by Le Concierge Orient
kyoto winter 2026
The Destination
In this great big world we live in, no two places are completely alike. More than that, some destinations are so unique and proverbially 'out of this world', they become legendary destinations etched into the memories of the world traveller. One of these spots is doubtlessly Kyoto, an enigmatic imperial city that had stood still for over a thousand years until its transition into the present era brought about a convergence of the times that rendered it resplendently modern yet breathtakingly old. As a historic site Kyoto is a living testament to the rise of the Japanese state with the many magnificent buildings still standing their ground after centuries of human strife and developments. As a modern city Kyoto is culturally dazzling with the ways and principles of the past still very much the present. The distinct geography of the city also adds to its many allures; surrounded by mountains but close to the coast, the seasonal confluxes gave rise to its legendary beauty. In winter the blanket of snow, however occasional, seems to transform the landscape into a medieval white haven. Snow is not a given in Kyoto throughout winter, and sometimes when the skies are moody, flurries descend. But when the season decides to be generous, snow can descend for days and magically transforms the imperial city.
With over 2000 temples dotting the city, the following sites are just some of Kyoto's best wintry attractions. The Imperial Palace is now a park open to visitors with its famous plum and groves very instagramable spots in winter. Occasionally covered by snow, the park becomes an alien landscape, its shrines and groves all serenely white. Other royal sites like the Sento palace, Katsura and Shujakuin imperial villas are also open to visitors although it is mandatory to join guided tours (given in Japanese) in order to visit these sites. Kiyomizudera, the highly popular temple dedicated to Kannon Sama, is also one of the best spots to enjoy a snowfall in Kyoto. Some of the heaviest snowfalls tend to drop at the temple given its lofty perch, and when that happens, it is truly magical to watch the transformation as the surrounding hills gradually turn white, with crimson camellias peeking through their winter regalia.
The arrival of Setsubun, or spring solstice, slated on 3 Fen in 2026, will officially mark the end of winter and herald the arrival of spring in Japan. The festival is celebrated with scores of rituals and revelries in Kyoto, with elaborate rituals, dances and performances staged at prominent shrines throughout the city on both the eve and actual day of the solstice. Head to Kitano Tenmangu for the medieval Oni rituals that banish the wayward evils and invite in the blessings, or watch the Buddhist bonfires at Heian Jingu, a cleansing ritual that has been practiced for centuries. With so many celebrations taking place over the same time, one is quite spoilt for choices, but the star attraction of the festival must be the performances at Yasaka Shrine which features Kabuki players and Maikos, the graceful enigmas of Japan, performing in full splendour. If one catches a packet of fukumame tossed by the performers after the shows, one is supposedly blessed with good fortune for the year.
After the revelries in Kyoto, a night treat awaits those who would make the trip to Nara for the Kasuga Taisha will be lit with the glow of over 3000 lanterns, all the way from the gravel paths to the olden prayer halls and pavilions of the resplendent temple. But even as Setsubun marks the arrival of spring in Kyoto, it is not uncommon for snow to fall throughout February. Given the uniqueness of its geographic position, the prediction of snow is hardly scientific in Kyoto but for those willing to take a chance, the reward of a snowy experience in this amazing city will be well worth the trip.
The Launchpads
