10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto in August

Are you planning to visit Kyoto in August for the summer vacation? August is the best time to visit Kyoto despite the heat and humid weather it offers a lot of things to do to enjoy summer with your family and friends.

Witness the lively festivals and traditional events held during summer, and make the most unforgettable moments with the scenic beauty of nature and historical places in Kyoto. In this article, I will share some best things to do in Kyoto in August.

Kyoto in August

The weather in Kyoto is hot and humid with an average temperature from 30°C to 35°C in the daytime and remains warm even at night. August is marked as the last summer period in Japan. However, despite the hot weather August in Kyoto offers a rich and engaging experience with various cultural festivals and traditional events.

One of the highlight events in Kyoto in August is the Daimonji-Okuribi (Bonfire) along with the fireworks and summer festival that showcase the traditional summer cultures of Kyoto. During these times expect the crowded people as the summer holiday takes place in August (Obon Holiday). Various summer-related activities are happening across Kyoto like food festivals offered for a limited time only, exhibits, cultural and traditional festivals.

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1. Fireworks Festival

The Kameoka Fireworks Festival is a traditional summer event held annually in Kyoto in August. It features a colorful and spectacular display of fireworks that many locals and tourists are amazed at and enjoy the event. With lively music and performances that showcase the Japanese summer culture.

Name: Kameoka Fireworks Festival
Date: August 11, 2024
Official Website: https://www.kameoka-hanabi.com/

For more information about Fireworks Events, check out the following articles!

▶Best Fireworks in Japan 2024 Summer

▶Best Fireworks in Osaka 2024 Summer

2. Attend the Summer and Obon Festival

One of the best things to do in Kyoto in August is to witness the popular festival the Gozan no Okuribi also known as the Daimonji Festival (Bonfire). It is a traditional summer and Obon festival annually held in Kyoto. Featuring the lighting of five mountains to honor the spirit of ancestors.

Official Website: https://gozan-okuribi.com/2022/en/top.html

▶Best Summer Festivals in Japan 2024

3. Visit Nijo Castle

Visiting Nijo Castle is one of the best things to do in summer, it is one of the well-known historical sites in Kyoto. It offers a lot of things to enjoy such as sightseeing, cultural events, exhibitions, and Japanese gardens with seasonal flowers in full bloom, you can also try the traditional tea ceremonies giving you a remarkable experience.

Nijo Castle held an annual event during summer the Naked Summer Festival 2024 starting from July 26 to August 25, 2024, along with various activities related to summer.

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶Nijo Castle Summer Light-Up by NAKED 2024

4. Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony

Kyoto is rich in cultural and historical heritage and known for having good matcha (powdered green tea) quality. Tea preparation and presentation are part of their tradition. It is one of the best experiences when you visit Kyoto. Many serene tea houses or historic temples offer tea ceremonies, allowing you to taste good and high-quality tea and witness ancient Japanese culture.

For more information about Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences

5. Outdoor Summer Dining Experience (Kawadoko)

One of the best things to do in Kyoto during summer is to experience outdoor dining over the river called (Kawadoko) many restaurants along the river offer a nice view to capture the beauty of the place. Or you can just sit down and relax on the side of the river, watch some street performances, and enjoy.

Kamogawa River offers relaxing and lively activities, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the riverbanks and feel the greenery atmosphere in the summer.

▶Kamogawa River: 5 Nice Viewing Restaurants and Cafes on Kamogawa River

6. Explore the Ine no Funaya (The Boathouses Village)

Visit Ine no Funaya is one of the best and unique towns in Kyoto, known as the boathouse village, typically the houses here have a boat garage which is admired by many local and foreign tourists and often referred to as the “Venice of Japan”. The place offers various activities showing the lifestyle, culture, and traditions so you can have a unique adventure experience.

Official Website: https://www.ine-kankou.jp/

For more information about the Ine no Funaya in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶Ine no Funaya: Kyoto’s Hidden “The Venice of Japan”

7. Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Visiting Kinkakuji Temple also known as Golden Pavilion is one of the best memorable experiences when in Kyoto. It offers a rich culture and history of Kyoto it is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazed by its surroundings full of trees and the natural beauty of gardens gives a peaceful atmosphere. You can also enjoy some activities offered at the temple such as the Japanese tea ceremony.

▶Kinkakuji Temple: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion

8. Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kyoto, both local and foreign tourists enjoy walking along the bamboo forest, which gives a cozy and refreshing feeling in summer, enjoy the nature and greenery atmosphere.

For more information about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

9. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kyoto. It offers a lot of things to do and experiences. Aside from the famous vermilion torii gates which give stunning views and an enchanting atmosphere. Various traditional shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the local and popular delicacies of Kyoto and the beautiful sightseeing of nature. Making a memorable experience of visiting Kyoto Japan.

For more information about the Fushimi Inari Shrine, check out the following article!

▶Fushimi Inari Taisha: Kyoto’s Most Visited Shrine

10. Wearing a Japanese Dress and explore the Town

Walking around the town while wearing a Japanese dress (Yukata) is a memorable experience when visiting Kyoto. This is one of the best things to do in Kyoto during summer. Plenty of shops in the city have Japanese dress rentals which are very popular in the area where you can choose your desired color and design of Japanese traditional garments and accessories. There are rental shops that offer full services such as hair service and pictorials.

For more information about Kimono rentals in Kyoto, check out the following article!

▶5 Best Kimono Rental in Kyoto

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Thank you for reading. I hope this article helps and provides the information you are looking for about the places and events to visit in Kyoto in August.

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