Kyoto is one of the most wonderful places in Japan, and it is full of historical sites and ancient traditions. It offers various unique experiences that make your visit memorable. Best place to start the first travel of the year. If you are planning to visit Kyoto in January here are some best things to do in Kyoto in January.

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January in Kyoto

As the year begins, Kyoto offers a variety of annual traditions, rituals, and ceremonies as the celebration of the New Year. There are also many events and festivals held in popular tourist destinations such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and many more.

Kyoto in January is cold and clear said to be the coldest winter month in Kyoto with occasional snowfall and light rain. An average temperature of 9-10°C high and 0-2°C low in the morning and evening. However, even though the weather is cold various activities are still much to enjoy such as winter illumination, traditional onsen to relax in, and winter foods to keep you warm.

In this article, I will share some best things to do in Kyoto in January, to enjoy with your families and friends.

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1. Experience Hatsumode (New Year Tradition)

The New Year’s Day visit or Hatsumode (初詣) in Japanese is a local Japanese tradition to visit shrines or temples to ask for good luck throughout the year.

In Kyoto the most popular place for Hatsumode which both local and foreign tourist visit is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Some of the Shrine and Temples during this celebration offer a traditional rituals such as sipping sake for the visitors.

For more information about the Hatsumode in Japan, check the following article!

▶︎Hatsumode in Japan

2.  Enjoy Winter Illumination

Various winter illumination events are taking place in Kyoto along the streets and famous tourist destinations, and first, you will be amazed and enjoy the illumination in Kyoto Station where the iconic stairs light up and are full of winter illumination and display.

For more information about Winter Illumination, check the following article!

▶︎Best Winter Illuminations in Western Japan 2024–2025

3. NAKED Light-up Exhibition

The NAKED Exhibitions is popular with its colorful light-up and mapping projections held in some well-known temples and shrines in Kyoto to show the magical beauty of Kyoto in every season. In January, you can enjoy the NAKED Hikari no Shinen Heian Shrine until January 13, 2025.

Website: https://naked.co.jp/

For more information about the NAKED Spot in Japan, check the following article!

▶︎Best Naked Spots in Japan

4. Visit Nintendo Museum

Visit the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto which recently opened last October 2024 a fun and exciting experience for video games gallery, exhibitions, and displays. Ideals for families and friends to enjoy activities and exclusive merchandise.

For more information about this place, check the following article!

▶︎Nintendo Museum, a Walk Through Gaming History

5. Relax in a Ryokan and Experience Traditional Onsen

January is the coldest winter season in Kyoto, and one of the best things to do is to stay in Ryokan and experience the traditional onsen to relax and warm. Offers an authentic onsen experience and delicious winter foods.

For more related information, check the following articles!

▶︎Kurama Onsen: Kyoto’s Healing Waters

▶︎15 Best Onsen Ryokan in Japan

6. Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony

One of the iconic activities in Kyoto is to experience the traditional tea ceremony, which both local and foreign tourists love to do when in Kyoto. Opened held in some temples and shrines offers both memorable experiences and learning.

For more information about this activities, check the following article!

▶︎Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences

7. Ski and have fun at the Snow

Yes, you can also enjoy skiing in Kyoto and enjoy the snow, there are some places in Kyoto nearby that offer ski activities. Some resorts such as Hiragawara Resort and nearby places like Osaka, Shiga, and Hyogo Prefecture. Many agencies offer tours and rent a car for these activities.

For more information about places for Ski in Japan, check the following article!

▶︎5 Best Ski Resorts near Osaka 2024-2025

▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Japan

8. Explore Arashiyama

Various things to do when you visit Arashiyama in Kyoto one of the must-visit destinations in Kyoto known for its natural beauty, you can enjoy and explore popular attractions such as Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Romantic Train), Monkey Park, Temples, and many more activities.

For more information about the Arashiyama, check the following articles!

▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano: 10 Best Things to Do

▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

9. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the Kinkaku-ji also known as the Golden Pavilion one of the iconic landmarks in Kyoto. Offers a lot of things to do such as walking around the garden and witnessing the beautiful scenery, experiencing the traditional Japanese tea house capturing the beautiful views with snow, and taking a photo.

For more information about the Kinkaku-ji Temple, check the following article!

▶︎Kinkakuji Temple: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion

10. Go shopping in Nishiki Market

Go shopping and explore Nishiki Market which offers seasonal delicacies in Kyoto and experience the perfect blend of deep traditional Kyoto culture and modern food trends. It is also known as the “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Where the whole street is full of shops and a variety of food stalls selling fresh foods and Kyoto’s specialties.

For more information about Nishiki Market, check the following article!

▶︎Nishiki Market Tour: Food and Shopping Guide

Addition: Try Traditional Winter Food

Kyoto offers traditional treats when it comes to food, offering delightful seasonal foods served in hotels, restaurants, and some shrines. A visit to Kyoto in winter is not complete without experiencing popular food in winter such as Yudofu (Tofu hot pot) dishes commonly served in traditional restaurants a perfect food for cold weather.

▶︎Best Japanese Food to Try in Winter

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