January transforms Kyoto into a city of serene beauty and deep cultural significance, marking the transition from the cold embrace of the winter solstice to the new year. From joining the masses for Hatsumode at iconic shrines to seeking out mesmerizing art, this month offers unique opportunities to experience Japan’s former capital. Whether you are hunting for vintage treasures at the To-ji Temple Flea market or appreciating lantern festivals, Kyoto in January is a scenic journey into tradition. So let’s look at some of the top things we recommend you do this month in Japan’s historical capital.
Outdoor Onsen – Photo by: banotdog
Relax at an Onsen
There is no better way to escape the chill of winter than by soaking in a traditional onsen or hot spring. Sinking into the mineral-rich, piping-hot water is an exquisite sensory experience. You can enjoy the contrast of hot water on your skin while the cool air surrounds you. It’s the ultimate form of self-care and a great reward after a long day of exploring!
Tenzan no Yu – NOT tattoo friendly
Admission Fee: ¥1080
Operating Hours: 10:00-24:00. Closed Thursday and Friday
Address: 7, 55-4 Saganomiyanomotocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8315
Telephone: 0758824126
Website: http://www.ndg.jp/tenzan/
Funaoka Onsen – Tattoo friendly
Admission Fee: ¥430
Operating Hours: 15:00-23:30, Sunday 8:00-23:30. Closed on Tuesday
Address: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225
Telephone: 0754413735
Skating Rink – Photo by: Viva Square Kyoto
Ice Skating at Viva Square
At Viva Square, you can enjoy a magical winter escape at their outdoor ice skating rink. This is the region’s only open-air rink, offering a fun skating experience for all ages. Visit during the day or after dark when beautiful illuminations transform the ice into a romantic scene. It’s an entertaining activity that makes a perfect break from touring the temples and shrines.
Date: November 22, 2025 – February 23, 2026, Closed on January 1, 2026
Admission Fee: ¥1500
Time: Weekdays 14:00-20:00, Weekends 10:00-20:00
Address: 〒600-8835 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kankijicho, 梅小路公園内
Telephone: 0753437778
Website: https://www.viva-square.com/winter
Year of the Horse Art Exhibit Flyer – Photo by: Kyoto National Museum
Year of the Horse Art Exhibit
The Kyoto National Museum holds a special year of the zodiac exhibition every January to celebrate the Chinese Calendar sign for the new year. For this upcoming year, Year of the Horse, the museum is hosting a “Pony Tales” exhibition. The exhibition will feature a wide selection of artwork from all types of media.
Date: December 16, 2025- January 25, 2026
Admission Fee: ¥700
Address: 527 Chayacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0931
Operating Hours: 9:30-17:00
Telephone: 0755252473
Website: https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/exhibitions/feature/b/2025_horse/
NAKED Exhibit at Heian Shrine – Photo by: NAKED works
NAKED Night Shrine Visit
The creative digital art company, NAKED, is hosting a stunning nighttime event at the Heian Shrine. It uses projection mapping, lighting, and interactive art to transform the shrine’s buildings and tranquil gardens. It offers a unique, mystical experience of the shrine after dark, combining modern art with tradition.
Date: December 19, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Admission Fee: ¥1600
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341
Operating Hours: 6:00-17:00
Telephone: 0757610221
Website: https://yoru-mo-de.naked.works/heian-jingu/
Family New Year Shrine Visit – Photo by: Chris Gladis
Hatsumode
Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. It is one of the most important traditions in Japan. People visit the shrine or temples to give thanks for the past year and to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the upcoming year. People typically visit at midnight on New Year’s Eve; however, you can also go during the day on January 1st to 3rd.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Date: January 1, 2026
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Telephone: 0756417331
Website: https://inari.jp/
Yasaka Shrine
Date: January 1, 2026
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Telephone: 0755616155
Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
Heian Jingu Shrine
Date: January 1, 2026, 6:00
Admission Fee: Free
Address: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341
Operating Hours: 6:00-17:00
Telephone: 0757610221
Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/
Winter Lantern Festival – Photo by: Miyama’s Thatched Village
Miyama’s Thatched Village Winter Lantern Festival
The Miyama’s Thatched Village Winter Lantern Festival is located 80 minutes away by car from central Kyoto. This magical illumination takes place in the remote Kayabuki-no-sato village, famous for its preserved thatched-roof farmhouses. Hundreds of lanterns and lights illuminate the snowy landscape, creating a beautiful, historical scene.
Date: January 19, 2026 – January 23, 2026
Admission Fee: Free
Time: 15:00 – 19:00
Address: Miyamachokita, Nantan, Kyoto 601-0712
Telephone: 0771770660
Website: https://yukitouro.jp/en/
To-ji Temple Flea Market – Photo by: Gregory Saavedra
To-ji Temple Flea Market
The To-ji Temple flea market is one of Kyoto’s most popular flea markets, held monthly on the 21st of every month. This massive market sprawls across the temple grounds, offering a diverse array of goods from antiques to crafts and street food. It provides a great opportunity to experience local culture while finding unique souvenirs and enjoying the scenic temple grounds.
Date: January 21, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
Time: 8:30 – 17:30
Address: 1 Kujocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8473
Telephone: 0756913325
Website: http://www.touji-ennichi.com/index.htm
January is an ideal time to visit Kyoto, offering a unique blend of quiet tranquility and profound cultural events. By immersing yourself in the joyous traditions of Hatsumode, you connect directly with the city’s seasonal heartbeat. Plan for the cold, seek out the unique art, market, and illumination events, and you will discover a profound side of Kyoto that few visitors ever witness. So once January begins, grab your scarf and jacket and dive headfirst into wintertime fun that will leave you warmed even to your soul!
Featured Photo Credit: Teruhide Tomori
