10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto in May 2025

Do you have any travel plans this May? Kyoto is one of the famous places in Japan that many tourists want to visit to witness the beautiful places here that are full of ancient Japanese historical culture. And if you want to visit Kyoto this May, this article is for you. I will share the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in May.

May in Kyoto

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Kyoto when many beautiful flowers are blooming and fragrant. May is one of the perfect months because of the nice weather distinctly mild and cool. However, it is also the busiest month not only in Kyoto but all over Japan when the well-known longest holiday is being held. Many events and festivals are happening, in Kyoto, one of the most popular festivals is held in May so expect a large number of tourists during this time.

Aside from events and festivals, there are many other fun and memorable activities in Kyoto that you can experience. There are foods, cultural activities, wearing traditional costumes, and much more. Here are some best things to do in Kyoto in May.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

▶Kyoto: An All‑in‑One Guide for International Visitors

.   .   .

1. Visit Kyoto Botanical Garden and Enjoy Flower Viewing

One of the places to enjoy nature, it is nice to walk around for sightseeing, to relax and unwind while observing the beautiful flowers around you can also enjoy flower and plant exhibitions.

Many kinds of flowers bloom during spring, giving more life to the gardens, shrines, and temples and there are some places in Japan, like Kyoto, where you can still see late-blooming cherry blossoms. The Wisteria and Iris flowers are among the most popular flowers during May which you will love to see in the gardens of Kyoto. Take a walk and enjoy observing seasonal flowers.

For more related articles about seasonal flowers, check the following articles!

▶︎15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

▶︎Best Flower Parks in Osaka 2025

2. Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the famous historical building in Japan, Kiyomizu-Dera, which is also a popular tourist destination in Kyoto. The temple is surrounded by forest trees, which give the place an ultimate beauty. On the terrace, you can see the beauty of nature, especially during spring and autumn when various colorful flowers and leaves sprout.

For more information about Kiyomizu-dera Temple, check the following articles!

▶︎Kiyomizu dera: Kyoto’s Sacred Waters

3. Experience the Tea Ceremony

The best thing to do when visiting Kyoto is to have a great experience to remember, especially if you love tea. You can feel the presence of old Japan, which is very popular in Kyoto, where many tourists are offered this wonderful activity to experience.

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

▶︎Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences

4. Take a walk in the Gion District

Gion is one of the famous tourist destinations where the area is full of entertainment activities. And it is nice to walk around here to discover interesting things about Kyoto’s history. You will be truly fascinated by the surrounding structures of ancient Japanese culture.

Check out the following article for more information about the Gion District in Kyoto!

▶︎Gion: Traditional Geisha District in Kyoto

5. Explore Kyoto wearing a Kimono

Walking around Kyoto wearing a Kimono is one of the best and memorable experiences when visiting Kyoto. Plenty of shops in the city have kimono 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 services and pictorials.

Enjoy the scenic spots in Kyoto and take a photo with your family and friends wearing the traditional Japanese Kimono.

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

▶︎5 Best Kimono Rentals in Kyoto

6. Visit Nijo Castle

Visiting Nijo Castle is one of the most unique experiences among other castles. Rich in the history of ancient Japan, with various amazing things that are perfectly preserved. Many events and activities can be enjoyed here, such as flower festivals every spring and illumination at night.

▶︎Nijo Castle: Kyoto’s Magnificent Samurai Treasure

▶︎Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Light-Up by NAKED 2025

7. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kyoto. It is nice to go for a walk along the bamboo grove, and in May, the weather is not too hot yet perfect to unwind and take a picture with the green bamboo background which is truly amazing.

For more travel tips about Kyoto, Check out the following article.

▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano: 10 Best Things to Do

▶︎Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kyoto

8. Visit the Newest Nintendo Museum in Kyoto

If you are traveling with family, with kids, and friends, visit the newest Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, which offers a lot of things to do aside from discovering the history of Nintendo. Various exhibitions and game activities to enjoy, it has shops for exclusive merchandise, and a restaurant.

You can also enjoy the nearest tourist attraction in the area.

For more information about the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, check out the following article.

▶︎Nintendo Museum, a Walk Through Gaming History

9. Visit the Famous Golden Temple in Kyoto

Marvel at the famous golden temple in Kyoto, the “Golden Pavilion Temple,” one of the most famous temples in Kyoto originally known as “Kinkakuji Temple.” Be amazed by its structure, surrounded by lush green scenery. Aside from the historic building itself many things to do to make your visit memorable, such as traditional activities, rituals, and enjoying nature.

For more information about the Kinkakuji Temple, check the following article!

▶︎Kinkakuji Temple: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion

10. Try Kyoto’s Delicacies at Nishiki Market

Discover various Kyoto delicacies at Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, which offers a wide selection of Kyoto’s traditional culture and modern food trends, where the whole street is full of shops and a variety of food stalls selling fresh foods and Kyoto’s specialties.

One of the best places to enjoy food trips and shopping.

For more food and shopping tips in Nishiki Market, check the following article!

▶︎Nishiki Market Tour: Food and Shopping Guide

.   .   .

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 May.

▽Subscribe to our free news magazine!▽

For more information about traveling in Japan, check these articles below.

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼