To the old capital of Japan. A trip through snowy Kyoto.

Winter in Kyoto is even more beautiful when it snows. When the old capital of Japan is covered in silvery snow, it feels quiet and somewhat nostalgic. There is a magic there that you don’t normally see. Winter is long in Kyoto. Some years, it will snow in March, so there is still plenty of time to enjoy winter in Kyoto. Come visit and take a trip through winter landscapes and a beautiful Kyoto you can only see in winter.

Kinkakuji Temple in winter sparkles even more in snow

Kinkakuji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, was built by a shogun, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, during the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573). Of its three tiers, the second and third are covered in gold. It is said to represent paradise, and its reflection in the pond next to it changes with the seasons. Among its many looks, Kinkakuji Temple on a snowy day is like no other. White snow covers the roof and the garden, and its contrast with the glittering gold hues create a painting come to life. The atmosphere feels even more magical when the snow-covered temple is reflected in the Kyokochi Pond. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the temple sparkle more than ever before. Make sure you stop by when it snows.

Temple hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: 23-min. by car from the hotel Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From the Kawaramachi Sanjo bus stop, ride for 35 minutes to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From the Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, ride for 42 minutes to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop
URL	https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/kinkakuji/

Visit a divine, snow-covered temple: Kuramadera Temple

Kuramadera Temple is located in the northern part of Kyoto City. It is a divine temple known for being the land of Tengu, supernatural Japanese beings, and the training place of Ushiwakamaru, nickname of a famous military commander in Japan. It was built during the Nara period (710 – 794) and boasts over 1,000 years of history. Kuramadera Temple shows a completely different side of itself on snowy days. White snow atop the stone lanterns that illuminate the stone steps. It’s a sight to behold. The place is enveloped in a quietude that can only be found in snow. The path that leads to the main temple that lies deep in the mountains feels more formidable in the snow. If you take the cable car, you can get to the main temple even when it’s snowing. Enjoy a quiet moment at Kuramadera Temple that feels divine in a special way in winter.

Temple hours	9:00AM – 4:15PM
Address	1074 Kuramahon-machi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From Sanjo Station, get on the Keihan Electric Railway. At Demachiyanagi Station, transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway and get off at Kurama Station. HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From Kiyomizu Gojo Station, get on the Keihan Electric Railway. At Demachiyanagi Station, transfer to the Eizan Electric Railway and get off at Kurama Station.
URL	https://www.kuramadera.or.jp/

Enjoy the arch bridge, Suirokaku, dressed in snow at Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple is a famous temple in Kyoto. In a corner of the widespread grounds, there is an arch bridge constructed with red bricks, Suirokaku. Normally, the spot is busy with tourists, but on snowy days, it is enveloped in silence, like time has stopped. History and modern life are intertwined here. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Kyoto covered in snow.

Temple hours	(until February 28th) 8:40AM – 4:30PM (March 1st – November 30th) 8:40AM – 5:00PM
Address	Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: 16-min. by car from the hotel Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo: From Sanjo Station, ride the Kyoto Shiei Subway Line to Keage Station HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto: From Kiyomizu Gojo Station, get on the Keihan Electric Railway. At Sanjo Station, transfer to the Kyoto Shiei Subway Line and get off at Keage Station.
URL	（Nanzenji Temple）https://www.nanzenji.or.jp/