Rain brings a special charm to Kyoto—enhancing the scent of moss, deepening colors, and quieting the city streets. This thoughtfully curated one-day plan lets you experience Kyoto’s serene beauty, even (or especially!) on rainy days.
🌸 Morning: Serene Indoor Sights
▶ Nanzen-ji Temple & Suirokaku Aqueduct
Highlights: Stone aqueduct, quiet temple halls, picturesque rainy strolls with umbrella.
The mossy grounds and red brick aqueduct at Nanzen-ji are even more atmospheric when wet. The temple’s covered walkways and traditional architecture offer peaceful shelter from the rain.
Access from Villa Kyoto Saiin:
- Walk to Hankyu Saiin Station
- Take Hankyu Line to Karasuma Station
- Transfer to subway Tozai Line at Karasuma Oike Station
- Get off at Keage Station → 10-minute walk to Nanzen-ji
▶ Murin-an Garden
Highlights: Hidden gem with panoramic garden views from a traditional tatami room.
Just a 5-minute walk from Nanzen-ji, this Meiji-era villa features a scenic garden using Mt. Higashiyama as a backdrop. Enjoy the view while listening to raindrops from the comfort of a traditional sitting room.
🍱 Lunch: Seasonal Kyoto Cuisine
▶ Kaiseki Lunch in Okazaki Area
Suggested Spots: Rokusei (known for “teoke bento”) or Hyotei (historic tea house cuisine)
Enjoy warm, seasonal dishes in cozy indoor settings—perfect for a rainy midday retreat. Many of these restaurants are close to the morning sights for smooth transitions.
Access: Walking distance from Murin-an or Nanzen-ji.
🖼 Afternoon: Arts & Heritage Indoors
▶ Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art / National Museum of Modern Art
Highlights: Contemporary and traditional art in spacious, rainproof buildings.
Both museums are located in Okazaki Park and offer an excellent way to escape the rain while soaking up Kyoto’s vibrant cultural side. Don’t miss the on-site cafés for tea and sweets.
▶ Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
Highlights: Famous "nightingale floors," intricate sliding-door paintings, quieter atmosphere on rainy days.
The palace’s covered walkways and historic interiors are perfect for rainy-day exploration. The creaking wooden floors—designed to chirp like birds for security—are best appreciated when the castle is quieter.
Access from Okazaki:
- Subway Tozai Line from Higashiyama Station → Nijojo-mae Station
🛍 Evening: Shopping & Sweet Treats
▶ Nishiki Market
Highlights: Covered arcade with local food, snacks, pickles, and souvenirs.
A must-visit! Rain or shine, you can sample Kyoto delicacies while browsing artisan goods and traditional sweets. Many vendors offer tastings.
▶ Matcha Dessert Stop: Tsujiri Gion or Itohkyuemon
Highlights: Enjoy premium matcha parfaits and warm tea with a view.
Wrap up the day with a sweet break. Tsujiri’s Gion main shop offers a peaceful setting to sip green tea while watching the rain fall over the white-walled streets.
Access from Nijo Castle:
- Subway Karasuma Line → Karasuma Oike Station → Transfer to Keihan Line → Gion-Shijo Station
📷 Rainy-Day Highlights: Kyoto’s Hidden Charm
- Gion Shirakawa Canal: Stone paths, weeping willows, and occasional maiko in traditional dress
- Philosopher’s Path: A poetic walk made even more dreamlike in the rain
- Tatami Rooms: Feel the warmth of tradition as you take off your shoes and listen to the rain from inside
✅ Rainy Day Essentials
- Compact or water-repellent umbrella: Lightweight and wind-resistant
- Non-slip footwear: Essential on Kyoto’s wet stone pavements
- Hand towel: Useful at temples or before meals
- Waterproof pouch or bag: Protects phones and maps from rain
🚉 Transportation Summary from Villa Kyoto Saiin
Starting from Hankyu Saiin Station:
- To Keage Station (Nanzen-ji, Murin-an)
- Walk around Okazaki Area (lunch & museums)
- To Nijojo-mae Station (Nijo Castle)
- To Gion-Shijo Station (market & matcha desserts)
🌧 Rain in Kyoto is not a setback—it’s an invitation.
An invitation to slow down, listen, and see the city in its most poetic form.
Let the mist soften the scenery, and let the city whisper its timeless charm.