3 Fun Ways to Beat the Heat in Kyoto
Authored By:
The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a first-hand account of what it's like on program in Kyoto!
We’re knee deep in Tsuyu, the rainy season that runs from June to July, in Kyoto, Japan. The sun is hot, the humidity is high, and everything’s just a little bit sticky. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to beat the heat while still enjoying the highlights of Kyoto. Here are my top ways to beat the heat while seeing some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks!
1. Enjoy a Sweet Treat!
Sweet treats abound in Kyoto, from Kakigori (shaved ice), to Matcha Soda and Ice Cream, to traditional Wagashi (Japanese sweets) like Warabi Mochi.
If you’re checking out Arashiyama, Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest, make a quick by Uzumasa Kyoto Village to see Edo-period style buildings, culture, and for delicious Matcha-Azuki Kakigori at Uzu-Chaya tea shop!
Heading East, nearby the historic Kamishichiken geisha district is Kitano Tenmangu shrine (a personal favorite of mine!) Before you head in to pet Kitano’s Nade-Ushi, or stone cows statues said to bring good luck, stop by Kitano Tenmangu Harutsuge for Matcha Ice Cream and Matcha Soda!
When shopping in Nishiki Market and nearby Teramachi, stop by Blue Seal ice cream. This is classic Okinawan ice cream, but you can get it right here in Kyoto! I recommend Sea Salt Cookie and Benimo, or purple sweet potato flavors!
If you’re visiting Kyoto’s most famous temples, you’ll likely end up at Kiyomizu-Dera in eastern Kyoto. Here, you can find Bunnosuke Chaya, an old-school, but stylish cafe offering Warabi Mochi, a summer treat made from rice starch, sugar, water, and topped with kinako (soybean powder) and a brown sugar sauce.
2. Buy Senshu Fan Souvenirs
Senshu, or Kyoto-style folding fans, don’t just make beautiful souvenirs—they’re also useful tools to stay while wandering historic neighborhoods and scenic streets!
For high-quality, traditional Kyoto fans, you’ll find beautiful options in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district. Both Maisendo and Ogiya HANGESHO can be found here. Or, venture out beyond Gion to find your own favorite store! Here are High School Summer Abroad students with fans bought in Uzumasa Kyoto Village!
Or, you can always rep your CIEE swag with these cute Uchiwa, or summer fans!
3. Take a Walk Along the Kamo
The Kamogawa is the major artery that flows through all of Kyoto, passing through Shijo, Kawaramachi, Gion, and more. Families, couples, and friends love to gather on the banks of the river for picnics, to watch the water birds, or just to enjoy the day. The Kamogawa Delta, where the Takano and Kamo rivers meet, and just a few minutes away from the Kyoto Botanical Gardens and stunning Shimogamo Shrine, with its adorable turtle stepping stones, is a beautiful place to take a break, relax, and reflect on all that Kyoto has to offer.
Bonus Fun Phrases:
Here are three ways to say “It’s so hot out!” in Japanese!
Polite: あついですね！ – It’s so hot out!
With your friends: まじであつい！ – It’s seriously hot out!
Kyoto-style: あついあつい！ — It’s so hot!
Interested in high school study abroad? Check out CIEE's high school study abroad options and submit an application today!
Related Posts
Living in Tokyo from the Perspective of a CIEE Student Participant
A brief overview of why Tokyo is seeing an increase in visitors, and the many services that make it an accessible city for so many people.
Student Interview: Cultural and Language Differences While Studying Abroad in Tokyo
The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2025 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for an interview with two students about their experience... keep reading
Making Hōtō: A Delicious Activity from the Yamanashi Prefecture
The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2025 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a first-hand account of what it's like on... keep reading