Kyoto is in the height of summer.
No matter where you go, you'll feel intimidated by the intense heat and the crowds... It's precisely during this season that we recommend spending some time in the morning, enveloped in tranquility.
After visiting temples and shrines that are open early in the morning, such as Toji Temple, Shimogamo Shrine, and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, enjoy a special moment of breakfast at Nijo Castle while looking out at the beautiful gardens.
We will introduce you to a unique way to spend a morning in Kyoto, away from the hustle and bustle and immersing yourself in the crisp air.
Toji Temple opens at 5:00
The earliest opening morning sanctuary in Kyoto
Toji Temple, a World Heritage Site with its symbolic five-story pagoda, is one of Kyoto's temples that opens particularly early in the morning, opening its gates at 5 a.m. Walking through the grounds, enveloped in clear air and silence, before the city has fully woken up, will fill you with a sense of relaxation.
The five-story pagoda, a national treasure, towers into the morning sky. It is especially beautiful a few minutes before and after sunrise.
From 6:5 AM, a memorial service called "Shojinku" is held at Miedo, the former residence of Kobo Daishi Kukai. Anyone can participate, so if you wish to participate, please head to the Karamon or West Gate of Miedo by around 50:XNUMX AM.
During this memorial service, the principal image of the temple, the statue of Kobo Daishi, a national treasure, is unveiled, and offerings of the first and second meals and tea are made. Worshippers join in as the sounds of sutra chanting echo quietly through the hall, and at the end, they are presented with the relics of Buddha (the remains of Buddha), which are said to have been brought back from Tang China by Kukai.
Located in the northwest of the temple grounds is the Miedo Hall, a building from the Nanboku-cho period that has been designated a national treasure.
Furthermore, on the 21st of every month, the Kobo Market is held within the temple grounds, with a wide variety of stalls lined up from early in the morning selling antiques, second-hand clothing, and food to eat on the go. On the first Sunday of every month, the Toji Junk Market is also held, so why not visit to find some bargains?
Toji Temple
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
TEL 075-691-3325
Opening hours: 5:00-17:00
HP https://toji.or.jp/
Instagram @toji_official
Shimogamo Shrine opens at 6:30
A purifying morning walk through the ancient forest
Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest shrines, is open for worship from 6:XNUMX in the morning. As you walk through the shrine grounds, the sounds of the wind blowing through the leaves and the chirping of birds gently soothe your soul. There are few visitors in the early morning, and the air is refreshing.
The bright vermilion painted Tower Gate is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The Tadasu no Mori forest, which occupies the majority of the temple grounds, is a primeval forest that has existed since the Jomon period. Walking through the dense trees, you can really feel that the forest itself is a sacred area. The forest air, with the scent of morning dew, instantly soothes the soul.
Shimogamo Shrine, which includes this forest, is registered as a World Heritage Site and is also a valuable natural heritage site. It is natural to feel a sense of respect for the fact that the untouched vegetation has been preserved to this day.
Tadasu no Mori, which preserves the ancient natural environment, covers an area of 3 square meters. A stream flows quietly through the primeval forest.
The grounds are dotted with auxiliary and subordinate shrines, such as Kawai Shrine, which enshrines the god of beauty, and Aioi Shrine, known for matchmaking. We recommend letting yourself go in the quiet flow of time and leisurely touring each shrine.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine opens at 7:00
The magnificent appearance of the shrine building shining in the morning light
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, protection from evil, and performing arts. Visitors can visit the shrine from 7am.
The Sankomon Gate is decorated with an imperial plaque reading "Tenmangu Shrine" written by Emperor Gosai (1637-1685).
As you make your way through the temple grounds, you will eventually see the Sankomon Gate, a symbolic building with a magnificent design that draws your eye.
The main hall that stands at the back is designated as a national treasure and is a precious example of the architectural beauty of the Momoyama period. In the morning light, you can take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship that resides in the details, such as the karahafu (gabled roof), shining golden decorations, and intricate carvings.
Tenmangu Shrine is also famous for the plum trees that Sugawara no Michizane loved so much. In addition to the plum trees that have been cherished as sacred trees, the sacred plum crest can be seen throughout the shrine grounds.
This festival is affectionately known as "Tenjin-san Day." There are many food stalls within the temple grounds, so you can enjoy the festival atmosphere.
On the 25th of every month, the Tenjin Market festival is held, and from around 6am, a variety of stalls are set up selling antiques, old books, tableware, Japanese goods, and more. You might just find something you never expected if you stop by.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City
TEL 075-461-0005
Opening hours: 7:00-17:00 *Opens at 25:6 on the 30th of every month
HP https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/
Instagram @kitano_tenmangu
Nijo Castle Kountei 9:15-10:15
Enjoy a morning meal of yuba porridge in a garden surrounded by history
After enjoying a quiet morning visiting temples and shrines, head to Nijo Castle. This castle, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site, is home to Kountei, a restaurant that is usually closed to the public. For a special summer morning, the doors are opened, offering the rare experience of having breakfast while looking out at the beautiful garden.
Kountei was relocated from the site of the mansion of the Suminokura family, a wealthy merchant family from the Edo period.
The meal will be from "Kyoto Cuisine Isobe," which has its main store in Maruyama Park, Gion. The meal will include "Yuba Porridge," a mild-tasting dish made with homemade drawn yuba, and the "Kyoto Yuba Porridge Set," which includes a seasonal side dish.
To commemorate the Osaka-Kansai Expo this year, the monthly specials will incorporate the bounty of the Kansai region, with a focus on local Kyoto ingredients. Starting with "Hamo Otoshi (Osaka Prefecture/Hyogo Prefecture)" in July, August will feature "Kamo Eggplant Shigiyaki (Kyoto Prefecture)," and September will feature "Ayu Tatsuta-age (Shiga Prefecture/Wakayama Prefecture)." These visually refreshing dishes will gently warm your body in the morning.
The August "Kyoto Yuba Porridge Set" menu includes grilled Kamo eggplant and yuba porridge.
Spreading out before Kountei is Seiryuen, a unique garden featuring a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The eastern half is Western-style with a covered lawn, while the western half, where Kountei is located, is a Japanese-style garden with a pond at its center, showcasing its beauty throughout the seasons. Enjoy a morning meal while enjoying the ever-changing scenery of the water's surface softly illuminated by the morning light and inscribed stones collected from all over the country - this is the kind of luxury you can experience here.
Breakfast will be served from Tuesday, July 2025th to Tuesday, September 7th, 15. Reservations are required and limited to 9 people per day, so we recommend making your reservation early.
Special Breakfast "Kyoto Yuba Porridge Set"
Location: Seiryuen Garden and Kountei Pavilion in Nijo Castle
開催日時 2025年7月15日(火)～2025年9月30日(火) 9:15～10:15
Price: 4,200 yen (tax included) *Castle admission fee required separately
Reservations must be made by 15:00 PM the day before the desired date of participation.
Reservations: 075-551-1203 (Kyoto Cuisine Isobe / Reception hours: 10:00-15:00)
Former Imperial Palace Nijo Castle
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
TEL 075-841-0096
Admission time: 8:45-16:00 (closes at 17:00)
Admission fee: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for junior and senior high school students, 300 yen for elementary school students
HP https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/
Instagram @nijojocastle
Mornings in Kyoto are enveloped in cool, refreshing air. Why not spend a moment of relaxation and peace of mind in the tranquility?
Text by Erina Nomura
Erina Nomura
A writer living in Kyoto. After graduating from university, she worked at a production company involved in a variety of media, including publishing, advertising, and the web. In 2020, she went independent and is now working as a freelancer. Her areas of interest include craftsmanship, traditional culture, lifestyle, and travel. As a Kyoto correspondent for Premium Japan, she reports on the latest happenings in Kyoto through the "Kyoto News" section of the editorial department's blog.
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