Perfect for Late Summer in Kyoto 💕 Explore Kyoto in a Yukata!

“The Season of Late Summer”
This is a seasonal term used from around August 7th, the time of Risshū (the first day of autumn on the traditional calendar), to about the 20th.
However, Kyoto in August is extremely hot and humid, with many sweltering days continuing throughout the month.
Even so, Kyoto is home to many cool and refreshing spots surrounded by historical buildings and nature.
From temple gardens shaded by trees to the gentle murmur of the Kamo River,
there are countless places where you can feel both the elegance and coolness of summer in Kyoto.

Kifune Shrine enshrines the gods of water and matchmaking.
From Demachiyanagi, the terminal station of the Keihan Line, transfer to the Eizan Railway (Kurama Line) and get off at Kifune-guchi.
Kifune is known as a summer retreat, with temperatures about 5 degrees cooler than in central Kyoto.

The clear Kifune River is the source of the Kamo River and flows directly north of the Imperial Palace,
which is why Kifune Shrine has long been revered by the imperial court as “the protector of Kyoto’s water source.”
The shrine is built along the Kifune River and consists of three main areas:
Main Shrine, Yui-no-Yashiro, and Okunomiya, which are aligned upstream.

Main Shrine / Okunomiya: Worship Takao-kami no Kami and Kurakami no Kami — dragon gods who control water and rain.
They are believed to bring blessings such as rainmaking, stopping rain, and fire prevention.
Yui-no-Yashiro: Worships Iwanaga-hime no Mikoto — a popular deity among women for matchmaking.
The shrine is also known as the birthplace of “mizu-uranai” (water fortunes) and ema (votive plaques).
It is considered especially lucky for wishes related to love and relationships.

From May to September, you can enjoy riverside dining (kawadoko) or flowing somen noodles along the Kifune River.
After climbing the stone steps lined with Kasuga lanterns to the Main Shrine,
be sure to try the unique “mizu-uranai” water fortune using sacred spring water flowing from the stone walls.

Kyoto, with its 1,000-year history, is dotted with many shrines and temples.
Among them, Kurama-dera is known as one of the city’s most powerful spiritual spots.
Located halfway up Mt. Kurama, about 580 meters above sea level,
the path from the temple gate to the Main Hall leads you through towering cedar trees and moss-covered stone steps,
making you feel as if you’ve entered another world.

There’s even a legend that Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru), who was entrusted to Kurama-dera during the late Heian period,
trained with the tengu (mythical creatures).
Tengu masks are found throughout the temple grounds, and passing through the gate somehow gives you a feeling of sacred air.
Not only is the area cool, but it also feels spiritually cleansing.

The principal deity of Kurama-dera is Sonten,
and in front of the Main Hall is a sacred mandala-like kongō-shō, said to be a training spot for uniting with the cosmic energy of Sonten.
Mt. Kurama is believed to be a place where cosmic energy gathers,
making it a popular destination for those seeking spiritual power.

The World Heritage Site Shimogamo Shrine,
officially known as Kamomioya Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines.
It is surrounded by Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest with plant life unchanged since before recorded history.
Within the grounds, you’ll find Mitarashi Pond, where purification rituals for the Aoi Matsuri are held.
The sacred grounds are nourished by pure waters and include two National Treasures and 53 Important Cultural Properties.

A subsidiary shrine within the grounds is Kawai Shrine, long worshipped since ancient times.
Revered as the “Goddess of Beauty,” this shrine is famous for its mirror-shaped ema (votive plaques).
Worshippers draw their ideal face with makeup on the mirror-shaped plaque,
write their wish on the back, and pray not only for outer beauty but also for inner beauty.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks,
offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life into a quiet and mystical atmosphere.
It's a popular photo spot, especially for those wearing kimono, and many enjoy rickshaw rides through the grove.

The 400-meter path through the bamboo forest is enveloped in silence,
with the sound of rustling leaves in the breeze creating a soothing ambiance.
It’s a 5–15 minute walk from either Randen Arashiyama Station or JR Saga-Arashiyama Station,
and the surrounding area is full of cafés and restaurants, with riverside spots perfect for relaxing.

Even in midsummer, the bamboo grove is pleasantly cool,
offering a uniquely Kyoto-like sense of seasonal charm.
It's a perfect photo spot for yukata or kimono wearers.

On August 16th, when summer is coming to a close, Kyoto holds the Gozan no Okuribi.
This traditional event marks the sending-off of ancestral spirits during Obon,
with five mountains each lit up with enormous fire characters.
It’s said that writing your name on the wooden prayer sticks (gomagi) that are burned can also ward off evil.

At Rental Kimono Okamoto, we offer a wide selection of yukata in calming, late-summer hues.
Our professional stylists will suggest coordinated outfits that reflect the season.
Why not make the end of Kyoto’s summer into a memorable day?

As you feel the passing of summer and immerse yourself in Kyoto’s unique history and culture,
spending the day in a yukata or kimono might be a beautiful experience for you too! ♪


Written by:
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Main Store
〒605-0846 Kyoto City, Higashiyama-ku, Gojo-ohashi Higashi 6-chome 546-8
TEL: 075-532-1320
Website: www.okamoto-kimono.com
Instagram: @rentalkimonookamoto
TikTok: @rentalkimono_okamoto
Facebook: Rental Kimono Okamoto
X (formerly Twitter): @okamotokimono
Lit.link: lit.link/rentalkimonookamoto