While most visitors to Kyoto head west toward Arashiyama or south to Fushimi Inari Taisha, relatively few venture east into Yamashina. Nestled between the Higashiyama Mountains and neighboring Shiga Prefecture, this often-overlooked district offers some of the most rewarding hiking opportunities in the Kyoto area.
Yamashina occupies a unique geographical position. Historically, it served as an important gateway between Kyoto and eastern Japan, with major transportation routes passing through the valley for centuries. Today, the district combines accessible mountain trails, historic temples, forested ridgelines, and sweeping views over Kyoto Basin, all without the crowds that characterize many of the city’s better-known attractions. For travelers interested in experiencing a quieter side of Kyoto, Yamashina provides an ideal starting point for both cultural exploration and outdoor adventure.
Why Yamashina Is One of Kyoto’s Best Areas for Hiking
Kyoto is surrounded by mountains, yet many visitors only encounter them as a scenic backdrop. In Yamashina, the mountains become part of the experience. The district sits at the foot of several peaks that form the eastern edge of Kyoto Basin. A network of well-established trails links temples, mountain passes, historical landmarks, and viewpoints, creating routes suitable for everyone from casual walkers to experienced hikers.
Unlike some hiking destinations that require extensive travel from the city center, Yamashina is remarkably accessible. JR Yamashina Station is only one stop from Kyoto Station, making it possible to leave the city and find yourself on a forest trail within minutes. What distinguishes Yamashina from other hiking areas around Kyoto is the combination of natural scenery and cultural heritage. Many trails follow routes that have been used for centuries by pilgrims, merchants, and travelers moving between Kyoto and the eastern provinces.
Hike to Mount Daimonji from Yamashina
Route from Yamashina Station
Among the most rewarding hikes in the area is the ascent to Mount Daimonji, famous for the giant character “大” that is illuminated during Kyoto’s annual Gozan Okuribi festival each August. While many hikers approach Daimonji from Ginkakuji, the Yamashina side offers a quieter and often less crowded alternative. The trail climbs steadily through mixed woodland before reaching the mountainside fire site, where one of the finest panoramic views in Kyoto awaits. It takes approximately three hours to reach the site from Yamashina Station.
From the viewpoint, hikers can look across the entire Kyoto Basin, with landmarks such as the Kyoto Tower visible on clear days. During autumn, the surrounding hills become a patchwork of red and gold foliage, while winter often brings exceptionally clear visibility. The route is moderate in difficulty and suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Bishamondo Temple and the Mountain Trails Beyond
Bishamondo Temple (pic from Leaf Kyoto)
No exploration of Yamashina is complete without a visit to Bishamondo Temple, one of the district’s most significant historical sites. Founded more than a thousand years ago, Bishamondo is particularly renowned for its autumn colors. The approach to the temple, lined with maple trees, becomes one of eastern Kyoto’s most impressive foliage displays in November.
Beyond the temple grounds, several mountain paths extend into the surrounding hills. These trails offer a more tranquil experience than many of Kyoto’s famous sightseeing areas. Hikers pass through cedar forests, bamboo groves, and quiet ridgelines where encounters with other walkers are often surprisingly rare. The combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes this one of the most rewarding half-day hikes in the region.
Following the Historic Route Between Kyoto and Otsu
Yamashina’s location has long made it a strategic corridor between Kyoto and Lake Biwa. For centuries, travelers moving along the Tokaido and other major routes passed through the area before continuing eastward. Modern hikers can still follow portions of these historical pathways while crossing mountain passes that have connected Kyoto and Otsu for generations.
Yamashina to Otsu
This route is particularly appealing for visitors interested in history. Along the way, traces of old roads, stone markers, and temple sites provide insight into the region’s role as a transportation hub during the Heian, Kamakura, and Edo periods. The journey also offers changing landscapes, transitioning from urban neighborhoods to dense forests and eventually opening toward views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.
Hidden Forest Trails Around Yamashina
Beyond the better-known routes, Yamashina contains numerous smaller trails that receive little attention from international visitors. Many of these paths connect local temples, shrines, and residential communities located at the foot of the mountains. They provide an opportunity to experience a more everyday side of Kyoto, where local residents walk, exercise, and maintain longstanding connections to the surrounding landscape.
These lesser-known trails are especially appealing during spring, when cherry blossoms bloom throughout the valley, and during early summer, when fresh greenery transforms the forests into vibrant shades of green. For photographers, these quieter routes often offer some of the most atmospheric scenes in the district.
The Best Time to Hike in Yamashina
Spring
From late March through April, cherry blossoms appear throughout Yamashina. Combined with mild temperatures and clear skies, this creates ideal hiking conditions.
Summer
Summer brings lush vegetation and deep green forests. Early morning hikes are recommended, as Kyoto’s humidity can become intense during the afternoon.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably Yamashina’s most spectacular season. The forests surrounding Bishamondo Temple and Mount Daimonji display vibrant colors from late October through November, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Winter
Winter offers a quieter experience. While temperatures are cooler, visibility is often at its best, allowing hikers to enjoy expansive views across Kyoto and toward the surrounding mountains.
Practical Information for Hikers
Most hiking routes in Yamashina begin within walking distance of JR Yamashina Station or nearby subway stations. Before setting out, hikers should bring:
Comfortable hiking footwear
Adequate water, particularly during summer
A charged mobile phone and offline maps
Appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions
While the trails are generally well-maintained, some sections can become slippery after rain, particularly during the rainy season and autumn leaf-fall period. As with all outdoor areas in Kyoto, visitors should respect local customs, stay on designated paths, and avoid leaving any litter behind.
Where to Stay in Yamashina
Unlike central Kyoto, where most accommodations cater to short-term tourists, Yamashina is particularly appealing for travelers planning longer stays. The district offers a quieter residential environment, direct access to hiking trails, and significantly more space than many city-center hotels. For digital nomads, remote workers, families, and slow travelers, monthly rentals provide an opportunity to experience everyday life in Kyoto while remaining just minutes from the city center.
Misasagi: A Monthly Rental at the Gateway to the Mountains
One of the most attractive extended-stay options in Yamashina is Misasagi, a renovated traditional townhouse operated by Shiki Properties. Located only a short walk from Misasagi Station, the property is designed specifically for monthly stays and accommodates up to five guests. The house combines contemporary comforts with traditional Japanese elements, including exposed wooden beams, tatami flooring, and flexible sleeping arrangements that mix Western beds with Japanese futons. What makes Misasagi particularly appealing for hikers is its location. Guests have easy access to:
Mount Daimonji hiking trails
Bishamondo Temple
The Lake Biwa Canal
Historic routes connecting Kyoto and Otsu
JR Yamashina Station and Kyoto’s wider rail network
For travelers who want to spend their mornings on the trails and their evenings in a quiet local neighborhood, Misasagi offers an ideal balance between nature and convenience.
Kiri: A Comfortable Long-Stay Base in Eastern Kyoto
Another excellent option is Kiri, one of Shiki Properties’ monthly rental homes in Kyoto. Like Misasagi, Kiri is designed for visitors staying several weeks or months rather than a few nights. Kiri can fit up to three guests, features warm wood finishes throughout the property and has a dedicated workspace suited for remote workers. It is a three minute walk from Yamashina Station. These types of furnished accommodations appeal to travelers seeking more space, privacy, and immersion in local life than a conventional hotel can provide. Monthly rentals such as Kiri are particularly well suited to:
Remote workers
Researchers and academics
Families relocating temporarily
Long-term language students
Travelers exploring Kyoto at a slower pace
Compared with staying in central Kyoto, guests benefit from quieter surroundings, larger living spaces, and easier access to outdoor destinations such as the mountains surrounding Yamashina.
Why Long-Stay Travelers Choose Yamashina
Many visitors overlook Yamashina in favor of more famous Kyoto districts, but that is precisely what gives the area its appeal. A monthly stay allows travelers to discover local cafés, neighborhood temples, canal-side walking paths, and mountain trails that most tourists never see. Rather than experiencing Kyoto solely through its major attractions, visitors can develop a deeper connection with the city and its surrounding landscapes.
For hikers, photographers, writers, and remote workers, Yamashina offers something increasingly difficult to find in Kyoto: space, tranquility, and immediate access to nature, without sacrificing convenience.
Kyoto is famous for cherry blossoms and fiery autumn colors, but June reveals a side of the city that many travelers miss. As Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, settles in, Kyoto transforms into a lush, misty landscape filled with vibrant greenery, tranquil temples and seasonal blooms. With fewer crowds and a uniquely atmospheric charm, this is one of the most rewarding times to explore Japan’s ancient capital. If you’re visiting Kyoto in June, here’s how to experience its quieter, rain-soaked beauty.
Embracing the Rainy Season Atmosphere
When the rainy season starts in kansai (osaka/kyoto)
From early June to mid-July, Kyoto experiences frequent rainfall, high humidity, and shifting temperatures. Average temperature ranges from 20 to 28°C (68-82°F), with a mix of light drizzle and heavier showers. Despite them, it rarely lasts all day, so rest assured that you can still explore comfortably as long as you’re prepared enough.
Rather than detracting from the experience, nature becomes lush and luxuriant, giving it a fairytale-like appeal. Moss gardens (or koke as they’re known in Japanese), like those of the renowned Saihouji Temple, glow brighter and the city’s greenery becomes intensely vibrant. Many travelers find that Kyoto feels more peaceful and less crowded compared to the following peak tourist season during July and August.
Hydrangea Season: Kyoto’s Rainy Season Highlight
Hydrangea season at Mimurotoji Temple Photo from kyototourism.org
June is synonymous with hydrangeas (called ajisai in Japanese). These flowers thrive in rainy conditions and bloom in stunning shades of blue, pink, and purple. Similar to our previous post about rainy season in Osaka, many places in Kyoto have them, including gardens.
Best Hydrangea Spots
Mimuroto-ji Temple: Known as the “Hydrangea Temple,” featuring thousands of blooms across landscaped gardens, as well as many azaleas
Sanzen-in : A serene mountain temple with moss gardens and hydrangea-lined paths
Umenomiya Taisha Shrine: Offers a wide variety of hydrangea species alongside ponds and seasonal flowers
Heian Jingu Shrine: Its historic garden becomes open to the public during the season and is a memorable event which happens every year
Hydrangeas are actually at their most beautiful after rainfall, when their colors deepen and petals glisten with droplets.
Seasonal Festivals You Can’t Miss
Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Photo from en.japantravel.com
Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival, June 1st-June 30th)
Held at Fujinomori Shrine, this festival runs throughout June, with its gardens filled with hydrangeas, traditional performances and rituals, as well as occasional cultural demonstrations such as kemari, a classical court sport similar to playing soccer, but only by using your right foot to juggle the ball and passing it around once it hits the ground, with eight people in total. This event celebrates both nature and tradition in a uniquely Kyoto way, the sport having existed for at least a thousand years and is an integral part of its history.
On a side note, while Shiramine Jingu Temple is more well known for kemari, where the God of Sports resides, its main event takes place in January rather than June.
At Youkoku-ji Temple, also known as Yanagidani Kannon, this event transforms temple grounds into a colorful hydrangea wonderland with thousands of them blooming and seasonal decorations like flower-filled purification basins, as well as numerous flower-decorated umbrellas called Umbrella Sky.
Unlike the name implies, it actually runs for the whole month of June, just like the aforementioned Ajisai Matsuri, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.
Kifune Festival (June 1st)
Held at Kifune Shrine, this traditional festival marks seasonal change with rituals such as Susano’s sacred dance ceremony and local celebrations involving a portable shrine walked around the neighborhood.
Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th)
Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Ceremony) at Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric June traditions. Held on June 30, this centuries-old Shinto ritual marks the midpoint of the year, allowing participants to symbolically cleanse themselves of impurities and pray for good health and protection during the months ahead. Visitors can walk through a large ring of reeds (chinowa), a purification practice believed to ward off misfortune, and submit paper dolls known as hitogata that symbolically absorb their worries and impurities. In the evening, priests release these paper effigies into the Nara-no-Ogawa stream during a torch-lit ceremony accompanied by traditional prayers and music, creating one of Kyoto’s most memorable early-summer spectacles.
Rainy-Day Compatible Activities
1. Explore Temples and Shrines
Rain adds a mystical quality to iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which feel more serene and contemplative with fewer crowds than you would experience in spring and autumn. If you truly want to go where locals go we recommend visiting Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine and Daitokuji Temple.
2. Wander Covered Markets
Head to Nishiki Market, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades for a lively, mostly covered street experience. Since it is covered by a roof for a majority of the way for all locations, you won’t need to worry about the weather, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to see. Our recommendations include Kasumi and the Sir Thomas Lipton Café.
For less busy arcades you can also visit the Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street or Furukawacho Shopping Street.
These provide a comfortable break while still offering cultural insight and entertainment. Kyoto Aquarium is also close to a big park. You can walk around if the rain remains light or stops completely. As for the International Manga Museum, it has a small café where you can take a break and look around at all the signatures from famous mangaka from all genres on the walls.
4. Enjoy a Traditional Tea Experience
Rainy afternoons are ideal for slowing down. A tea ceremony or matcha break in one of the many traditional teahouses around Kyoto offers a cozy, authentic experience, arguably even more enjoyable with the sound of rain outside. We recommend the ones in Uji like Ito Kyuemon and Tsujiri for quality matcha and desserts, as well as Ippodo which also owns a tea house in the previously mentioned Teramachi.
If you’re interested in the history of tea ceremonies we also recommend checking out Omotesenke Kitayama Kaikan where you can learn about tea utensils as well as other aspects of Omotesenke (one of the three historic schools of tea ceremonies in Japan). Note the hall is closed between May 27th to June 19th 2026 for exhibition changes. The exhibition space only offers information in Japanese but you can enjoy tea and traditional sweets when you visit.
Why June Might Be One of the Best Times to Visit Kyoto
Despite the weather, June has some major advantages, such as fewer crowds compared to peak seasons, especially the one following in July and August, as well as lower accommodation prices. This season is known for its beautiful and vibrant nature of hydrangeas and lush greenery, offering atmospheric photographic opportunities. Many visitors report that Kyoto’s temples and gardens feel even more magical in the rain, with mist, reflections and vivid colors enhancing the experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kyoto in June
Please be sure to bring a compact umbrella or buy one at the convenience store (they’re widely available in Japan), and to wear breathable and waterproof clothing, since humidity can be very high and rainfall can often be unpredictable or occur for days at a time. As such, planning a mix of indoor and outdoor activities is a foolproof way of navigating the season in case of sudden or unexpected changes. Keep in mind to visit popular sites early in the morning to avoid crowds, whenever possible, especially in more popular spots.
Should you Visit Kyoto in June?
While it may seem June looks unappealing at first glance due to its weather, it also has a lot to offer once you take the rain factor into account. If you’re willing to embrace it and take your time visiting at a slower pace, you’ll discover a Kyoto that many travelers never see, and one you may never forget.
June in Osaka is often overlooked by travelers, but that’s exactly what makes it special. As Japan’s tsuyu (rainy season) begins, the city transforms into a softer, more atmospheric version of itself: fewer crowds, shimmering streets after rain, and bursts of seasonal color. If you’re willing to embrace a little humidity and the occasional shower, Osaka in June offers a uniquely intimate and culturally rich travel experience.
What to Expect: Weather & Atmosphere
When the rainy season starts in kansai (osaka/kyoto)
June marks the start of the rainy season in Osaka, bringing warm temperatures of around 23–27°C (73-81°F) and frequent but often short-lived showers. While rainfall is common, it rarely lasts all day: expect a mix of drizzle, overcast skies, and occasional sunshine. The upside? Fewer tourists and shorter queues, lower hotel prices and a calm city vibe. Rather than a drawback, the rain becomes part of the experience, enhancing gardens, deepening colors, and adding a cinematic quality to urban scenes, especially with neon lights for a more cyberpunk aesthetic.
Seasonal Highlights: Nature Comes Alive
Hydrangea Season (Ajisai)
Following Japan’s deeply rooted love for seasonal changes and long tradition of flower-viewing, June represents peak hydrangea season. Osaka’s parks and gardens burst into shades of blue, purple, and pink, and since these flowers thrive in rain, it makes them even more vibrant on drizzly days, so much so that it has become the symbol for the month on a national level. We recommend strolling around places, such as Osaka Castle Park, and botanical gardens after rain for a peak photography experience and great shots. You can then spend some time away from the rain in a quiet café stop nearby for a relaxing break and cool desert.
Early Summer Flowers
In addition to hydrangeas, irises and lilies begin to bloom across the city in landscaped parks as well as waterfront areas. The most famous spots to see them are the Shirokita Park and Johoku Iris Garden.
Festivals & Events in June
Despite the rain, Osaka’s cultural calendar remains lively with traditional festivals and modern events, here are some of the highlights of the season below.
Major Festivals
Sumiyoshi Taisha Otaue Rice Planting Festival (June 14th)
A historic ritual featuring traditional costumes and ceremonial rice planting, held regardless of weather on the temple grounds.
Aizen Matsuri (June 30th – July 2nd)
One of Osaka’s first summer festivals, known for vibrant street stalls and lively processions.
Rainy-Day Activities
You may feel limited in terms of choices when raining, but there are actually limitless indoor activities you can enjoy. Indoor attractions are especially appealing in June, offering both shelter and fewer crowds, including:
Osaka Aquarium, featuring one of Japan’s best-known marine exhibits
Observation decks (which are mostly indoors) with panoramic city views, such as Tsutenkaku Tower and Umeda Sky Building
Museums, art galleries, and interactive exhibitions, like the National Museum of Art and the Osaka Museum of Living & Housing
Covered shopping arcades like Tenjinbashisuji, close to the aforementioned museum
Department store food halls (depachika)
Seasonal food discoveries like hamo pike eel, a local summer dish
A Slower, More Local Osaka
Without major holidays, June is quieter, giving you space to explore neighborhoods at your own pace. Rain-enhanced cityscapes with neon reflections in Dotonbori to misty temple grounds, Osaka in the rain has a cinematic charm that we all love, photographer or not. Early summer foods also begin to appear, and menus shift toward lighter, refreshing flavors suited to the humid weather, such as tsukemen cold noodles and anmitsu desserts.
Practical Tips for Visiting Osaka in June
There is some planning advice you can apply for your journey: for example, be sure to mix indoor and outdoor plans for a flexible itinerary in case of sudden showers or unexpected rescheduling. Popular attractions are a safe bet since there are fewer visitors during the month, and do not hesitate to go in the early morning or evening for cooler temperatures and less crowds.
We also recommend bringing a sturdy umbrella in case of strong winds, a lightweight rain jacket, as well as breathable quick-dry clothes and shoes (or you can also buy them for cheap at Uniqlo or GU), as humidity makes it very hard to dry.
Should you Visit Osaka in June?
Osaka in June isn’t about perfect weather, it’s about atmosphere, authenticity, and discovery. The rain softens the city, revealing a quieter and less crowded side that many travelers miss.
If you embrace the season, you’ll find plenty of festivals that feel more local than touristy, gardens in full bloom, and of course an urban jungle that rewards slow, curious exploration with a lot of hidden gems in its back alleys. Do not let the weather hinder you in your tracks, there is plenty of potential to enjoy Osaka even in the rain, as long as you are appropriately prepared.
Lantern-lit rivers, fireworks exploding above Osaka Castle, and the smell of sizzling takoyaki filling crowded night streets, summer in Osaka is one of the most exciting seasons in Japan. Between June and August, the city comes alive with traditional matsuri festivals, massive fireworks displays, anime conventions, and outdoor music events that attract both locals and visitors from around the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka in summer 2026, or already living in Kansai, this is one of the best times to experience the city’s energy and culture. Historic shrines host centuries-old festivals, rivers glow with illuminated boats, and neighborhoods transform into lively gathering spots packed with food stalls, lanterns, and late-night celebrations.
Osaka Summer Weather: What to Expect
When the rainy season starts in kansai (osaka/kyoto) 2026
Summer in Osaka runs from June to August and is known for its heat and humidity, with average temperature ranging from 20°C to 35°C (86–95°F) during the day, and its rainy season (called tsuyu) happening from early June to mid-July which can bring lots of downpour. Peak heat is expected to hit Osaka and Kansai region as a whole from late July through August, with humidity levels often above 70% and peaking at 100%.
Expect hot days, warm nights, and occasional heavy rain early in the season. Despite the climate, summer remains one of the best times to visit thanks to Osaka’s event calendar.
Top Summer Festivals in Osaka
Below are some examples of must-see festivals during the summer.
One of the most famous festivals bringing people from all over Japan and even overseas. It features traditional processions, a river parade of pagodas with illuminated boats, and a large-scale fireworks event to top it off. It is known for its load of torches and lanterns decorating the city and family and friends dressing up in yukata for the occasion. There is an abundant number of food stalls in Namba, with the most popular ones being the traditional takoyaki as well as kakigori (shaved ice) to fight the overall heat. Do not hesitate to also try your hand at goldfish scooping or the shooting range for the whole festival experience.
Aizen Matsuri (June 30th-July 2nd)
Another historic festival marking the start of summer, with the Hoekago parade of women in yukata riding or carrying decorated palanquins, the Aizen Musume Contest, lantern-lit temple atmosphere and street food stalls. It is known as one of the oldest festivals and a rather compact one, giving it a rather intimate setting while remaining lively and fun.
Ikutama Festival (July 11th-12th)
This festival happens at Ikutama Shrine and is one of the three biggest summer festivals of Osaka, with Tenjin and Aizen festivals featured above. Expect to see the Rikutogyo shrine procession, led by taiko drums and lion dances alongside portable pagodas, and to eat to your heart’s content at the street vendors.
Sumiyoshi Festival (July 30th-August 1st)
This festival closes out the season and is deeply rooted in local traditions. Highlights include the sacred summer purification ritual Nagoshi Harai Shinji, with its traditional parade of Muromachi period attire and shrine ceremonies.
Comic Market in Osaka
comic market osaka
While Japan’s famous Comic Market (referred commonly to as Comiket) takes place in Tokyo, it strongly influences summer events across the country. Comiket itself is the world’s largest fan convention, centered on self-published works (or doujinshi), cosplay, and anime culture, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
In Osaka, similar events share the same energy, such as Good Comic City Osaka in August, typically held at INTEX Osaka. This event is sometimes nicknamed “Comiket Osaka” because they offer a comparable experience in Kansai. In 2026, the event is scheduled for August 23. Such events typically feature hundreds of booths selling fan-made comics, art, and merchandise, as well as a cosplay gatherings and photo area.
In particular Good Comic city is Western Japan’s largest doujinshi convention. Over 12,000 creator circles and 4,000 cosplayers gather at INTEX Osaka, with a focus on female-oriented and BL/otome content that represents a massive segment of Japanese fandom. Information can be found on the official site here.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
For foreign visitors and residents, these conventions offer a deep dive into Japanese pop culture, with its unending rows of unique handmade goods you likely won’t find in stores, giving you a chance to interact directly with creators. Even if you’re not deeply into anime or manga, the atmosphere feels like a creative festival, blending art, fandom, and community, and is also one of the least well known types of festivals in Japan.
Summer Sonic Music Festival Osaka
This event is one of, if not the most famous music festival in Japan. While commonly held in Tokyo, the Osaka alternative is just as lively and represents a major highlight in Kansai summer. You can find tickets online and it is easily accessible, being held at Expo 70’ Commemorative Park. In 2026, Summer Sonic will take place between August 14 and August 16th.
Alongside these different festivals, other activities you can also enjoy in Summer include “Nishi-Umeda Candle Night”, with its number of candles covering the ground in numerous places, walks along Nakanoshima, the famous Umeda Sky Building and Tsutenkaku Tower, Dotonbori at night, botanical gardens and parks, such as Osaka Castle Park, shopping malls, aquariums and cafés with cold desserts.
Tips for Managing Osaka Summer Heat
Stay hydrated and bring your own water bottle, as there are only few trash cans around and convenience stores will likely be crowded (Supermarkets are also an option)
Wear lightweight clothing, preferably covering your skin, and use sun screen and sun protection
Plan outdoor activities early morning or evening if you’d like to avoid crowds as much as possible, as they are very popular
Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces to cool off
-bring cash for food stalls and smaller vendors
Use public transport to reduce walking whenever possible, since roads may be closed
Expect crowds, especially at fireworks events, as they are inevitable
Where to Stay in Osaka: Traditional Townhouse Rentals
For visitors who want more than a standard hotel room, staying in a traditional Japanese townhouse (machiya) is one of the most memorable ways to experience Osaka. Shiki Properties specializes in short-term rentals of beautifully renovated traditional homes across Osaka, and currently has a 10–20% summer discount on select stays from May to September 2026 , perfect timing for festival season.
Here’s a look at our Osaka lineup:
⭐ Premium Properties
Kanzaki 01Traditional Townhouse · Up to 4 guests · 73㎡
A designer home near the Mitsuya Shopping Arcade in Yodogawa Ward, Kanzaki 01 blends contemporary style with traditional Japanese touches , high ceilings, timber flooring, shoji screens, and a private balcony. The fully equipped kitchen, deep bathtub, and two spacious bedrooms (one tatami-floored, one western) make it ideal for groups or couples on an extended stay. Kanzakigawa Station is a 3-minute walk, putting Umeda just 5 minutes away by train, and Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and USJ are all reachable with one transfer. Can be booked together with Kanzaki 02 for groups of up to 8.
Kanzaki 02Traditional Townhouse · Up to 4 guests · 62㎡
The neighboring sister property to Kanzaki 01, sharing the same excellent location near the Mitsuya Shopping Arcade and easy access to central Osaka. A great option for groups wanting two adjacent houses.
A charming premium townhouse accommodating up to 6 guests, a strong choice for families or larger friend groups wanting to stay together in a traditional setting.
A compact and cozy machiya for couples or small groups, with the authentic character of a traditional Osaka townhouse at a more accessible price point.
Set in a quiet neighborhood near Shigino Station, Kaori is a spacious and well-appointed machiya that blends modern comforts with traditional Japanese design. The layout includes a western-style bedroom with a queen bed, a tatami room with two futons, and a double sofa bed in the living area, flexible enough for families or mixed groups of up to five. A fully equipped kitchen, 4K smart TV, dedicated office desk, and washer/dryer make it a great option for both short visits and longer stays. Osaka Castle Park is a 20-minute walk away, and Namba, USJ, and Shin-Osaka are all reachable within 25–40 minutes by train.
All Shiki Properties come fully equipped with air conditioning (essential for Osaka summers), Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, washing machines, and toiletries. Multilingual staff are available for support at any time.
Summer in Osaka combines traditional festivals and fireworks, modern pop culture and music events, lively nightlife and seasonal food. It’s one of the few places where you can experience both centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge fan culture in the same season, making it an exciting destination for both tourists and residents alike. So, is Osaka worth visiting in Summer? The short answer is yes, if you’re prepared accordingly for the heat. Summer is one of the best seasons to have a fun time in Japan, so do not hesitate to check it out for yourself !
Most visitors walking through Kyoto’s Kikuhama area today would never guess the neighbourhood’s unusual past.
Located near the Kamogawa River just south of Gojo Street, the area is now known for its renovated machiya townhouses, stylish cafés, boutique accommodations, and relaxed local atmosphere. But behind the quiet streets lies a history connected to Kyoto’s former entertainment districts, the yakuza, and even the early origins of Nintendo.
Seika construction in progress
As Shiki Properties continues work on our upcoming machiya Seika, we’ve been reflecting on how dramatically this part of Kyoto has transformed over the past century, and why it’s quickly becoming one of the city’s most interesting areas to stay.
The Forgotten History of Kyoto’s Gojo Paradise
An example of prior teahouse now used as a guesthouse
Before its recent redevelopment, Kikuhama was home to Gojo Paradise (五条楽園), one of Kyoto’s best-known entertainment districts. The area originally developed during the Edo period and became famous for its traditional tea houses, geisha culture, and nightlife. At its peak in the 1960s, the district reportedly contained around 200 tea houses and 20 geisha houses, making it one of Kyoto’s busiest after-dark destinations.
Although Japan introduced the Anti-Prostitution Law in 1958, many businesses in the area continued operating for decades through legal loopholes and changing business structures. Over time, however, shifts in lifestyle, westernisation, and new forms of entertainment caused the district to slowly decline. By the early 2000s, only a handful of businesses remained.
The Surprising Connection Between Nintendo and Kyoto’s Underworld
Nintendo’s former HQ is now a hotel
One of the most fascinating parts of the neighbourhood’s history is its connection to Nintendo. Long before becoming one of the world’s biggest gaming companies, Nintendo began in Kyoto as a hanafuda and karuta playing card manufacturer. During the early 20th century, gambling establishments throughout Kyoto created strong demand for these cards, especially during periods when western-style playing cards faced restrictions. As a result, members of Kyoto’s underworld and gambling circles became some of Nintendo’s early customers.
Hanafuda cards
The company later experimented with several businesses during Japan’s postwar economic boom, including taxis, food ventures, and reportedly even plans related to the love hotel industry. However, Nintendo eventually shifted its focus toward toys and electronic entertainment, completely reinventing itself into the global family-friendly brand recognised today. By the late 1960s, the company had largely distanced itself from Kyoto’s nightlife districts and expanded toward Tokyo and international markets.
From Yakuza Headquarters to Creative Hub
Yakuza HQ is now a special place for artists
For many years, the neighbourhood remained closely associated with the Kyoto-based yakuza group Aizukotetsu-kai (会津小鉄会), whose headquarters stood nearby. Even as cafés, guesthouses, and hotels began opening in the area during the 2010s, many locals still viewed the district as dangerous because of its lingering reputation. That image finally began to change in 2017, when Kyoto City ordered the yakuza headquarters to cease operations. The building was demolished in 2021, symbolising a major turning point in the neighbourhood’s redevelopment.
In a twist that surprised many locals, the site was later purchased by Yamauchi No.10 (YN10), a foundation established by Nintendo’s founding family. Today, YN10 is leading several long-term redevelopment projects in the area, including SOHA and the Takase River Project, with the goal of transforming the neighbourhood into a creative district for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. The riverside areas are also being revitalised, creating new public spaces where locals and visitors can once again enjoy the atmosphere along the Takase River and Kamogawa River.
Why Kikuhama Is Becoming One of Kyoto’s Most Interesting Areas to Stay
Ikehan -a popular tea house next to the river
Walking through Kikuhama today feels very different from its past reputation. The streets are lined with independent cafés, renovated machiya, small restaurants, and creative spaces. Young Kyoto residents are increasingly moving into the area, while visitors are discovering a quieter alternative to more crowded tourist districts like Gion or Higashiyama.
At the same time, traces of the neighbourhood’s history remain visible through its architecture. Some former tea houses still feature traditional tiled exteriors, stained glass windows, and distinctive karahafu-style roofs, giving the area a unique atmosphere that blends old Kyoto with modern redevelopment. This balance between preservation and renewal is part of what makes the neighbourhood so compelling today.
Discovering Kyoto Beyond the Tourist Areas
As Shiki Properties prepares for the completion of our upcoming machiya Seika, we’re also thinking about how to preserve and reflect the character of the surrounding area through design. Our construction team is currently incorporating subtle elements inspired by the neighbourhood’s architectural history into the property’s interiors, helping guests experience a deeper connection to this evolving part of Kyoto.
Incorporating Hanafuda cards into Seika’s design
Located just moments from the Kamogawa River in the same area, Kumei is one of Shiki Properties’ machiya accommodations in the area. Designed for groups of up to six guests, the property combines traditional Kyoto architecture with modern comfort, making it ideal for families, small groups, or longer stays.
One of Kumei’s biggest attractions is its location. Guests can easily walk along the Kamogawa River in the mornings or evenings, explore nearby cafés and restaurants, or reach central Kyoto areas such as Gion, Kawaramachi, and Kiyomizu-dera within a short distance. Despite being so close to the city centre, the neighbourhood still retains a calm residential atmosphere that many visitors are increasingly seeking out.
Kikuhama’s story is ultimately one of reinvention: a neighbourhood once associated with gambling, nightlife, and organised crime that is gradually becoming one of Kyoto’s most creative and culturally fascinating districts.
Japan’s health ministry reassures travelers and residents as hantavirus concerns surface globally
Here’s What Happened
Earlier this week, a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean experienced an outbreak of suspected hantavirus that resulted in three deaths. Given that a Japanese national is among the passengers, Japan’s health ministry released a public statement addressing concerns about the virus potentially spreading to the country.
The news made headlines, and naturally, you may of started wondering: Is Japan safe? Should travelers still plan their summer trips? What do health officials say?
The official word: On May 7, Japan’s health ministry confirmed that the risk of hantavirus spreading through person-to-person transmission remains low, even if infected passengers enter the country. They called on the public to remain calm.
What the Health Ministry Wants You to Know
Japan’s health authorities have been clear and straightforward about this. Here are the key points they’ve emphasized:
How Hantavirus Actually Spreads
Hantaviruses transmit primarily through the excreta of infected rodents, not easily from person to person. This is the critical detail that changes everything about the threat assessment. While some viruses can spread person-to-person after initial infection, hantavirus generally doesn’t work that way.
The health ministry specifically noted that person-to-person transmission has been documented for some viruses, but confirmed hantavirus cases in Japan remain at zero. Zero. That’s the historical record.
What Hantavirus Actually Does
When someone does become infected with hantavirus, symptoms include fever and cough, symptoms that, while serious, are treatable and manageable by medical professionals. The mortality rate hovers around 40-50%, which sounds scary on paper, but context matters: these are global figures involving people who may not have immediate access to modern healthcare. Japan has world-class medical facilities everywhere.
The bottom line? Hantavirus requires specific conditions to transmit, and Japan’s urban infrastructure, sanitation standards, and healthcare system make those conditions extremely unlikely to develop.
Key Facts
No confirmed cases in Japan. Despite rodents existing worldwide, Japan has maintained a clean record with hantavirus. The combination of urban density, modern housing standards, and rigorous public health monitoring creates a protective environment.
Why Traveling to Japan Remains Safe
The System is Built for This
Japan doesn’t just react to health threats, it prevents them. The country maintains quarantine stations at borders where travelers undergo health screening. If someone with concerning symptoms arrives, officials already know about it and have established protocols ready to go. This isn’t something being figured out in real time.
Daily Life Continues Normally
Walk through Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing right now. Take the train to Kyoto and visit the temples. Eat at a packed ramen restaurant in Osaka. You’ll see Japanese residents living their lives with the confidence that comes from actually living in one of the safest, healthiest countries on Earth. There are no warnings, no panic, no disruptions.
Travelers Have Options
The health ministry has practical guidance for anyone traveling: be aware of the virus and its transmission route (contact with rodents), remain alert to unusual health symptoms, and seek medical attention if needed. These are common-sense precautions that apply to travel anywhere, not unusual restrictions unique to Japan.
Should You Still Plan Your Summer Trip?
Absolutely. Japan welcomes millions of visitors every year for good reason. The country offers incredible culture, food, scenery, and hospitality. A hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship halfway around the world doesn’t change what makes Japan an amazing destination, and Japan’s health ministry’s own assessment confirms that travel remains safe.
Summer in Japan is spectacular. The weather, the festivals, the energy of the cities, it’s prime travel season. Kyoto’s historic temples feel magical in the warm season. Osaka’s food scene comes alive. Coastal areas offer beaches and ocean breezes.
Looking for Accommodation in Kyoto or Osaka?
If you’re ready to book your summer trip, Shiki Properties offers a range of authentic accommodations across both cities. Whether you want to stay in a traditional machiya or prefer modern comfort, we’ve got options that fit any travel style and budget.
Traditional Machiyas
A machiya, one of those beautiful traditional wooden townhouses lining Kyoto’s historic streets, puts you right in the heart of authentic Japan. You’ll wake up in a piece of history while enjoying modern comforts. We have over 40 machiyas in Kyoto and several in Osaka. Additionally we currently are running a special summer campaign where you can get 10-20% off select stays between May and September 2026. View our discount page here for more information. Three great options to consider:
Yellowstone (Kyoto)— Sleeps 5, 101㎡. Our most spacious machiya, perfect for groups wanting room to spread out and experience traditional living in style
Tofukuji Sakura (Kyoto) — Sleeps 7, 71.92㎡. Located near Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most stunning natural attractions, especially beautiful in autumn
Kanzaki 01 (Osaka)— Sleeps 4, 73㎡. A premium Osaka townhouse with modern touches, perfect for experiencing Osaka’s vibrant energy while staying in a traditional setting
Modern Hotels: Shiki Suites & Toji Suites & Residence
If you prefer contemporary comfort, we have excellent hotel options. Shiki Suites Kyoto Umekoji offers modern jacuzzi suites and spacious junior rooms (28㎡) in a sleek setting. Kyoto Toji Suites & Residence combines minimalist design with larger rooms (42–44㎡) that feel like apartments, ideal for longer stays. For something more intimate, Tofukuji Riverside offers cozy hotel rooms (21–26㎡) near temples in a quieter neighborhood. All feature modern amenities while keeping that authentic Japanese hospitality touch.
Planning a longer stay? We offer monthly rental options in both Kyoto and Osaka that give you flexibility and better rates. Whether you’re working remotely, taking an extended cultural immersion trip, or just want to truly settle into life in Japan, monthly rentals let you experience the cities like a local rather than a tourist.
The Bottom Line
Japan’s health ministry has confirmed what residents already know: life here is safe and normal. A health threat on a cruise ship in the Atlantic doesn’t change the reality of Japan’s world-class healthcare system, rigorous public health infrastructure, or the actual facts about how hantavirus spreads.
Don’t let a headline prevent you from experiencing an incredible destination. Japan in the summer awaits, the warmth, the culture, the food, the people. And when you arrive, comfortable, welcoming accommodations will be ready to make your stay unforgettable.
Book your summer escape to Kyoto or Osaka today and experience Japan the way it should be experienced, with confidence and wonder.
