June is rainy but warm in Kyoto. If you can handle warmer temperatures and occasional showers, May is a great time to visit. You'll encounter fewer tourists and many activities, such as the rice planting ceremony, a profusion of hydrangeas at Hydrangea Temple, and the Bamboo Cutting Festival.
How Hot and Humid Is June in Kyoto?
June is the beginning of the rainy season in Kyoto. The early June is mostly sunny and the rest of the month falls in the rainy season. In June around 20 cm (or 8 inches) of rain falls, mostly at the end of the month, leading to higher humidity averaging 66%. In general, it tends to rain more in the afternoons than in the mornings.
Average temperatures in Kyoto in June range between mild and hot, starting at a low of around 19°C (66°F), up to a high of what feels like 31°C (88°F). Particularly around the end of the month, the weather is hotter and muggier.
Kyoto is often overcast in June, particularly at the end of the month. The beginning of the month is generally sunny.
Kyoto Weather in June Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 19–28°C (66–82°F) | Mild–hot |
| Rainfall | 20 cm (8"), 13 days | Moderate, showery |
| Humidity | 66% | Muggier late month |
| High Feels Like | 31°C (88°F) | Hot |
| Sunshine | 4 hours | Becoming cloudier |
Top Places and Activities in Kyoto in June
1. Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Takigi No Theater Show
Takigi No, or No, is a traditional theater style that is still practiced in Kyoto today, with two events at Heian Jingu on June 1 and June 2 every year. Each year there is a different theme.
The Takigi No shows combine music and energetic dance, colorful traditional costumes, ghosts, historical warriors, and legendary subjects making for an entertaining evening that gives some insight into Japan's cultural arts.
2. Attend the Fushimi Inari Taisha Taue-sai Rice Cultivation Ceremony
Every June 10, Taue-sai is held at the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of the most famous shrine in Kyoto. The ceremony celebrates rice cultivation, as this is the time of the year when young rice plants are moved into fields, where they continue growing.
The ceremony starts at 1pm, and you'll be able to see priests, dancers, and musicians as well as planters. As well as the prayers for a good harvest, there are some performances and ritualistic offerings before the plants are planted to a traditional Japanese song about rice planting.
3. Check out the Hydrangeas throughout Kyoto
By mid-June, you'll be able to enjoy some of the beautiful hydrangeas in bloom throughout Kyoto. There are plenty of different places to see them, starting at Yokoku-ji Temple, which has a famous hydrangea corridor where you can see around 10,000 of them in bloom. This spot is also covered in case it is a rainy day.
The hillside of Yoshiminedera Temple is another great place to see hydrangeas. Found in Kyoto's western mountains, the temple has great views over the city, and offers scenic paths for a walk on a sunny day in June.
4. Watch the Takekiri-eshiki Bamboo Cutting Festival
Every June 20th, the Bamboo Cutting Festival, or Takekiri-eshiki, is held at Kurama-dera in Kyoto. The temple, located deep in an ancient forest, on the side of Mount Kurama, remembers a monk at the temple in the 8th century who battled a giant supernatural serpent.
In the ceremony, bamboo trees serve as the serpents, and the battle in which the serpent was slain is re-enacted. There are beautiful costumes, traditional prayers for the natural surroundings, and monks who are skilled at quickly cutting the bamboo poles into pieces.
We also highly recommend the views from Kurama-dera in June, when the surrounding trees are particularly lush and green.
What to Wear in Kyoto in June
Kyoto is mild to hot in June, with a range of clothing needed for outdoor exploration. We recommend bringing mostly summer items, like linen trousers or shorts, t-shirts, and breathable cotton tops. Packing a cardigan/fleece/hoodie is not a bad idea for those looking to explore from early morning or into the evening, when the temperature can drop significantly, particularly in early June.
We also suggest packing and dressing for rain, given that June sees some rainy days. Bringing an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, and wearing waterproof shoes, will ensure that the rain doesn't stop you from exploring.
Recommended Tours for Kyoto in June
The following itineraries are great for June and the rest of the year alike, include some time at Kyoto's most popular sights, and could include the above ceremonies and events if you are interested:
Our team of Japan experts can also tailor your own unique itinerary depending on what you'd like to see and do. Contact us for a personalized tour.
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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