A 1 Night, 2 Days Model Itinerary for Savoring Kyoto's Snowy Scenery

If you travel from Tokyo by Shinkansen, the earliest you can arrive at Kyoto Station is around 8:10A.M.
After leaving your luggage, hop on a city bus and head straight north to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Kinkaku-ji Temple opens at 9:00A.M.
On a snowy morning, the moments right after opening are the best time to visit.

Snow piled on the roof of the Shariden, and the shimmer of gold leaf.
On the surface of Kyokochi Pond, the pavilion is reflected just as it is, dressed in white and gold.
This combination can only be seen on the morning after a snowfall.

Snow in Kyoto starts to melt as the sun climbs higher.
With "before the snow melts" as your motto, start the first day of your trip in the north.

From Kinkaku-ji Temple, walk southwest along the Kinukake-no-Michi road for about 18 minutes.
City buses are also available, so you can choose depending on the weather.
You will arrive at Ryoan-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site.

The garden of the Hojo (abbot's quarters), with 15 stones arranged on white sand, is a renowned garden known as a quintessential example of the karesansui (dry landscape) style.
When snow settles on the white sand, only the outlines of the stones and moss stand out, and the garden turns into an even more tranquil monochrome.

Sit on the veranda of the Hojo and face the rock garden in the cold air.
A deeper stillness, unique to snowy days, fills the moment.

The area around Kyoyochi Pond, which stretches from the main gate, is also worth seeing.
Snow-covered trees are reflected on the water, and simply strolling slowly around the grounds lets you feel winter in Kyoto.

After viewing the rock garden, head straight to Saigen-in, also within the temple grounds.
One of Ryoan-ji Temple's sub-temples, it lets you enjoy a meal in a tatami room overlooking the garden.

The specialty is nanakusa yudofu, simmered tofu with seven kinds of ingredients.
In addition to tofu, shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) is also available.

A steaming earthenware pot to warm your chilled body.
Beyond the shoji screens lies the snow-covered garden, letting you savor Kyoto's winter through both the dishes and the scenery.

Since you can worship and dine within the same temple grounds, it's reassuring to be able to cut down on travel on a snowy day.
Considering the rest of the day's schedule, we recommend having lunch around here.

Reservations are accepted, so we recommend booking before your visit.

After noon, leave the city center and head into the mountains of Rakuhoku in northern Kyoto.
Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water, sits at a higher elevation than the city, so snow tends to linger here.

Both sides of the stone steps leading to the Main Shrine are lined with vermilion-lacquered Kasuga-style lanterns.
When snow covers the steps and the lanterns are lit at dusk, the approach takes on its most enchanting look of the year.

In addition, only on winter Saturdays and Sundays when snow has settled, a special "Snow Day Light-Up" of the Main Shrine and the approach is held.
The period and eligible dates vary by year, and whether it will be held is announced on the shrine's official social media at 3:00P.M. that day, so it's a good idea to check before you go.

The mountain roads get very cold.
Dress warmly, all the way down to your feet.

On your way back from Kibune, the Rakuhoku area is a convenient place to settle in for the night.
Adjacent to Takaragaike Park, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is the final work of Togo Murano, a master of Japanese architecture.
The hotel's circular form stands quietly among the trees.

All guest rooms are at least 36 m².
The greenery of Takaragaike Park spreads out beyond the windows, and some rooms even offer views of Mt. Hiei.

The grounds feature a Japanese garden with a sukiya-style teahouse.
Spending time gazing out at the snow-covered garden is an experience unique to this hotel.

It's a 7-minute walk from Kokusaikaikan Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
Kyoto Station is about 20 minutes away by subway, making it easy to set off early the next morning.

Day 2 is all about getting up early.
In snowy Kyoto, the morning is what counts, which is exactly why you'll want a way to get ready at a relaxed pace.

The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike offers in-room dining, so you can enjoy your meal in your room.
Breakfast is available in Japanese or Western style, from 7:00A.M. to 10:00A.M.

Outside the window, the trees of Takaragaike Park are covered in snow.
Whether you're still changing or getting ready, you can greet the morning at your own pace.

There's no need to go down to the lobby or wait for a table.
The greatest value of this choice is that you can put that saved time toward visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha first thing in the morning.

From the hotel, take the subway and transfer to the JR Nara Line to reach Inari Station.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of all Inari shrines across Japan, can be visited at any time of day.

There are two reasons to visit first thing in the morning.
One is to avoid the daytime crowds. The other is that it's the time of day when snow still remains.

White snow rests on the vermilion of the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates).
The winter morning sun streaming between the gates makes the contrast of vermilion and white even more striking.

The higher you climb Mt. Inari, the fewer people you'll see, and the path continues with only the sound of your footsteps echoing.
The stone steps are slippery on snowy days, so it's wise to turn back before you overdo it.

From Fushimi Inari Taisha, take the Keihan Main Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.
From there, walk up the slopes to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which stands on the hillside of Higashiyama.

The gates open at 6:00A.M.
Since it opens earlier than most of Kyoto's major temples and shrines, it's easy to fit into a morning schedule.

Stand on the Kiyomizu Stage, which juts out from the Main Hall, and you'll see snow-covered trees below, with Kyoto's cityscape stretching beyond.
The view of the slopes of Mt. Otowa and the city merging into one continuous expanse of white is a truly spectacular sight found only in winter.

Continue on to Oku-no-in, and you can now view the stage itself.
Take a moment to admire the Main Hall and the Three-Storied Pagoda, their roofs covered in snow, from a little distance.

It's an 11-minute walk down the slope from the gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Tosuiro Gion, set in a renovated 150-year-old machiya townhouse, is where you'll enjoy the final meal of your trip.

Here you can enjoy course meals centered on tofu and yuba (tofu skin).
The menu showcases the flavors of soybeans in different ways, with dishes such as freshly scooped yuba, namafu (fresh wheat gluten), and yuba manju (steamed buns).

After you've walked around Kyoto in winter, the warm tofu dishes slowly soothe your body.
The calm atmosphere unique to a machiya also deepens the lingering memories of your trip.

As it's a popular restaurant, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
For details on opening hours and the menu, please check the official website.

After your meal, walk north to the Gion area.
This is your time to stroll the snowy streets before your train home.

Stone pavements along the Shirakawa River, and the latticework of machiya townhouses.
A dusting of snow is all it takes to turn Gion's familiar scenery into a picture.

Keep heading west and you'll reach the Kamo River.
The rows of houses on the opposite bank reflected on the water, and the Higashiyama mountains in the distance.
On snowy days, the Kamo River has fewer people than usual, and you can clearly hear the sound of the water.

Stone pavements and bridges get slippery.
Take small steps and walk slowly as you etch your last glimpses of Kyoto into memory.

From Shijo-Kawaramachi to Kyoto Station, it's about 18 minutes by City Bus No. 5 in normal traffic.
The bus heads west along Shijo-dori Street and then turns south at Karasuma.

Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, use the time before your train to shop for souvenirs.
The station building is home to shops selling Kyoto confectionery and pickles, and you can also find processed yuba and tofu products.

Train schedules can be disrupted on snowy days, so it's best to head to the station with plenty of time to spare.

In 1 night, 2 days, you will have walked only a small part of Kyoto.
Even so, the memory of the city dressed in snow is sure to stay with you for a long while.

Kyoto City lies in a basin, and there are not many days when snow settles.
Even so, the chances are highest from late January to early February.

This is when the cold reaches its peak, and snow clouds from the Sea of Japan side tend to drift over the mountains into the city.
Most of the days when you wake up to find the city white fall in this period.

However, snow cover usually lasts only a few days.
If you fix your travel dates far in advance, it's not easy to time your trip for the snow.

Check the weather forecast frequently in the days leading up to your trip, and make your move when a cold wave is forecast.
This flexibility is the surest way to encounter snowy Kyoto.

Even if the snow doesn't settle, Kyoto in winter is less crowded and the air is crisp and clear.
Think of it as a season worth visiting whether or not you get snow, and set out.

Snow in Kyoto doesn't last long.
When the sun comes out and temperatures rise, the snow on the roofs falls first, and the white on the stone pavements fades away.

In other words, the time to see snowy scenery is almost entirely limited to the morning.
It's not uncommon to hear of people heading out after noon and missing the scenery they had hoped for.

That's why it's a good idea to plan backward from opening times.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens at 6:00A.M., and Fushimi Inari Taisha can be visited 24 hours a day.
Kinkaku-ji Temple opens at 9:00A.M., and Ryoan-ji Temple at 8:30A.M. from December to February.

Pick your first stop of the morning, then work your way south, or north, from there.
Planning your route this way lets you visit multiple spots while the snow still remains.

Staying the night before means you won't have to wait for the first train.
In snowy Kyoto, where you stay can even influence what scenery you get to see.

January and February are the coldest months of the year in Kyoto.
The bone-chilling cold typical of a basin often makes it feel colder than the numbers suggest.

The basic rule is to wear thin layers.
Temple halls and subway trains are warm, so choosing clothes that are easy to take on and off will keep you comfortable.
You'll also want gloves, a scarf, and a hat that covers your ears.

One thing that's easy to overlook is footwear.
When snow settles in Kyoto, stone pavements and the stone steps of temple and shrine approaches become wet and slippery.

We recommend waterproof, non-slip snow boots.
A pair with treaded soles will let you walk with confidence even in the hilly Higashiyama area.

Keeping a spare pair of socks in your bag will come in handy if your feet get wet.
Simply keeping your feet dry makes a huge difference in how comfortable your winter trip is.

On snowy days in Kyoto, how you choose to get around determines how fulfilling your day will be.
The most reliable options are the subway and trains.

The Karasuma and Tozai subway lines are less affected by the weather, so travel times are predictable.
Combined with the Eizan Electric Railway, Keihan, and JR lines, they connect Rakuhoku with Higashiyama and Fushimi with ease.

City buses have a dense route network and can take you close to the gates of temples and shrines.
However, when snow settles, roads get congested and buses may not run on schedule.
Building extra time into your plans will give you peace of mind.

Rental cars are not recommended for those unaccustomed to driving on snowy roads.
Streets in the city are narrow with many one-way roads, and just finding a parking lot can eat up your time.

When you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in the morning or evening, it's practical to use taxis for parts of the journey.
"Trains as your main mode, with buses and taxis at key points": this approach lets you move around snowy Kyoto with the most flexibility.

As mentioned in tip No. 2 of "Snow Viewing Tips," where you stay in snowy Kyoto can even influence what scenery you get to see.
If you plan to focus on the snowy scenery of the Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion, choosing a hotel in Higashiyama is also a great option.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is an 8-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site.
Set in a preserved and restored building that was once a beloved elementary school, it blends Kyoto's history with modern comfort.

Sannenzaka is a 3-minute walk away, and Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple) is a 5-minute walk.
From the guest lounge available to hotel guests, you can enjoy a close-up view of Yasaka Pagoda.

On a snowy morning, being able to walk to Higashiyama's famous sights right after waking up is a privilege unique to this hotel.
An early-morning private tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple (fee required) is also available exclusively for hotel guests.
Please check the official website for dates and details.

We recommend heading to the mountains of Rakuhoku in northern Kyoto, which sit at a higher elevation than the city.

Ohara is a rural village dotted with temples, including Sanzen-in Temple.
The sight of snow resting on garden moss and stone Buddha statues has a stillness quite different from that of the city.

Kibune and Kurama are also areas where snow may still remain even on days when there is none in the city.
Kifune Shrine, which you visit on Day 1 of this itinerary, is also a good option on such days.

If you can make a slightly longer day trip, head to Miyama in northern Kyoto Prefecture.
The scene of thatched-roof farmhouses wrapped in snow is a view unique to winter.

It gets colder on mountain roads than in the city, and the road surface may be icy.
Please check the latest weather and traffic information before heading out.

We recommend checking twice: the night before and on the morning of the day.

The night before, check the weather forecast for snow and the next morning's minimum temperature.
If low temperatures are forecast, be prepared to get up early the next morning.

On the morning of the day, first check the view from your hotel window.
If rooftops and trees are white, there's a chance you'll find snowy scenery at temples and shrines in the city too.

Some temples and shrines post updates on the state of their grounds and on light-up events on their official social media.
For Kifune Shrine's Snow Day Light-Up as well, whether it will be held is announced on its official social media that day.

Once you've confirmed snow, the trick is to rearrange your plans for the day to "head to a famous snowy spot first thing in the morning."
Please check the latest weather information before heading out.

The best choice depends on what you want to see.

If you want to enjoy the combination of architecture and snow, we recommend Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The sight of white resting on shimmering gold leaf is something you can only see on a snowy day.

If you want to savor the tranquility of a garden, try the rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple.
When snow settles on the white sand, the garden takes on an even more abstract look.

If you're after color contrast, head to the Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
The approach lined with vermilion and white is especially striking in photos.

If you want to see entire streetscapes wrapped in snow, visit the Higashiyama area, including Gion Shirakawa and Sannenzaka.
The stone pavements and machiya rooftops turn white, bringing out Kyoto's distinctive charm.

If you want a better chance of finding snow, head to the mountains of Rakuhoku, such as Kibune and Ohara.
These areas sit at a higher elevation than the city, so snow lingers longer there.

For clothing and footwear, see "Snow Viewing Tips."
Here, we've rounded up other items that are useful to bring.

The first is disposable heat packs.
They help ease the chill while you're gazing at gardens or waiting for a bus.

A small towel also comes in handy.
It's useful for wiping snow off wet bags, umbrellas, and shoes.

At some temples and shrines, such as the Hojo at Ryoan-ji Temple, you'll need to take off your shoes to enter.
Choosing thick socks will keep your feet from getting cold on chilly floors.

Smartphone batteries drain faster in the cold, so bringing a portable charger is a good idea.
It's also essential for photographing snowy scenery and checking transportation updates.

First, check the service information for the transportation you plan to use.
The Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau (city buses and subway), JR, Keihan, and Eizan Electric Railway each provide service updates on their official websites.

If buses are significantly delayed, rather than waiting indefinitely, you can also rearrange your plans.
Visiting temples and shrines within walking distance of subway or train stations first will make you less vulnerable to delays.

The mountainous Kibune and Kurama areas are more susceptible to snow than the city.
Check train and bus service status before visiting for peace of mind.

On the last day of your trip, allow plenty of time before your train home.
We also recommend heading to Kyoto Station early and enjoying souvenir shopping or a meal around the station.