Kyoto, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kyoto, Japan? If you're planning to go to Kyoto, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kyoto
- Important essentials for Kyoto
- Activities for Kyoto
- Kyoto in January: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in February: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in March: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in April: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in May: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in June: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in July: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in August: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in September: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in October: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in November: weather and what to pack
- Kyoto in December: weather and what to pack
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Kyoto, Japan
Based on the climate and weather in Kyoto, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kyoto, Japan
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kyoto, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kyoto. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Kyoto, Japan by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Kyoto in January, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Jacket or coat
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Kyoto (prefecture), we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
February
February in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Kyoto (prefecture), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent choice.
March
March in Kyoto can be brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Kyoto (prefecture), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great choice.
April
In April, Kyoto is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kyoto, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
May here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June in Kyoto is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
July
Traveling to Kyoto in July, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
August
August in Kyoto is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
September
September in Kyoto is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
October
In October, Kyoto is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Kyoto, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you go to Kyoto in November, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in Kyoto is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Kyoto (prefecture), a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
Activities for Kyoto, Japan
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kyoto.
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)
Nijo-jo Castle
Nishiki Market
Gion Corner
Arashiyama Park
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