Kyoto in summer is vibrant, lush, and… incredibly hot. Here is your survival guide to staying cool and the best apartment hotels for a refreshing stay.
The Gion Matsuri festival floats, the vibrant “green maple” leaves, and the dining platforms over the Kamo River. Summer in Kyoto offers experiences you can’t find at any other time of year.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: The Heat. Kyoto sits in a basin, meaning the summer heat gets trapped. Locals call it Abura-deri (literally “oil drying”), describing a humidity so thick it feels like a sauna. For travelers unprepared for Japanese humidity, a day of walking can quickly turn from “magical” to “exhausting.”
Don’t let the weather scare you off. With the right strategy, summer in Kyoto is unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share the coolest spots (literally) and the secret to staying fresh: choosing a hotel with the right amenities.
The Quick Verdict: How to Win at Summer Travel
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy travelers, here is the bottom line. To survive Kyoto’s summer:
- Chase the Shade: Prioritize spots like Kifune (mountains) or indoor cultural sites during peak sun hours.
- Upgrade Your Base: You will sweat. Book an Apartment Hotel like Minn that features in-room washing machines. Being able to wash your clothes daily is the ultimate summer luxury.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Features: In-room laundry, powerful A/C, and spacious living areas to recover from the heat.)
The Survival Guide: Battling the Humidity
Before we get to the sights, you need to gear up. Kyoto humidity is different—it sticks.
1. Dress Like a Local
Forget heavy denim. You need linen, cotton, or moisture-wicking fabrics (Uniqlo’s “AIRism” is a traveler favorite here).
- Pro Tip: Plan to change your shirt at least once a day. This means you either pack a massive suitcase OR stay somewhere with laundry facilities.
2. The “Handheld Fan” is Essential
You will see everyone in Japan holding small portable electric fans. It might look funny at first, but buy one at a convenience store immediately. It’s a lifesaver when waiting for traffic lights. Also, don’t be shy about using a parasol (sun umbrella)—men use them too in Japan!
3. Skip the Bus, Take the Train
In spring or autumn, buses are fine. In summer, waiting at a bus stop with no shade is brutal.
- The Strategy: Use the Subway, Keihan, or Hankyu train lines. The stations are air-conditioned, and the trains are cool. Use taxis for the “last mile” to avoid heatstroke.
Top 5 “Cool” Spots for Summer Sightseeing in Kyoto
Escape the asphalt and head to these refreshing locations.
1. Kifune Shrine & Kawadoko (Kifune Area)
- The Vibe: A mountain retreat 1 hour north of the city center. It is generally 5°C (9°F) cooler than downtown.
- Why Go: Experience Kawadoko—dining on platforms built literally over the rushing river. Enjoying cold somen noodles while the water flows beneath you is the ultimate Japanese summer experience.
2. Shimogamo Shrine & Tadasu no Mori (Demachiyanagi Area)
- The Vibe: An ancient primeval forest that has stood for centuries.
- Why Go: The trees in the “Tadasu no Mori” forest are massive and block out the sun, creating a natural cooling tunnel leading to the shrine. In late July, there is a festival where you soak your feet in the cool Mitarashi stream.
3. Kyoto Aquarium (Umekoji Area)
- The Vibe: Dark, cool, and relaxing.
- Why Go: Sometimes, you just need Air Conditioning. Located in Umekoji Park, seeing the giant salamanders and dolphins is a perfect midday escape, especially for families.
4. Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (Okazaki Area)
- The Vibe: Modern architecture meets Japanese tradition.
- Why Go: Renovated in 2020, this building is a masterpiece. Wander through the spacious, climate-controlled galleries and enjoy a coffee in the stylish cafe. It’s culture without the sweat.
5. Bamboo Grove (Arashiyama Area)
- The Vibe: Towering green stalks swaying in the wind.
- Why Go: The tall bamboo blocks direct sunlight, creating a breezy path.
- Warning: It gets crowded and hot by 10 AM. Go at 8:00 AM or earlier to feel the actual cooling effect of the wind.
The Hotel Strategy: Why “Minn” is the Summer Savior
Source：Minn Official Website
In other seasons, any hotel will do. In summer, your choice of accommodation defines your comfort level. You need to address two problems: Sweat and Exhaustion.
This is why Apartment Hotels like Minn are the smartest choice.
1. The Magic of In-Room Laundry
After a day of walking, your clothes will be soaked. In a standard hotel, you have to hunt for a coin laundry or hand-wash in the sink.
- The Minn Advantage: Most rooms have a private washing machine. Throw your clothes in while you shower, and they are clean for the next day.
- The Benefit: You can pack half the luggage (carry-on only!) and always feel fresh.
2. The “Siesta” Strategy (Location Matters)
Summer touring is exhausting. You don’t want to be out from 9 AM to 9 PM straight.
- The Minn Advantage: Minn locations (Nijo-jo, Gion, Gojo) are near major stations.
- The Benefit: Do your sightseeing in the morning, return to the hotel at 2 PM for a shower and a nap (Siesta) in the A/C, and head out again for dinner when the sun sets.
3. The “Too Tired to Go Out” Solution
Sometimes, it’s just too hot to walk to a restaurant.
- The Minn Advantage: Rooms come with kitchens and living areas.
- The Benefit: Stop by a department store basement (Depachika), buy cold noodles, sushi, and local beer. Enjoy a private dinner party in your cool living room. No dress code, no sweating.
A Perfect Summer Model Course (Beat the Heat Plan)
Day 1: Art & River Dining
- 14:00: Arrive in Kyoto. Check into Minn (near the station) to drop bags and freshen up.
- 15:00: Take the subway to Kyocera Museum. Enjoy art in the A/C.
- 17:00: Walk along the Kamo River (it gets breezy in the evening) and enjoy dinner at a riverside terrace.
- 20:00: Back to Minn. Throw clothes in the washer, relax in the living room with a cold drink.
Day 2: Mountains & Markets
- 07:00: Early start! Train to Kifune Shrine. Beat the crowds and heat.
- 11:00: Head back to the city. Stop at Nishiki Market to buy pickles and sushi.
- 12:30: Retreat to Minn. Eat your market haul in the air-conditioned dining area. Nap time!
What is an Apartment Hotel?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those new to the concept: It combines the cleanliness and service of a hotel with the amenities of a home (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- Why it wins in summer: Standard hotel rooms can feel claustrophobic when you are trying to cool down. Minn gives you space to breathe.
Verdict: Stay Cool, Travel Smart
Source：Minn Official Website
Kyoto in summer is intense, but beautiful. By choosing the right spots and—most importantly—a hotel that supports your recovery with laundry and space, you turn a challenge into a comfortable adventure.
Summer dates fill up fast. Secure your cool base now.