Top 5 Recommended Fresh Green Spots in Early Summer Kyoto 💕

Kyoto is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
But did you know it's also home to breathtaking fresh greenery in early summer?
With pleasant weather in April and May, it's one of the most comfortable times of the year.
Lush green maple leaves and bamboo forests create a serene and picturesque setting, making it the perfect season for sightseeing in Kyoto.
Why not stroll through the timeless atmosphere and nature of this ancient capital in a kimono?

Located in central Kyoto, Shimogamo Shrine is home to Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Filled with trees between 200 to 600 years old, the vivid fresh green leaves—especially the maples—are truly captivating.
This ancient forest, over a thousand years old, appears in literary classics like The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book.
Believed to "correct lies and mistakes," walking through its mystical, green pathways offers a soul-cleansing experience.

Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, is also held here.
The "Misogi Ritual of the Saio-Dai," involving purification at the Mitarashi Pond (at Shimogamo) or the Narano Ogawa (at Kamigamo Shrine), is alternated yearly between the two.
Some visitors may have seen the Saio-Dai gently dipping her hands into the water after purification.
The main highlight of Aoi Matsuri is the "Roto-no-Gi" (Procession Ceremony) on May 15th.
A spectacular Heian-era procession winds through the fresh green scenery from the Imperial Palace to both Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines.

Don’t miss the popular "Water Omikuji" fortune-telling experience at Mitarashi Pond—your fortune appears when the paper is dipped in water!
Fun and surprisingly accurate, it’s a hit among tourists.

Also, Mitarashi Pond is believed to be the origin of mitarashi dango (sweet rice dumplings), first created at Kamo Mitarashi Chaya, a teahouse located to the west of the main hall.

Kitano Tenmangu’s Momiji Garden is a renowned autumn foliage spot, but its 350 maple trees also shine in lush green between April and June.
Wander through the garden and enjoy the reflections of the vibrant leaves on the Kamiyagawa stream—once used for papermaking.
The contrast with the bright red Uguisubashi (arched bridge) is strikingly beautiful and refreshing.
From the viewing deck near the tea house Baikouken, you can take in breathtaking views of the garden and the National Treasure main hall.

Kitano Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning.
As the head shrine among 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan, it's a spiritual place for academic success and purification.
Why not take a stroll around this sacred site, also referred to as "Kitano, the Land of Purification"?

Surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace—once the residence of the Emperor and the center of politics during the Heian era—is the expansive Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
This large public park stretches about 1.3 km from north to south and is home to around 100,000 trees.
With plum and cherry blossoms, wooded areas that attract birds, and seasonal flowers, it’s a haven for nature throughout the year.

The park, filled with century-old trees and seasonal blooms, is a beloved spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature.

While Nanzen-ji is famous for its cherry blossoms, as spring ends, the fresh green season begins.
The entire temple grounds are designated as a national historic site, and there's much to explore, including the National Treasure Hojo (Abbot's Quarters) and its garden, the grand Sanmon gate, and other Important Cultural Properties.

The natural beauty blending with historical architecture creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
In early summer, the temple is enveloped in vibrant green maple leaves.
Don’t miss the brick aqueduct of the Lake Biwa Canal, a retro structure that’s perfect for photography.

Arashiyama and nearby Sagano are iconic spots for autumn leaves, but from spring to summer, they’re less crowded, making for a relaxing visit.
Walk through the bamboo grove path, where the wind creates a soothing rustling sound, and enjoy the peaceful green surroundings.

Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Oi River (called Hozugawa upstream and Katsuragawa downstream), is steeped in history.
Built in the Heian period, it was named by Emperor Kameyama in the Kamakura period after he recited a poem comparing the scene to “a full moon crossing a cloudless sky.”

Togetsukyo Bridge is a beloved spot known for its stunning seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn leaves, and fresh greenery in early summer.
While it's well known that there are two types of sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes), Arashiyama offers a rare white sakura mochi.
This unique treat is a simple domyoji (glutinous rice cake) wrapped in a cherry leaf, with no filling inside—just a gentle sweetness.
Why not take a short break during your stroll and enjoy this delightful local specialty?

Sagano and Arashiyama are areas filled with so many captivating temples and shrines that it's nearly impossible to explore them all in just one day.
In addition to the World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple, you can also enjoy visiting places like Horin-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, and the Okochi Sanso Garden, all surrounded by the lush greenery and vibrant fresh maple leaves, with Arashiyama as a scenic backdrop.

Kyoto, a city rich in World Heritage sites and historical architecture, offers beautiful landscapes throughout all four seasons.
Compared to the cherry blossom season in spring and the colorful foliage in autumn, the fresh green season is generally quieter with fewer tourists.
This period is not only longer, but the weather is also pleasant—making it the perfect time to explore Kyoto. 💕
Why not take a stroll in a kimono during this season?
You’ll be able to capture some stunning photos that beautifully complement the fresh greenery. 😊

【Author of this article】
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Main Store
546-8 Gojobashi Higashi 6-chome, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0846, Japan
TEL: +81-75-532-1320
Website: Kimono Rental in Kyoto, The most popular kimono rental shop in Kyoto: Okamoto
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