn more about Kyoto's history.

Experience Japanese history at the World Heritage Site “Nijo Castle”

Nijo Castle is a representative historic building in Kyoto, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603.

Also known as an important cultural property, this castle is a symbol of the Tokugawa shogunate, and is a great spot to experience Kyoto's history.

The interior fusuma paintings and gardens are beautiful, and you can enjoy the spectacular scenery indoors even on rainy days.

It is also famous as the place where the Taisei Hokan was held, and since you can feel the historical moments of Japan, it is particularly popular among tourists who love history.

An audio guide is also provided at Nijo Castle, and since you can visit while listening to detailed explanations of the history, it is easy for first-time visitors to understand.

Experience the heart of Zen in silence “Ryoanji Rock Garden”

Ryoan-ji Temple is a particularly famous spot among Kyoto's Zen temples.

The rock garden is loved by many people as a place where you can experience the spirit of Zen.

The appeal of the rock garden lies in its simple yet profound design, and by watching while listening to the sound of rain from the room, you can spend an introspective time in silence.

It is especially worth visiting on rainy days because its beauty stands out and you can feel the Zen spirit in a calmer atmosphere than usual.

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An indoor experience where you can experience art and culture

Source: Official site

The world of manga that even families can enjoy “Kyoto International Manga Museum”

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a spot that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from adults to children.

It has a collection of over 300,000 comics, and the appeal is that they can be freely viewed.

Not only can you learn about Japanese manga culture in depth, but they also handle manga from overseas, making the content interesting for visitors from all over the world.

Also, manga production workshops and special exhibitions are held in the building, making it a facility that you can enjoy all day long without getting bored even on rainy days.

It is especially recommended for families and couples as a place where they can relax regardless of the weather.

Directly connected to the station and easily accessible “Art Museum “Eki” KYOTO

“Art Museum “Station” KYOTO, which is directly connected to JR Kyoto Station, is a convenient museum you can drop by while on the move.

Domestic and international art exhibitions are regularly held here, so you can enjoy new exhibitions every time you visit.

In particular, since it is located right next to Kyoto Station, which is the tourist base of Kyoto, it is attractive that you can easily visit while shopping or eating on a rainy day.

For art-loving tourists, not only is it easily accessible, but it also has high-quality exhibits, so it's worth a visit.

A unique exhibition “Kyoto Prefecture Pottery Board Masterpiece Garden,” which recreates famous paintings on ceramic plates

The Kyoto Prefecture Pottery Board Masterpiece Garden is a unique museum that recreates famous paintings on ceramic plates.

You can enjoy these masterpieces indoors even on rainy days, and it's a great spot for art fans in particular.

Famous paintings known to everyone, such as works by Van Gogh and Da Vinci, are exquisitely reproduced on ceramic plates, so you can spend a quiet time while touching art.

Unlike general museums, it features a structure that combines indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can enjoy famous paintings without worry even on rainy days.

An indoor experience where you can enjoy Kyoto's cuisine and traditional culture

Cooking experience using ingredients from Kyoto

What I definitely want to try when I come to Kyoto is to experience cooking with Kyoto vegetables.

This hands-on class, where you can make and taste your own cuisine using Kyoto vegetables, a specialty of Kyoto, is very popular among tourists.

By experiencing Kyoto's food culture through cuisine, sightseeing will be more fulfilling.

Perfect as an indoor activity, especially on rainy days.

While learning about cooking using Kyoto's rich ingredients, you can have an experience like no other by enjoying the cuisine you've made yourself.

Learn about Kyoto's traditional tea ceremony and experience a tea ceremony

Kyoto is also famous as the birthplace of the tea ceremony.

In the tea ceremony experience, you can experience the tea ceremony culture unique to Kyoto, and learn the traditional spirit and manners of hospitality.

Even on rainy days, you can enjoy a moment of calm while relaxing in a quiet tea room, so it's the perfect spot to refresh yourself in between sightseeing.

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An indoor spot where you can enjoy shopping for Kyoto souvenirs

Comfortable shopping without worrying about the weather “Kyoto Station Underground Shopping Mall Porta”

The underground shopping mall “Porta,” which is directly connected to Kyoto Station, is a place where you can enjoy shopping comfortably even on rainy or hot days.

They have a variety of stores, from fashion to miscellaneous goods to gourmet food, and it's convenient to stop by in between sightseeing.

It's also a perfect spot to find Kyoto-like souvenirs, especially for travelers.

It's easily accessible, and you can enjoy comfortable shopping without getting wet even on rainy days, so it's a place you definitely want to visit during your Kyoto trip.

“Takashimaya Kyoto Store” is full of souvenirs unique to Kyoto

The Takashimaya Kyoto store, which is a long-established department store in Kyoto, has high-quality products unique to department stores, and is full of fashion, gourmet food, souvenirs, etc.

It is especially recommended for tourists looking for traditional Kyoto sweets and crafts.

You can relax and enjoy shopping even on rainy days, so it's perfect for those who want to carefully select items unique to Kyoto.

summary

There are many indoor tourist spots in Kyoto that you can enjoy comfortably even on rainy or hot days.

There are plenty of places to fully enjoy even on rainy days, such as the Kyoto National Museum and Nijo Castle where you can feel history, the Kyoto International Manga Museum where you can experience culture, and the art museum “Eki” KYOTO.

There are also recommended facilities for families and couples, so you can comfortably spend your shopping and dining experiences indoors.

Find ideas for enjoying Kyoto regardless of the weather and enjoy a wonderful trip.

Would you like to experience nails in Kyoto?

Excellent access from sightseeing spots in Kyoto!

Here are some nail salons that are popular with tourists and have high reviews.

Beauty experience in Japan

Gojo/ “Mani Nail Care Kyoto Store”

It's a 1-minute walk from Gojo Station in Kyoto, perfect for a break between sightseeing.

A nail salon boasting careful service that has received high reviews.

This nail salon also suggests colors that are perfect for your skin tone and preferences.

Not only is the gorgeous design, but the simple coloring and careful hand care are sure to renew your mood.

Please try nail care in Japan.

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Kawaramachi, Karasuma/ “Kawaramachi Sopoca-lon”

Conveniently located a 7-minute walk from Hankyu “Karasuma Station”, this salon is located between Sanjo and Shijo, making it perfect for those who enjoy shopping and tourists.

This is a popular salon for casual yet sophisticated “just the right casual nails.” Inside the spacious store, the spacious chairs are designed so you won't get tired even if you sit for a long time, and we provide a space where you can relax while receiving careful nail care.

We have a large selection of attractive nail samples.

The foot nail service comes with a foot bath, which is also recommended as a treat after sightseeing!

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