January brings Kyoto into its most peaceful season. After the New Year celebrations settle, the city slips into a quiet rhythm: crisp mornings, clear skies, steaming bowls of seasonal cuisine, and temples surrounded by winter stillness. For travelers, this is an ideal moment to explore Kyoto without the crowds — a chance to see shrines and historical streets at their most intimate.
Whether you're joining New Year rituals, enjoying brisk walks through temple gardens, or seeking cultural experiences indoors, January reveals a side of Kyoto that most visitors never see.
Weather in January
January is the heart of winter in Kyoto — cold, calm, and often beautifully clear.
Average daytime temperature: 6–9°C
Evenings / early mornings: 0–3°C
Rain/snow: Occasional snowfall, light but scenic; low humidity makes the cold sharper.
Bring a warm coat, gloves, and comfortable footwear. Temples can be breezy, and early mornings for New Year visits are especially chilly.
Festivals & Events in January
Calendar of Events
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1–3 | Hatsumōde (New Year Shrine Visit) | Yasaka Shrine, Fushimi Inari, Heian Shrine | The biggest shrine visits of the year. Locals pray for good fortune; expect lively food stalls and festive crowds. |
| Jan 4 | Kemari Hajime | Shimogamo Shrine | A traditional Heian-era kickball ritual performed in elegant court attire. Rare, photogenic, uniquely Kyoto. |
| Jan 15 | Tōka Ebisu | Ebisu-jinja (Gion) | A lively festival celebrating Ebisu, god of good fortune. Lucky charms, bamboo branches, and energetic shrine maidens. |
| Jan 21 | Kōbō-san Market | Tō-ji Temple | The first market of the year — antiques, street food, crafts, and temple atmosphere. |
| Jan 25 | Tenjin-san Market | Kitano Tenmangū | Monthly festival full of food vendors, vintage goods, and traditional charms for academic success. |
New Year Traditions in Kyoto
The first three days of January are the busiest and most culturally significant. Kyoto families visit shrines for hatsumode, purchasing omamori charms, writing wishes on wooden ema plaques, and choosing hamaya arrows to ward off misfortune. Stalls sell sweet amazake and snacks, and many shrines stay open through the night.
Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, is an equally meaningful ritual. People gather at scenic viewpoints such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu-dera, and the foothills of Mount Daimonji to watch the sun rise over the mountains, believed to bring good fortune and clarity.
New Year meals also hold symbolic meaning. Kyoto’s white-miso ozoni soup is especially famous, with mochi symbolising longevity and renewal. Osechi boxes featuring traditional dishes appear on tables across the city, each ingredient chosen for auspicious reasons.Winter Highlights in January
January strips Kyoto down to its essentials — quiet streets, crisp scenery, and warm traditions.
Winter Highlights in January
Winter Gardens
Kyoto’s gardens reveal a different kind of beauty in winter. Without foliage, the architecture and landscape design become more noticeable. Morning frost on temple roofs and stones adds a quiet elegance. Top choices include Murin-an, Kyoto Gyoen, and the gardens of Tenryu-ji.
Arashiyama in Winter
After the New Year rush, Arashiyama becomes calm again. The river often reflects a pale winter sky, the bamboo forest is much quieter, and mountain light-ups add a sense of seasonal charm.
Fushimi Sake District
Winter is the best time to visit Kyoto’s sake breweries. Freshly pressed sake (shiboritate) is released only in this season. Warm tasting rooms, canal walks, and neighbourhood shops make this area a strong winter highlight.
Indoor Cultural Experiences
January is ideal for experiences that keep visitors warm: tea ceremony, calligraphy workshops, pottery classes, kimono studio visits, and zazen meditation at temples.
Early Plum Blossoms
Late January brings the first ume blossoms, which contrast beautifully against bare branches. Kitano Tenmangu and Jonangu are the earliest and most reliable spots.
Featured Tours in January
Sacred Stone and Flowing Silk: Arashiyama Temples, Bamboo Forests, and Maiko River Cruise
January brings a quiet elegance to Arashiyama, as the autumn colours fade into winter’s soft light and the Katsura River reflects the calm of the season. Guided by Kohaku, a former maiko, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Kyoto’s geisha traditions while exploring Arashiyama’s timeless beauty. Stroll through the Bamboo Forest, visit the serene stone temples of Atago Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and enjoy a private Hozu River boat ride as Kohaku shares stories of art, ritual, and life in Kyoto’s hanamachi.
It’s an intimate and unforgettable journey that blends Kyoto’s seasonal splendour with its living traditions — perfect for travellers seeking both cultural depth and scenic wonder.
Highlights:
- Stroll through Arashiyama’s iconic Bamboo Forest, framed by peak autumn foliage.
- Visit Atago Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, hidden temples filled with hundreds of smiling stone figures.
- Enjoy a private Hozu River boat ride with Kohaku, a former maiko, as your cultural guide.
- Experience the warmth of Kyoto’s hospitality and storytelling amid the calm of autumn nature.
More Ways to Visit Kyoto
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer Private Charters in Kyoto. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the village and surrounding region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in January
- Book New Year dates early: Jan 1–3 are busy for locals; afterward, the city becomes much quieter.
- Expect cold mornings: Sunrise shrine visits are beautiful but brisk — layers help.
- Take advantage of empty temples: Weekdays in mid- to late January are some of the calmest days all year.
- Try winter foods: Yudōfu, matcha, sweet potatoes, amazake — warm, comforting, and seasonal.
- Check for snow days: Light snow can happen anytime; it makes photography incredible but paths slippery.
Where to Stay in January
Kyoto in January offers great value — many hotels drop prices after the New Year rush.
Central Kyoto (Gion, Higashiyama, Downtown):
A great base for shrine visits, winter illumination events, and dining.
Northern Kyoto (Kurama, Kibune, Ohara):
Quiet, atmospheric, and perfect for travelers who want to experience Kyoto’s winter countryside.
Arashiyama:
Calm riverside views and peaceful mornings. Ideal for scenic walks and temple visits without crowds.
Wherever you choose to stay, autumn is one of the busiest times of year, so it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Where to Stay In Kyoto and Nara page.
Plan Your January Visit
January in Kyoto is calm, cultural, and deeply traditional — the perfect month for travelers who prefer atmosphere over crowds. From New Year rituals and winter markets to serene temples and cozy seasonal cuisine, this is Kyoto at its most authentic.
Plan your visits around shrine events, dress warmly for early mornings, and consider a guided tour to navigate festival timings and the city’s quieter winter rhythm.
