June in Kyoto means one thing above all else. Tsuyu, the rainy season. The city receives roughly 247mm of rainfall spread across 13 days, humidity hovers around 79%, and overcast skies become the norm rather than the exception. Temperatures are mild compared to what follows. Highs average 27°C (80°F) and lows sit around 18°C (64°F), which feels almost pleasant next to July's 32°C and August's 33°C. But the warmth mixed with that humidity creates a heavy, sticky air that settles over the Kyoto basin and doesn't lift.
To be fair, June has something the peak months don't. The roughly 10,000 hydrangea plants at Mimuroto-ji temple near Uji hit full bloom mid-month. Moss gardens at Sanzen-in in Ohara turn an impossibly deep shade of green under constant moisture. Fireflies appear along streams in the Tadasu no Mori forest near Shimogamo Shrine during the first half of the month. The crowds that pack Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama in April and swamp Tofuku-ji in November thin out noticeably, and hotel rates across Higashiyama and Gion drop with them.
The honest assessment, though. You will get rained on, probably more than once. Some days bring steady rain from morning to evening, and an umbrella becomes a permanent companion. But Kyoto's temples and gardens were designed for this weather in ways most visitors never consider. The sound of water on stone at Ryoan-ji, the smell of wet hinoki cedar around Nanzen-ji's Sanmon gate, the way deep temple eaves frame curtains of falling rain. In June you share these spaces with a fraction of the April crowds, and admission prices stay the same year-round.
Why visit in June
- Hydrangea season peaks mid-June across Kyoto, with Mimuroto-ji temple alone growing around 10,000 plants in 50 varieties and Fujinomori Shrine's garden in Fushimi adding another 3,500
- Tourist crowds drop well below the spring and autumn peaks, making temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari noticeably less congested than in April or November
- Hotel rates in central Kyoto fall to some of the lowest levels of the year, often 20-30% below the cherry blossom peak in April
- Moss gardens, bamboo groves, and temple forests reach their most photogenic state under constant moisture, particularly the moss carpet at Gio-ji in Arashiyama and the grounds of Sanzen-in
- Hamo (pike conger) and ayu (sweetfish) appear on kaiseki menus across the city, marking the start of Kyoto's most distinctive summer food season
Worth knowing
- 247mm of rainfall across roughly 13 days means you'll encounter rain on nearly half the days you're here, sometimes lasting from morning to evening without a break
- Humidity of 79% combined with 27°C temperatures creates a persistent sticky heat that makes extended outdoor walking and temple-hopping uncomfortable by midday
- Overcast skies limit golden-hour photography at spots like the Torii path at Fushimi Inari and the Kinkaku-ji reflection pond, where clear light makes or breaks the shot
- Some hiking trails in the Higashiyama mountains and around Kurama-dera become slippery or partially restricted due to rain runoff and landslide risk
Best for
Think twice if
Tsuyu brings persistent grey skies and steady rainfall to Kyoto through most of June. The 247mm monthly total falls across roughly 13 days, often as moderate rain that lasts several hours rather than quick downpours. Mornings tend to start cool enough for a light layer, but by midday the 79% humidity makes even 27°C feel considerably heavier than the number suggests. Evenings cool to around 18°C, comfortable enough for walks along the Kamo River. The rain typically builds toward mid-month and may ease slightly in the final week, though that varies year to year. You might get 3-4 fully dry days in a good June, or as few as 1-2 in a wet one.
Seasonal caution
- Tsuyu rainfall totals typically exceed 200mm in June. While central Kyoto rarely floods, heavy rain events can trigger evacuation advisories in the Arashiyama area near the Katsura and Oi rivers. The July 2018 floods in Kyoto Prefecture remain a recent reference point. Monitor JMA warnings if staying in western Kyoto or planning river-area visits.
- Sustained humidity above 75% combined with uphill walks to temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Kurama-dera can cause heat exhaustion even at a mild 27°C. Drink water before you feel thirsty and rest in shaded temple corridors between climbs.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 | -1 | 47 |
| Feb | 9 | 0 | 62 |
| Mar | 14 | 4 | 130 |
| Apr | 20 | 9 | 156 |
| May | 23 | 13 | 223 |
| Jun | 27 | 18 | 247 |
| Jul | 32 | 23 | 231 |
| Aug | 33 | 24 | 213 |
| Sep | 29 | 21 | 162 |
| Oct | 23 | 14 | 118 |
| Nov | 17 | 7 | 86 |
| Dec | 11 | 1 | 50 |
Best things to do in June
Hydrangea viewing at Mimuroto-ji
natureMimuroto-ji temple in Uji grows roughly 10,000 hydrangea plants in 50 varieties across its hillside garden. The winding paths climb through walls of blue, purple, and pink blooms, often glistening with rain. The temple sits about 30 minutes from central Kyoto by Keihan Railway and JR Nara line. Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience, though even weekends are manageable compared to cherry blossom crowds.
Hydrangeas reach peak bloom in the second and third weeks of June, and the garden opens a special viewing period timed to the season.Booking tipNo reservation needed. Arrive within the first hour of opening on weekdays for the fewest visitors.
Firefly viewing at Shimogamo Shrine
natureHotaru (fireflies) emerge along the streams in the Tadasu no Mori forest at Shimogamo Shrine during the first two weeks of June. The ancient forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, goes dark enough after sunset for the bioluminescent flashes to stand out clearly against the tree canopy. The shrine occasionally hosts a Hotaru no Yube (Firefly Evening) event in early June with lantern-lit paths.
Firefly emergence peaks in the first half of June and fades by month's end as temperatures rise further.Booking tipFree to visit the shrine grounds in the evening. Arrive after 19:30 for the best viewing conditions.
Moss garden visit at Gio-ji
templeThe compact moss garden at Gio-ji in Arashiyama contains over 20 types of moss that reach their deepest green under June's constant moisture. The thatched-roof hermitage sits at the end of a quiet lane north of the main Arashiyama tourist strip, and the garden is small enough to feel private even with a handful of other visitors. Rain intensifies both the color and the earthy smell of the moss.
The combination of rainfall and humidity in June produces the year's most vivid moss coverage, visibly greener than in drier months.Kawadoko riverside dining on the Kamo River
foodRestaurants along the Kamo River between Nijo and Gojo bridges set up kawadoko, wooden platforms extending over the riverbank where diners sit outdoors above the water. The tradition runs from May through September, but June's cooler evenings make it more comfortable than July or August. Pontocho alley restaurants are the most well-known stretch, and the platforms fill up on dry evenings.
Kawadoko season opens in May, but June's lower temperatures and thinner crowds make securing a table easier than in the peak summer heat.Booking tipReserve at least a few days ahead for weekend evenings. Weeknight walk-ins are more feasible in June than later in summer.
Sanzen-in temple visit in Ohara
templeSanzen-in sits in the rural village of Ohara, about 45 minutes north of central Kyoto by bus. Its Ojo Gokuraku-in garden features a moss carpet dotted with small stone Jizo statues that become half-hidden under the deep green growth of June. The bus ride winds through increasingly green hillsides, and the village itself has a quieter, countryside feel compared to central Kyoto temples.
The moss grounds look their best under the sustained rain and humidity of tsuyu, and Ohara draws far fewer visitors in June than during autumn foliage.Tea ceremony experience in Gion
cultureSeveral tea houses in the Gion district offer seated matcha tea ceremonies that last 45-60 minutes, with full explanation in English. June's rain makes these indoor, contemplative experiences a natural alternative to outdoor sightseeing. The tatami rooms at Camellia near Kennin-ji and En at Kodai-ji both run daily sessions. You'll hear the rain outside while going through the preparation steps.
Rainy days in June push visitors toward indoor cultural experiences, and availability for walk-in or same-day bookings is higher than in spring or autumn.Nishiki Market morning walk
foodKyoto's 400-meter covered market along Nishiki-koji street stays dry regardless of weather, making it a reliable rainy-day destination. The roughly 130 shops and stalls open progressively from around 09:00, with fish, pickles, tofu, and seasonal wagashi on display. June brings hamo and early-summer tsukemono (pickled vegetables) to the stalls. The narrow alley gets congested by midday, so mornings are noticeably more relaxed.
The covered arcade makes Nishiki one of Kyoto's best rainy-day activities, and seasonal hamo and summer tsukemono appear on stalls specifically in June.Kurama-dera and Kibune village day trip
natureThe 30-minute hike between Kurama-dera temple and the riverside village of Kibune follows a mountain trail through dense cedar forest. Kibune's restaurants serve nagashi-somen (flowing noodles) on platforms over the Kibune River, a tradition that starts in early June. The trail can be slippery after rain, so waterproof footwear is a requirement rather than a suggestion. The Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station reaches Kurama in about 30 minutes.
Nagashi-somen season in Kibune starts in June, and the forest canopy along the Kurama trail is at its most lush during tsuyu.Booking tipCheck JMA weather warnings before hiking. Avoid the trail on days with heavy rain advisories, as the mountain path becomes genuinely hazardous.
What to eat in June
On menus now
Hamo (pike conger)
Kyoto's signature summer fish arrives on kaiseki menus in June. Hamo otoshi, blanched pike conger served chilled with ume (plum) vinegar sauce, is the classic preparation. The fish requires up to 26 precise knife cuts per fillet to sever its hundreds of fine bones, a technique that defines the skill of a Kyoto chef. Nishiki Market fish stalls display whole hamo through July.
Ayu (sweetfish)
Wild ayu from rivers in Kyoto Prefecture come into season in early June, typically grilled whole on skewers with coarse salt (shioyaki). The small river fish has a clean, faintly sweet flavor and a distinctive aroma sometimes compared to fresh watermelon. River-fishing season runs through September, but June fish are considered the most delicate.
Kuzukiri
Translucent noodles made from kuzu (arrowroot) starch, served chilled in ice water with a side of kuromitsu (black sugar syrup). Kagizen Yoshifusa on Shijo-dori has been serving their version since the Edo period. The cool, slippery texture and subtle sweetness make it a natural fit for Kyoto's humid early summer. It tends to appear on teahouse menus around the start of June.
Mizu-yokan
A chilled, lighter version of yokan (azuki bean jelly) with a higher water content that gives it a softer, more refreshing consistency than the dense winter version. Toraya and Surugaya both produce seasonal runs through the summer months, and the cool sweetness pairs well with matcha. You'll find it at most wagashi counters in Kyoto from early June onward.
Festival food
Minazuki
A triangular wagashi of sweet rice jelly (uiro) topped with azuki beans, eaten specifically on June 30 during the Nagoshi no Harae purification ceremony. The triangle shape represents ice, a Heian-era reference to a time when only the aristocracy could afford real ice in summer. Wagashi shops across Kyoto stock minazuki through the last week of June, and most sell out by the evening of June 30.
Regular events in June
Nagoshi no HaraeFree
A Shinto purification ceremony held on June 30 at shrines across Kyoto. Visitors walk through a large chinowa (grass ring) to ritually purge the first half of the year's impurities. Kamigamo Shrine, Kitano Tenmangu, and Yasaka Shrine all hold versions. The custom of eating minazuki wagashi on this day is a Kyoto-specific tradition.
June 30Hotaru no Yube at Shimogamo ShrineFree
An evening firefly-viewing event in the ancient Tadasu no Mori forest at Shimogamo Shrine, timed to the peak of hotaru emergence. Paths through the forest are lit with paper lanterns, and visitors watch the fireflies from designated viewing areas along the streams. Dates vary by year depending on firefly emergence patterns.
Early June (varies by year)Hydrangea Festival at Fujinomori Shrine
Fujinomori Shrine in Fushimi opens its 3,500-plant hydrangea garden during peak bloom. The garden wraps around two sections of the shrine grounds with varieties ranging from standard mophead to lacecap. The shrine, which dates to 203 AD according to tradition, is also known for its connection to horse racing and the Japanese Derby.
Early to late JuneTakekiri-eshiki at Kurama-deraFree
A bamboo-cutting ritual performed by monks at Kurama-dera on June 20, reenacting a legend in which the temple's guardian deity slew a giant serpent. Two teams of monks race to cut through thick green bamboo logs with large swords while spectators watch from the temple courtyard. The event draws a crowd but rarely the overwhelming numbers of major Kyoto festivals.
June 20Best places this June
Mimuroto-ji Temple
templeKnown as the 'hydrangea temple' with roughly 10,000 plants in 50 varieties. Located in Uji, about 30 minutes from central Kyoto by train. The hillside garden paths are at their peak in mid-June.
UjiGio-ji
templeA small thatched-roof hermitage surrounded by a moss garden containing over 20 moss varieties. The compact garden feels private even with a few visitors, and June rain deepens the green to its richest shade of the year.
ArashiyamaSanzen-in
templeA Tendai Buddhist temple in the rural village of Ohara, north of central Kyoto. The Ojo Gokuraku-in garden's moss carpet with its half-hidden Jizo statues reaches its most photogenic state under June moisture.
OharaTadasu no Mori (Shimogamo Shrine)
natureAn ancient forest within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fireflies emerge along the streams during the first two weeks of June after dark.
ShimogamoNishiki Market
marketA 400-meter covered market arcade along Nishiki-koji street with roughly 130 shops. The roof makes it one of Kyoto's best rainy-day destinations, and June brings seasonal hamo and summer tsukemono to the stalls.
NakagyoFujinomori Shrine
shrineA Fushimi shrine with a 3,500-plant hydrangea garden that opens during peak bloom in June. Less visited than Mimuroto-ji but closer to central Kyoto, about 10 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR Nara line.
FushimiNanzen-ji
templeA major Zen temple complex at the base of the Higashiyama mountains. The massive Sanmon gate, the brick-arched Suirokaku aqueduct, and the subtemple gardens all take on a different character when wet. The smell of rain on hinoki cedar around the Sanmon is a sensory highlight of June visits.
OkazakiKibune
villageA riverside village north of Kyoto reached via the Eizan Railway. Restaurants set up kawadoko platforms over the Kibune River for nagashi-somen dining starting in June. The village feels noticeably cooler than central Kyoto, sitting roughly 300 meters higher in elevation.
Kurama-Kibune
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Insider tips
Mimuroto-ji's hydrangea garden is less crowded on weekday mornings before 10:00. Weekend afternoons, particularly mid-June, draw significantly more visitors from the Kansai region.
Temples with large eaves and covered corridors, like Nanzen-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Kennin-ji, become more atmospheric in rain rather than less. Plan these for wet days rather than treating rain as a reason to stay indoors.
The Eizan Railway's Kirara scenic train to Kurama and Kibune has outward-facing seats with panoramic windows. The 30-minute ride through increasingly green hillsides is worth the trip even if you skip the hike.
Kawadoko dining along the Kamo River in Pontocho gets suspended on heavy rain days. Check with the restaurant before heading over on an actively rainy evening, as platforms close when the river rises.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) sell clear vinyl umbrellas, hand towels, moisture-wicking undershirts, and basic rain gear. If you forget something, you likely don't need a specialty store.
Firefly viewing at Shimogamo Shrine works best on warm, still, humid evenings with no wind. Cool or breezy nights suppress the fireflies' activity, so check conditions before making the trip.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only cotton clothing, which absorbs moisture in 79% humidity and stays damp and heavy all day. Synthetic or merino layers dry faster and feel significantly more comfortable.
- Skipping temples on rainy days. Kyoto's temple architecture was designed around rainfall, and the rain transforms stone gardens, moss, and wooden corridors in ways you won't see on clear days.
- Assuming June is uniformly rainy. Even in a wet year, you'll typically get a few fully dry days. Check the 10-day JMA forecast after arriving and front-load outdoor activities on predicted dry days.
- Not reserving kawadoko dining in advance for weekend evenings. While June is easier to book than July or August, popular Pontocho restaurants still fill up by Thursday for weekend platforms.
- Walking the Kurama-to-Kibune mountain trail in heavy rain without waterproof footwear. The path includes exposed tree roots and stone steps that become genuinely hazardous when wet.
Practical tips for June
June is shoulder season in Kyoto, so accommodation and restaurant bookings require less lead time than the spring or autumn peaks. That said, weekends around mid-June draw domestic hydrangea visitors to Uji and Fushimi, so book Mimuroto-ji area accommodation early if you plan to stay nearby. Transportation within the city runs normally throughout tsuyu. Kyoto buses and the subway system operate on regular schedules regardless of rainfall. The Randen tram line to Arashiyama and the Eizan Railway to Kurama-Kibune occasionally delay in heavy downpours but rarely cancel outright. Carry a Suica or ICOCA card for contactless transit payments across all systems. Most major temples sell clear rain ponchos near their entrance, and 100-yen shops throughout the city stock basic rain gear. Temple closing times generally stay consistent year-round, typically around 17:00, but some hydrangea gardens like Mimuroto-ji extend hours during peak bloom weeks. Check individual temple websites or the Kyoto City Tourism Association for current schedules.
FAQ
Is June a bad time to visit Kyoto because of the rainy season?
Not necessarily. You'll encounter rain on roughly half the days, but the tradeoff is significantly fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, and a version of Kyoto's temples and gardens that most visitors never see. The moss gardens, hydrangeas, and rain-soaked stone paths have a quality that clear-weather months don't produce. It depends on your tolerance for humidity and wet conditions.
How much does it rain in Kyoto in June?
Kyoto averages about 247mm of rainfall across roughly 13 rain days in June. The rain tends to fall as moderate, sustained periods lasting several hours rather than short tropical downpours. You might get 3-4 fully dry days in a typical June, sometimes fewer. The heaviest rainfall usually concentrates around mid-month.
What should I wear in Kyoto in June?
Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool layers work better than cotton, which absorbs the 79% humidity and stays damp. A light rain jacket is more practical than an umbrella at temples with steep stairs. Waterproof shoes or sport sandals with grip handle the wet stone temple paths safely. Evenings cool to around 18°C, so a light cardigan or long-sleeve layer is useful.
Are the temples still worth visiting in the rain?
Many are arguably better in rain. Kyoto's temple architecture was built around Kyoto's wet climate, with deep eaves that frame falling rain, stone gardens designed to look their best when wet, and moss grounds that reach peak color under moisture. Ryoan-ji, Nanzen-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Gio-ji all take on a different character on rainy days. Indoor tea ceremonies and Nishiki Market are strong alternatives for heavier downpours.
When do hydrangeas peak in Kyoto?
Hydrangeas typically reach peak bloom during the second and third weeks of June, roughly June 10-25 depending on rainfall patterns that year. Mimuroto-ji near Uji and Fujinomori Shrine in Fushimi are the two best-known viewing spots. The flowers often hold into early July, but mid-June tends to offer the fullest, freshest blooms.
Can I see fireflies in Kyoto in June?
Yes. Fireflies (hotaru) appear along streams in the Tadasu no Mori forest at Shimogamo Shrine during the first two weeks of June. Viewing is best on warm, still, humid evenings after sunset, typically from around 19:30. The display fades as the month progresses and temperatures rise. Shimogamo Shrine occasionally hosts a dedicated Hotaru no Yube viewing event in early June.
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