You will want to go sightseeing even in the hot summer! 6 Popular Cool Spots in Kyoto

Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is also known as a basin. It is also true that people tend to say, "Kyoto is too hot in summer, so let's go there when it cools down....
Yes, in summer, the temperature can exceed 35 degrees Celsius, but many areas are surrounded by mountains, making it possible to fully enjoy summer sightseeing while enjoying the atmosphere of Kyoto in a "cooler place.
Therefore, we would like to introduce six cool spots in Kyoto.

Table of Contents

Arashiyama Trolley Train

Kyoto Aquarium

3. Bamboo grove path

4. Hozu River Rafting

Shojuin Temple

Shimogamo Shrine

■ Summary

Arashiyama Trolley Train

Sightseeing by trolley train is a great way to enjoy the great nature of the four seasons up close.
It takes about 30 minutes to run the 7.3 km from Trolley Saga Station to Trolley Kameoka Station.
Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Hozugawa Valley: cherry blossoms in spring, murmuring river in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscape in winter.
The cool breeze in the open, windowless car while smelling the fragrance of young leaves will surely be a memorable experience.

◆ Facility Name:Arashiyama Trolley Train
◆Address: Saga Tenryuji Shurumichi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: A short walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

◆HP:https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/

Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium is a popular destination for family trips in Kyoto.
Kyoto Aquarium is located in Umekoji Park, easily accessible from Kyoto Station, and is known as one of the largest aquariums in Japan, the first aquarium in Japan to use 1001 TP3T of artificial seawater.
Life is connected with water. The aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic creatures of 250 species, based on the concept of "life connected to the water.
The sight of the Giant Salamander, a special natural treasure, seals, penguins, and other animals living in the park is sure to soothe visitors just by looking at them.
Also, especially during the summer dolphin shows, the experience of sitting in the front row and being splashed by the water is a powerful experience that will cool you down even more.
Don't miss the cool "Jellyfish Wonder," where you can view 5,000 jellyfish, the largest number in western Japan.

◆ Facility Name:Kyoto Aquarium
Address: 35-1, Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 7 min. walk from Umekoji-Kyoto Nishi Sta. on JR Sanin Honsen Line

◆HP:https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/index.html

The KYOTREAT channel reports on a visit to the Kyoto Aquarium!

3. Bamboo grove path

Arashiyama is probably the first place that comes to mind as a sightseeing spot in Kyoto.
Arashiyama is famous for its "bamboo grove paths," where bamboo groves grow so tall that they seem dim even during the daytime, making for a relaxing stroll.
It is said that this area was a villa of aristocrats in the Heian Period, and although it is crowded with tourists during the daytime, it is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Experience the coolness with your whole body through the sound of the bamboo's silky leaves and the refreshing breeze.
If you come during the daytime, you can use a rickshaw to explore Arashiyama while enjoying the best of the nearby sightseeing spots.

◆ Facility Name:Bamboo grove path
◆Address: Tenryuji Sagano-baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 10 min. walk from Arashiyama Station of Keifuku Railway

4. Hozu River Rafting

For an exhilarating experience of nature and thrills, try the Hozu River Rafting, which has a history dating back to 1895.
The boat ride down the 16-km-long mountain stream, which takes around 2 hours, where you can enjoy the changes from torrent to deep river, will give you a cool feeling and many discoveries, such as the river flow and the trolley train visible in the valley. Especially in the summer season, pay attention to the rare azaleas that root and flower on the rocks and the cool voice of a sculpin frog that can be heard in the clear stream.
If you want to try an activity that involves splashing around in the water, river rafting is definitely the way to go.

◆ Facility Name:Hozu River cruise
Address: 2 Shimonakajima, Hozu-cho, Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan
Access: 8 minutes walk from JR Kameoka Station

◆HP:https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/

Click here to see a video of Akanemaru's actual river rafting experience!

How wet is the river rafting experience? If you are curious, check it out!

Shojuin Temple

Shojuin is famous for its heart-shaped windows.
Since it is located a little far from the city center, the temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than in the city. It is truly a cool spot.
In 2022, there is also an event called the "Wind Bell Festival" from June 1 to September 18, and everyone will want to take pictures of the view of about 2,000 wind bells hanging in great numbers.
Listening to the refreshing tones will make you feel cooler.

◆ Facility Name:Shoujuin Temple
◆Address: 149, Okuyamada Kawakami, Ujitawara-cho, Nawate-gun, Kyoto, Japan
Access: 30 minutes by Kyoto Keihan bus from JR/Keihan Uji Station

◆HP:http://shoujuin.boo.jp/

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is a World Heritage Site.
At Shimogamo Shrine, the Mitarashi Festival is held every year around the Ox Festival to pray for good health (July 22 to July 31 in 2022).
Visitors dip their feet up to their knees in the Mitarashi Pond in a corner of the Tadasunomori forest and offer candles on the altar, which is surprisingly deep and cold, making you feel "cool".
It is said to bring various benefits such as good health, easy delivery, and plague, so please try to refresh your mind and body.

◆ Facility Name:Shimogamo Shrine
Address: 59 Shimogamo-Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: City bus No. 4 from JR Kyoto Sta. to "Shimogamo-jinja-mae" bus stop.

◆HP:https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/

■ Summary

We have introduced six cool spots in Kyoto.
The hot days are still continuing, but if you are visiting Kyoto at this time of year, please be sure to visit places that will make you feel cool and refreshed.