Kyoto Rainy Day Itinerary for June: The Best 12-Hour Private Tour to Stay Dry & Inspired

Your English-speaking driver will greet you at your accommodation. Settle into your private, air-conditioned vehicle for a relaxed day customized around Kyoto’s rainy season highlights. Enjoy onboard amenities and personalized service as your driver guides you through Kyoto’s scenic and cultural gems.

Begin your day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Perched above the city, Kiyomizu-dera offers beautiful rainy views from its iconic wooden balcony. The sound of rain hitting the temple’s rooftops adds a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the spiritual experience.

Afterward, explore Sannenzaka, a charming historical street lined with shops selling wagashi, pottery, and umbrellas—all perfect souvenirs. Many of the shops are sheltered, making this stroll enjoyable even with a drizzle. Rain also helps keep crowds away, making it an ideal time for quiet browsing and photos.

Step inside this spacious, elegant museum for a deep dive into Kyoto’s art and history. The museum houses ancient Buddhist statues, samurai swords, calligraphy scrolls, and seasonal exhibitions. With wide halls and peaceful galleries, it’s the perfect place to slow down and reflect.

Temporary exhibits rotate throughout the year, offering something new even for returning visitors. A visit here deepens your understanding of Kyoto’s cultural roots—especially on a reflective rainy day.

Popular Pick: Nishiki Warai – Located near Nishiki Market, this cozy restaurant serves Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, grilled at your table. A perfect way to warm up and try local flavors.

Local Favorite: Izuju (Gion) – Famous for Kyoto-style sushi, this small spot near Yasaka Shrine offers saba-zushi and inari-zushi—light and satisfying rainy day fare.

Vegan-Friendly: Ain Soph. Journey Kyoto – A bright café offering plant-based meals like Japanese-style curry, burgers, and desserts—great for travelers with dietary needs.

Get creative indoors at this multi-story center featuring traditional crafts. Join a hands-on workshop to paint fans or create your own Japanese woodblock print. It’s an engaging way to experience Japanese culture, especially for families or those looking for something interactive.

The on-site gift shop is stocked with authentic artisan goods—perfect for meaningful souvenirs that go beyond the usual. A great break from walking while still immersing in Kyoto’s heritage.

This spacious Zen temple is peaceful in the rain. Wander through temple halls and moss-lined paths beneath your umbrella, or admire the impressive Meiji-era red brick aqueduct. The lush greenery becomes even more vivid with the rain, and the quiet grounds encourage mindfulness.

Photographers especially love this stop—rain enhances the textures of stone and foliage, offering atmospheric photo opportunities throughout the grounds.

Drive into Gion’s heart, where cobblestone lanes and willow-lined canals look dreamlike under a soft drizzle. Stroll along Shirakawa Canal, one of Kyoto’s most scenic and lesser-known streets. The sound of the water and light rain create a poetic experience unlike any other.

You might even spot a geisha or maiko heading to an engagement in the early evening, adding a touch of Kyoto’s living tradition to your walk.

If you prefer a break from walking, visit Kyoto Station for a snack, some last-minute shopping, or a warm drink with a view. The modern architecture itself is worth admiring, and its rooftop garden provides a quiet, rain-sheltered spot.

The Kyoto Tower observation deck is another indoor option, offering panoramic views of the rainy city below—a beautiful contrast to the historical sites seen earlier.

Wind down with a visit to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s “Kitchen,” or the nearby Teramachi Street—both of which are fully covered. Try tsukemono (pickles), local sweets, or tea. Vendors often offer warm samples, making this a cozy end to a rainy day.

These arcades offer a perfect blend of tradition and trend, and the covered walkways allow for relaxed browsing without umbrellas.

Your driver will return you to your hotel or drop you off at a recommended restaurant. Whether you’re heading back to rest or ready for a night out, your tour wraps up with the comfort of door-to-door service. If you’re not ready to end the day, ask your driver for a dinner suggestion or evening activity nearby.