Japan, Asia

Kyoto in August

The basin holds the heat. The Obon travel rush hits mid month and the Gozan fire lighting on the surrounding mountains draws big crowds for one August evening.

Think twiceHottest month, highs near 92F (33C), heavy humidity

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond, Kyoto — KyotoPhoto: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Kyoto. The basin holds the heat. The Obon travel rush hits mid month and the Gozan fire lighting on the surrounding mountains draws big crowds for one August evening.

Weather: Hottest month, highs near 92F (33C), heavy humidity
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What August is like in Kyoto

August is the hottest month, with highs near 92F (33C) and heavy humidity. Kyoto sits in a basin that holds the heat. The Obon travel rush hits in mid August, and some family-run shops and restaurants close. The Gozan no Okuribi, giant bonfire characters lit on the mountains, draws big crowds for one evening.

This is the month to avoid if you can. Young kids and older travelers will find the heat hard. If you must come, see temples early, rest midday, and get out at night. For much better weather, pick October or November.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Kyoto this month.

Gozan no Okuribi

In mid August, huge bonfire characters light up the mountains around the city to close Obon. It is one night only, and viewing spots get crowded.

Early mornings at Fushimi Inari

The shrine is open 24 hours. A dawn walk through the gates is cooler and much calmer.

Air-conditioned museums

The Kyoto Railway Museum is a cool break from the heat, and kids love it.

What to pack for August

Very light, breathable clothing
A hat, sunscreen, and a handheld fan
A large water bottle
Cooling towels

Our timing tip

If you come in August, avoid the mid-month Obon week, when trains are packed and some small restaurants close.

Book Kyoto for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kyoto
Opens a hotel search for Kyoto in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in Kyoto
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Kyoto
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kyoto for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Gozan no Okuribi

Mid August

Giant bonfire characters lit on the mountains ringing the city to close the Obon season. One night, big crowds at viewing spots.

Things to do in Kyoto

Full guide

Fushimi Inari Taisha

The thousand-gate mountain shrine, open 24 hours. Go at dawn or after dinner; by mid morning the lower gates are a slow-moving line.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Gleaming above its pond and busy all day. Arrive at opening or in the last hour for the calmest light.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Arashiyama bamboo grove and river

The bamboo path is short and mobbed by 9am. Come very early, then give the rest of the day to the riverside, monkey park, and Okochi Sanso garden.

Tickets and tours →

Kiyomizu-dera and the Higashiyama lanes

The hillside temple's veranda view is the classic Kyoto panorama. The preserved streets below (Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka) are best before the shops open.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Gion at dusk

Lantern-lit Hanamikoji street and the Shirakawa canal. Be respectful: photographing geiko and maiko on private lanes is restricted.

Tickets and tours →

Nishiki Market

Five blocks of food stalls, pickles, knives, and skewers. Go hungry, midmorning, before the afternoon crush.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Kyoto rewards early risers more than any city in Asia: Fushimi Inari at 6:30am and the bamboo grove at 7am are transcendent, and both are shoulder to shoulder by 10.
In blossom and maple season, hit the famous gardens at opening, then spend afternoons at second-tier temples (Shoren-in, Honen-in, Daitoku-ji's subtemples) that see a fraction of the traffic.
Stay overnight rather than day-tripping from Osaka: the magic hours are before the day-trip waves arrive and after they leave.
Skip the buses at peak season; they jam solid. The subway, JR lines, and a bike cover most of the city faster.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: many restaurants and shops close for the New Year holiday while shrines see their heaviest crowds of the year.
Golden Week (late April to early May) and the mid-November maple peak are Kyoto's two sold-out windows: nothing closes, everything fills. Book transport and rooms far ahead or shift your dates.
Some temples close irregularly for private ceremonies, and several famous gardens admit visitors only in short spring and fall windows. Check specific temples before anchoring a day to them.
Obon in mid August brings closures at some family-run restaurants and shops while the big sights run normally.