Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
August 31, 2026
Snowfall in Kyoto is mainly concentrated from early to mid-January, and it is said that there are only one or two days a year when snow remains on the city center for more than half a day. This time, we will introduce everything from when it snows in Kyoto, to snowy scenery spots that can be enjoyed in the city and suburbs, and even luxurious glamping accommodations where you can enjoy Kyoto's unique nature.
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Typically, snowfall in Kyoto tends to be concentrated from early to mid-January. However, in recent years, due to the effects of mild winters, the snowfall period has sometimes shifted to mid-January or early February, making a short period of about two to three weeks the best time to see snowy scenery. On the other hand, the mountainous areas of northern Kyoto, such as Ohara, Kibune, and Kurama, are at a higher altitude and have lower temperatures, so the number of snowy days and the possibility of snow accumulation are higher compared to the city center.
| season | Main snowfall season | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Every year | Early July to mid-May | A period when snow is relatively likely to fall. |
| Recent years (trend to warmer winters) | Mid-April to early November | Depending on the timing of the cold snap, it may be pushed back. |
| Snowfall lasted for more than half a day in central Kyoto. | Approximately 1-2 times per year | Relatively rare |
| Northern mountainous areas such as Ohara and Kibune | More days with snowfall than in the city center. | There is a relatively high possibility of snowfall. |
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, "Normal Values (First and Last Days of Frost, Snow, and Freezing)" Statistics
https://www.kyokanko.or.jp/
The golden reliquary hall of Kinkaku-ji Temple, reflected in Kyoko Pond and surrounded by white snow, is one of Kyoto's most iconic snowscapes in winter. On snowy days, visiting early in the morning before the snow melts will allow you to enjoy an even more beautiful view.
At Kifune Shrine, when it snows, white snow accumulates on top of the vermilion lanterns, creating a fantastical scene in combination with the surrounding mountains and forests. In addition, the shrine is sometimes illuminated at night on snowy days during the winter, allowing visitors to enjoy a special winter landscape that is representative of Kyoto.
Traffic access:
It's about a 30-minute walk from Eizan Railway's "Kibuneguchi Station," or about a 5-minute walk from the "Kibune" bus stop on Kyoto Bus Route 33.
Official site:
https://kifunejinja.jp/
In snow-covered Arashiyama, the bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and riverside scenery take on an atmosphere reminiscent of a sumi-e (ink painting). After your stroll, you can warm up in a footbath near Arashiyama Station, but it's recommended to check in advance as opening hours may be shortened during the winter.
Ohara is located in a mountainous area in the northeastern part of Kyoto City, and the temperature is lower than in the city center. In the gardens of Sanzen-in Temple, you can enjoy a tranquil winter landscape with white snow piled on top of green moss.
Amanohashidate is one of the "Three Views of Japan," along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. In the cold winter, a beautiful pine forest covered in snow spreads out, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical landscape unique to the season.
| Sights | Area | transportation | Expected snowfall/snowfall | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinkakuji Temple | Northern Kyoto City | City bus | 3/5 | The golden reliquary hall and the white snow, Mirror Lake |
| Kibune Shrine | Northern mountainous area of Kyoto | Eizan Railway + approximately 30 minutes on foot | 4/5 | Vermilion lanterns and snow, winter illumination |
| 大原・三千院 | Mountainous area in northeastern Kyoto | Bus: approximately 1 hour | 4/5 | Moss garden and snowscape |
| Arashiyama | Western Kyoto City | JR/Randen | 3/5 | Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove Path |
| Amanohashidate | Northern Kyoto | Train/Bus | 4/5 | Amanohashidate View Land, Beach |
This luxurious resort accommodation is located in the Amanohashidate area of Kyoto. Each guest room is equipped with a natural hot spring bath called "Kin Onsen," allowing guests to relax and enjoy the hot springs at any time during their stay. The resort also features a separate BBQ area, a private garden, and a private bonfire area. For meals, guests can enjoy a luxurious menu using seasonal ingredients, including domestic Wagyu beef steak, smoked Angus beef, fresh abalone, and a platter of seafood caught in Miyazu.
Located in "Forest Kyoto," surrounded by the bounty of the mountains and rich natural scenery, this luxurious villa is available for private rental. Outdoors, you can enjoy a tent sauna with a sense of openness, or gather around a bonfire to enjoy the winter nature. For meals, you can savor BBQ featuring Kyoto's specialty eel and Kyoto vegetables, allowing you to relax your mind and body in a natural setting.
Typically, the main snowfall period in Kyoto is from early to mid-January, but in recent years, due to milder winters, it can sometimes shift to mid-January or early February. If you're aiming to see snowy scenery, it's recommended to adjust your schedule while checking the cold weather forecast.
Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kifune Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, and Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara are some of Kyoto's most representative snowscape spots.
During snowfall, roads and stone steps are prone to freezing, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and use public transportation whenever possible. The mountain paths and stone steps around Kibune are particularly slippery, so please walk slowly.
The snow-viewing illumination event may be held on Saturdays when there is a moderate amount of snow. Whether or not the event will be held will be announced around 3 PM on the day of the event on Kifune Shrine's official social media accounts, so please check for the latest information before visiting.
Yes. Kyoto is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, and the period during which you can enjoy the snowy scenery is very short, so popular accommodations tend to fill up quickly. In particular, if you are hoping for glamping surrounded by nature or a private villa rental, it is recommended to make a reservation about one to two months in advance.
The period when you can enjoy snowy scenery in Kyoto is only a few weeks each year. The golden and white snow of Kinkaku-ji Temple, the vermilion lanterns and snow-covered grounds of Kifune Shrine, and other winter sights of Kyoto are well worth the trip. Furthermore, instead of just sightseeing, you can experience winter in Kyoto more deeply by staying overnight at a glamping facility surrounded by nature in northern Kyoto or the mountainous areas, and enjoying wood-burning stoves, bonfires, hot springs, and BBQs.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
