Rainy-day ideas in Kyoto
Indoor events and exhibitions in Kyoto for a rainy day.
As of Oct 30: 49 events, 10 free.
At a glance
49 events · 10 free · 2 for kids
Art exhibition 31 · Festival & seasonal event 8 · Market 5 · Pop-up 2 · Food event 2 · Live music 1
Highlights
- Soshi Matsunobe: Wall at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, The Triangle · Sep 12 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun)
- Special Exhibition: Kan'ei — Beauty Nurtured by an Age of Peace at The Museum of Kyoto The Museum of Kyoto · Sep 19 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun)
- Forms of Love — The Rediscovered Erotic Scroll Chigo Zoshi at Fukuda Art Museum Fukuda Art Museum · Sep 19 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun)
- 140th Birth Anniversary: Seika Yamaga — Imagination in Flight at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building, South Wing, 1st Floor · Sep 19 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun)
- Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube · Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)
Art exhibition
Soshi Matsunobe: Wall at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, The Triangle (Higashiyama Sta.)
Sep 12 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
A contemporary art exhibition that reexamines the way we perceive everyday objects through lines, shadows, backgrounds, and the unconscious. Open to all visitors.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Exhibition: Kan'ei — Beauty Nurtured by an Age of Peace at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Commemorating 400 years since the imperial visit of 1626 during the Kan'ei era, this exhibition explores Kyoto's culture in the early Edo period. Open until 7:30 PM on Fridays.
Details →Art exhibition
Forms of Love — The Rediscovered Erotic Scroll Chigo Zoshi at Fukuda Art Museum
Fukuda Art Museum (Arashiyama Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
An exhibition of Japanese art highlighting the erotic illustrated scroll Chigo Zoshi. Visitors under 18 are not permitted. Some works will change between the first and second exhibition periods.
Details →Art exhibition
140th Birth Anniversary: Seika Yamaga — Imagination in Flight at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building, South Wing, 1st Floor (Higashiyama Sta.)
Sep 19 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
The first retrospective in 40 years devoted to textile artist Seika Yamaga. The second exhibition period begins November 3, with some works replaced. Last admission at 5:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Rurikoin Autumn Special Opening 2026
Rurikoin Temple (Yase-Hieizanguchi Sta.)
Oct 1 (Thu) – Dec 13 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
The moss garden and study hall open to the public in maple season. Reservations required Nov 13 to Dec 6; not needed on other days. Last entry 4:30 PM, open every day during the period.
Details →Art exhibition
Tanomura Chokunyu and Modern Kyoto Nanga: Ambience of Nature at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto, 2F Gallery (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun) 10:00 – 19:30
Marking 130 years since the Japan Nanga Association was founded and 120 years since the death of its leader Tanomura Chokunyu (1814-1907). Works and materials mainly from the Kyoto Prefecture collection introduce the literati painting of modern Kyoto. Last entry 7:00 PM; closed Mondays (open November 23, closed November 24).
Details →Art exhibition
Zen and Ghibli at Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube (Higashiyama Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
An immersive exhibition exploring Zen philosophy through Studio Ghibli films. Reservation priority begins October 31. From November 1, the museum opens at 9:00 AM on most Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, with some exceptions.
Details →Art exhibition
Discover Kyoto Through Art — See More, Enjoy More at Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture
Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture (Arashiyama Sta.)
Oct 3 (Sat) – Feb 28 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Explore artworks depicting Kyoto's seasonal traditions and culture. Displays change between the first and second exhibition periods, featuring subjects such as geiko and maiko, Kyoto vegetables, and traditional Japanese confectionery wrappers.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Exhibition: The Tale of Genji — Splendor of the Imperial Court at Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing (Shichijo Sta.)
Oct 6 (Tue) – Nov 29 (Sun) 09:00 – 17:30
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. A major rotation of exhibits takes place on November 3. The National Treasure Tale of Genji Scrolls will be displayed during different periods depending on the scenes.
Details →Art exhibition
[2026 Fall] Collection Room Special Display: A Museum's Story - The Birth of the Kyoto City Museum of Art
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building North Wing 1F (Higashiyama Sta.)
Oct 9 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Traces the founding of the museum, opened in 1933 as the Kyoto Enthronement Memorial Museum of Art, and its earliest collection through works and archives, including Takeuchi Seiho's Bear and Tokuoka Shinsen's Wheat. Also on view: Animals in the Art Museum and Autumn Foliage. Last admission 5:30 PM.
Details →Art exhibition
60th Anniversary Special Exhibition II: The Muses Who Modeled for Insho Domoto
Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Oct 15 (Thu) – Dec 20 (Sun) 09:30 – 17:00
A special exhibition celebrating the museum's 60th anniversary, exploring depictions of women that artist Insho Domoto pursued throughout his career.
Details →Art exhibition
Maruyama Okyo and Ito Jakuchu at Shokokuji Jotenkaku Museum
Shokokuji Jotenkaku Museum (Imadegawa Sta.)
Oct 17 (Sat) – Feb 14 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
The first exhibition phase presents works by Maruyama Okyo and Ito Jakuchu. The artworks on display vary by exhibition period.
Details →Art exhibition
NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2026 at Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle
Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle (Nijojo-mae Sta.)
Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 5 (Sat) 18:00 – 22:00
A night art exhibition marking 400 years since the Kan'ei imperial visit, exploring the aesthetics of Kan'ei-era culture that shaped kimono and everyday design. Inspired by the sensibility of Tokugawa Kazuko, it reinterprets traditional beauty as artworks, with audio guides in Japanese and English. Last entry 9:00 PM; open daily, rain or shine. Students and Kyoto City residents get a 500 yen cashback on site.
Details →Art exhibition
Entokuin Temple: Teikan-zu Folding Screens and Autumn Night Light-Up
Entokuin Temple (Kodaiji sub-temple) (Gion-Shijo Sta.)
Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) 10:00 – 22:00
The sub-temple of Kodaiji where Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent her final years. It shows the Teikan-zu folding screens handed down in the Toyotomi family, and in autumn lights up its pond-stroll and dry landscape gardens at night. Lights come on at 17:00, last entry is 21:30 and the gate closes at 22:00, with no day/night changeover. Closed December 11 and 12 for temple services.
Details →Art exhibition
Who Does Jewelry Dream Of? at The National Museum of Modern Art
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (Higashiyama Sta.)
Oct 24 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. Advance-ticket and evening discounts are available, plus a ¥100 discount on same-day tickets for visitors wearing jewelry.
Details →Art exhibition
ChieArt Solo Exhibition in Kyoto at Dohjidai Gallery
Dohjidai Gallery (Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Sta.)
Oct 27 (Tue) – Nov 1 (Sun) 12:00 – 18:00
Visitors are admitted in 45-minute sessions. Numbered tickets are distributed 15 minutes before each session. Original artworks are sold by lottery, with a limit of one work per person.
Details →Art exhibition
Tea, Japanese Sweets, and Bonbonnieres at Art Space Fukujuen
Art Space Fukujuen (7th Floor, Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store) (Karasuma Sta.)
Oct 29 (Thu) – Jan 31 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:30
Closed Mondays through Wednesdays and on New Year's Day.
Details →Oct 30 (Fri) – Nov 15 (Sun) 11:00 – 20:30
A pop-up shop showcasing handmade creations from around 70 brands, with opportunities to buy directly from the makers.
Details →Art exhibition
NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS at Higashi Honganji and Shoseien
Higashi Honganji and Shoseien Garden (Kikokutei) (Kyoto Sta.)
Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 18:00 – 22:00
A special autumn night viewing at Higashi Honganji and its detached garden Shoseien, themed on spending a Kyoto night with five scenes. Higashi Honganji: last entry 9:00 PM, closes 9:20 PM; Shoseien closes 10:00 PM. On November 6-8 and 25, only Shoseien is open.
Details →Art exhibition
Naonori Yago Graphic Exhibition: Pangraphics at Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji Temple, Grand Entrance (Gojo Sta.)
Nov 1 (Sun) – Nov 8 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
A graphic design exhibition by Naonori Yago held at Higashi Honganji's Grand Entrance, built in 1867. Highlights include a large folding screen depicting the Usuzumi cherry tree and a new work inspired by Kyoto's autumn foliage.
Details →Nov 3 (Tue) – Dec 20 (Sun) 10:00 – 19:30
A major retrospective of Kaj Franck, one of Finland's leading designers, showcasing glassware and ceramics that combine functionality and beauty.
Details →Art exhibition
Kota Tonoike Collage Exhibition at Rendez-vous Gallery & Cafe
Rendez-vous Gallery & Cafe (Nijo Sta.)
Nov 3 (Tue) – Nov 29 (Sun) Hours: please check with the organizer
An exhibition by Kyoto collage artist Kota Tonoike. A collage workshop (reservation required) runs on November 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
Details →Art exhibition
Mitsuko Sasaki Solo Exhibition at Ayakoji Gallery Take
Ayakoji Gallery Take (Karasuma Sta.)
Art exhibition
Kyoto ddd Gallery Exhibition No. 254: Superplay — Graphic Design from Rotterdam
Kyoto ddd Gallery (Shijo Sta.)
Nov 4 (Wed) – Jan 13 (Wed) Tuesday–Friday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
A graphic design exhibition featuring Rotterdam-based studios Studio Spass and Team Thursday.
Details →Art exhibition
Miriam Cahn Exhibition: STILL LEBEN at Yuuhisai Koudoukan
Yuuhisai Koudoukan (Marutamachi Sta.)
Nov 6 (Fri) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Exhibition admission is free. A special tea service is available separately for an additional fee and requires a reservation.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Night Special Viewing (Shoren-in)
Shoren-in Temple (Higashiyama Sta.)
Nov 6 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 18:00 – 22:00
Evening illumination of the pond garden, bamboo grove and giant camphor trees, inspired by the light of the temple's principal deity. Last entry 9:30 PM; day and night admissions are separate.
Details →Art exhibition
63rd Buddhist Art Exhibition at The Museum of Kyoto
The Museum of Kyoto (Karasuma Oike Sta.)
Nov 6 (Fri) – Nov 8 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Discover around 300 works of Buddhist art, including Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and intricate cut-gold decoration, created by artists from across Japan.
Details →Market
Omoi: Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounters at HAYASHI COFFEE ROASTERY
HAYASHI COFFEE ROASTERY (Higashino Sta.)
Nov 8 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:00
Organized by Omoi. The café will serve a special event menu, with parking available for two cars. This is a special opening on what would normally be a regular closing day.
Details →Art exhibition
UYAMA Painting Exhibition: From the Depths of My Heart at Kaikonoyashiro no Ouchi
Kaikonoyashiro no Ouchi (Kaikonoyashiro Sta.)
Nov 9 (Mon) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Located very close to Randen's Kaikonoyashiro stop, just a three-minute walk from Exit 4 of Uzumasa Tenjingawa subway station.
Details →Art exhibition
Akiko Yada Solo Exhibition: Clear Vision at cafe co.co. & gallery ATTA!
cafe co.co. & gallery ATTA! (Shichijo Sta.)
Nov 11 (Wed) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM–6:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Details →Food event
Christmas Sweet Moments — Step into a Magical Christmas World at Hilton Kyoto
Hilton Kyoto, 1st Floor, All-Day Dining Teori (Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Sta.)
Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Special Opening: Night Viewing at Kurodani Konkai Komyo-ji
Kurodani Konkai Komyo-ji Temple (Keage Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 20:30
Maples reflected in the pond of the Shiun Garden, with the main hall, gate, bell tower and approach lit up. Live koto and shinobue performances three times each night. Last entry 8:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 at Shojokein Temple
Shojokein Temple, Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism (Demachiyanagi Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
Held rain or shine. Check the fees and participation requirements for individual activities.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Unryuin Temple Autumn Special Opening and Light-up
Unryuin Temple (Sennyuji) (Tofukuji Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Mon) 09:00 – 17:00
A quiet hidden spot for autumn leaves in Higashiyama, a sub-temple of the imperial family temple Sennyuji. The usually hidden Fudo Myoo triad is unveiled, and garden maples can be viewed from the study halls. On November 20-23 the temple is lit from sunset to 9:00 PM, and the four shoji windows of the Renge-no-ma room frame camellia, a lantern, maples and pine. No day/night changeover; last entry 4:30 PM by day, 8:30 PM at night.
Details →Food event
Autumn Market Thanks Festa at Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market
Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market (Umekoji-Kyotonishi Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun) 09:00 – 15:00
Explore Kyoto's central wholesale market through food stalls, fresh produce shopping, and market tours. The November 15 event starts at 10:00 AM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Special Viewing at Shorinji Temple
Shorinji Temple, a Subtemple of Tofukuji (Tofukuji Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 10:00 – 16:00
See a special display of the standing statue of Bishamonten, the guardian deity protecting Tofukuji's northeast direction. Other highlights include the main hall relocated from the Konoe family estate and the autumn foliage.
Details →Art exhibition
Stories by Master Heinz Werner — The Porcelain Art of Modern Meissen at Hosomi Museum
Hosomi Museum (Higashiyama Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Jan 31 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00
Explore the porcelain artistry and imaginative storytelling of Heinz Werner, a leading figure in modern Meissen.
Details →Market
10th Kokohana Marche at Shinka-ji Temple
Shinka-ji Temple, Kinko Benzaiten Shaka Hall (Iseda Sta.)
Nov 23 (Mon) 09:30 – 15:00
Held on the same day as the Shinka-ji Temple Festival. The venue is in Uji City, not Kyoto City.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Kencha-sai Tea Offering Ceremony, Kitano Tenmangu
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Dec 1 (Tue) Ritual from 10:00 (about 1 hour); tea rooms 9:00 – 15:00
A tea offering held in memory of the Great Kitano Tea Gathering of 1587, served in 2026 by the Urasenke school. Tea rooms are set up in the shrine grounds and in Kamishichiken. The ritual starts at 10:00 AM (about an hour); tea rooms 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Details →Live music
Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo (December Grand Kabuki), Minamiza
Minamiza Theatre (Gion-Shijo Sta.)
Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 24 (Thu) 10:30 – 21:10
Kyoto's year-end kabuki tradition. Matinee from 10:30 AM (ends around 3:15 PM), evening show from 4:00 PM (ends around 9:10 PM). The matinees on Dec 12, 19 and 20 and the evening show on Dec 18 are private bookings.
Details →Market
Kyoto Handmade Marche 2026
Kyoto International Exhibition Hall (Miyako Messe), Exhibition Hall 3 (Higashiyama Sta.)
Dec 5 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:00
Browse and shop for handmade creations by artists from across Japan, with exhibitions, sales, and workshops. Around 1,000 booths are planned.
Details →Market
be Kyoto Antenna Shop — Machiya Handmade Department Store
Machiya Gallery be Kyoto (Imadegawa Sta.)
Dec 12 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 11:00 – 17:00
An indoor handmade market held in a traditional Kyoto townhouse. A candy-sculpting workshop is also scheduled for December 13.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Kyoto Railway Museum Special Tour: Experience Everything About the Series 500 Shinkansen!
Kyoto Railway Museum (Umekoji-Kyotonishi Sta.)
Dec 12 (Sat) – Jan 23 (Sat) 09:30 – 10:00
This special tour is held on only two dates: December 12 and January 23. Before the museum opens, join a curator to explore the driver's cab and learn about the pantograph of the Series 500 Shinkansen.
Details →Art exhibition
Hakuin's Zen — A Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Kyoto
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Higashiyama Cube (Higashiyama Sta.)
Dec 17 (Thu) – Jan 11 (Mon) 10:00 – 18:00
An exhibition about Zen master Hakuin Ekaku, planned and produced by Studio Ghibli. Discover Edo-period Zen paintings alongside video presentations.
Details →Art exhibition
The 119th Nitten Exhibition, Kyoto
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building (Higashiyama Sta.)
Dec 19 (Sat) – Jan 16 (Sat) 10:00 – 18:00
The Kyoto showing of one of Japan's largest open juried art exhibitions, with about 500 works in five categories: Japanese-style painting, Western-style painting, sculpture, applied arts and calligraphy. Includes touring works and pieces by Kyoto and Shiga artists. Last admission 5:30 PM; closed Dec 28 to Jan 2.
Details →Art exhibition
New Year Special Exhibition: All About Sheep — Celebrating the Zodiac at Kyoto National Museum
Kyoto National Museum, Heisei Chishinkan Wing, Gallery 2F-2 (Shichijo Sta.)
Dec 22 (Tue) – Feb 7 (Sun) 09:30 – 17:00
Discover cultural treasures featuring sheep, the zodiac animal of 2027. Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. The same admission ticket provides access to all exhibitions in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing on the day of your visit.
Details →Art exhibition
Special Feature: Tea Utensils and Their Accompaniments (Kyoto National Museum)
Kyoto National Museum (Shichijo Sta.)
Dec 22 (Tue) – Mar 22 (Mon) 9:30 – 17:00 (Fridays until 20:00); last entry 30 min before closing
A feature exhibition of tea utensils with their boxes, pouches and other accompaniments. Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays; last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Details →Jan 15 (Fri) – Jan 16 (Sat) 11:00 – 17:00
The ¥2,000 vendor fee is not an admission charge for visitors. Browse materials including beads, buttons, embroidered ribbons, yarn, and leather.
Details →
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