Navigating Kyoto’s Seasons: A Guide to the Best (and Worst) Times to Visit

Traveling to Kyoto, Japan, is like traveling into a living postcard, with the city’s celebrations and distinct color scheme reflecting the passing of each season. But when is the ideal time to go to this cultural treasure to see the greatest festivals, escape the crowds, and take in the beauty of the changing seasons? Now, wanderers, let’s explore the best times to go on your next excursion and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Kyoto during different seasons.

The Changing Dynamics of Tourism in Kyoto

Kyoto, a city proud of its four unique seasons, reveals a fresh side of itself each month. The summer’s oppressive heat and humidity and the winter’s perfect snowscapes serve as examples of the weather’s wide spectrum of extremes. Not to mention the crowds, the splendor of the seasons, and the events that contribute to the lively fabric of the city.

The elephant in the room is the crowds, so let’s talk about them now. Since Japan expanded its borders, the number of travelers has increased dramatically. According to official figures, there were an incredible 2.52 million foreign visitors in October 2023—a number not seen since before the pandemic. As formerly wary Japanese citizens happily returned to their passion of discovering new locations, domestic travel also surged.

“Kyoto” by szeke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

“But what about the staffing shortages?” one may wonder. The tourism industry, which is already struggling to keep up, feels even more overwhelmed by these crowds. Additionally, as the yen continues to weaken, Kyoto is likely to see an even larger influx of visitors in 2024, especially from March through July when foreign visits are at their highest.

Let’s now talk about China, the enormous panda in the room. Although Chinese tour groups have long been drawn to Kyoto, their numbers have been fairly stable. Even after travel restrictions were lifted, there were 64.9% fewer Chinese visitors in October than there were in 2019. The causes? a sluggish recovery in aviation, financial difficulties, and a delay in reducing travel restrictions. Don’t be duped, though; a massive flood of Chinese tourists’ pent-up demand could arrive as early as the 2024 sakura season, potentially bringing even greater crowds.

In spite of this, domestic travel patterns may be a major factor in maintaining equilibrium. Real wages have been falling in Japan, and consumer purchasing is becoming more frugal. This might result in fewer domestic tourists visiting Kyoto, particularly if the travel subsidies are eliminated.

So, dear traveler, what does all this mean to you? Kyoto is expected to have another busy year in 2024. No matter if it’s a little busier or quieter than 2019, one thing is certain: it will be exciting.

Exploring Kyoto’s Seasonal Attractions

Let’s explore Kyoto’s seasonal attractions month by month, beginning with January’s Hatsumode and its possible snowfall, and ending with February’s Setsubun Festivals and plum blossoms. The Hanatoro and early sakura appear in March, while the cherry blossom season peaks in April. June brings riverfront dining and the Ajisai Matsuri, while May offers the Kamogawa Odori. The Gion Matsuri and Fire Festival are held in July and August, respectively, but typhoon season also brings with it rough weather. Fall officially begins in September, October is a season of modest compromise, and November is when the Gion Odari and fall foliage really shine. Lastly, December brings a combination of Christmas celebrations, Hanatoro, and fall foliage.

The cherry blossom season in early April and the fall foliage in mid-to late November are among the most popular periods to visit. But the crowds during these times can be overwhelming for first-timers. However, while tourism is still growing, the approaching seasons present a special chance to take in Kyoto’s splendor when it is less crowded.

Visit either in early November, before the fall foliage, or shortly after the height of the cherry blossoms in mid-April, if you want to avoid the crowds. The city’s vivid hues will still be visible, but there will be greater space between buildings and better weather.

Keep in mind that there are events galore in Kyoto every day, ranging from festivals to flea markets to temple openings. Visit a tourist information center and inquire about the events scheduled for your stay to uncover these hidden treasures.

Whether you’ve visited Kyoto before or this is your first time there, 2024 is the perfect year to take in the seasonal beauty of the city. Make early arrangements and practice flexibility to choose the best time to visit in terms of weather, crowds, and beauty. So gather your belongings and join me on our journey to Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s cultural multiplicity.