11 Magical Winter Spots in Kyoto, A Cultural and Historical Guide for Muslim Travellers

For many travellers living in tropical climates, experiencing a proper winter is a dream come true. Japan, with its distinct four seasons, offers the perfect snowy escape. While there are many cities to explore, Kyoto stands out as an absolute must-visit during the colder months.

Also read: 7 Muslim-Friendly Ryokans in Kyoto For Autumn 2025: Garden Views, Onsen & Kaiseki

Visiting Kyoto in winter isn't just about seeing snow; it is about witnessing the city’s rich history and culture blanketed in white. From ancient temples to quiet mountain villages, the old capital transforms into a serene wonderland. Ready to explore? Here are 11 of the most beautiful winter destinations in Kyoto, Japan.

1. Kifune Shrine: A Fairytale Staircase

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Stepping into Kifune Shrine feels like walking into a storybook. This shrine is famous for its iconic stone steps lined with vermilion wooden lantern posts. In winter, the scene becomes otherworldly as thick snow covers the surrounding trees and the stone path, creating a striking contrast against the red lanterns which are illuminated at night.

Address: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

2. Kiyomizudera: The Stage Over the Snow

Image credit: @feel_kiyomizudera

No matter the season, Kiyomizudera offers breathtaking views. However, winter brings a special charm when the surrounding maple and cherry trees are dusted with snow. The best view is from the temple’s famous wooden stage, which juts out over the hillside. The narrow streets leading up to the temple (Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka) are also lined with traditional shops where you can hunt for souvenirs and Muslim-friendly snacks.

Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 06:00 – 18:00

3. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Serene Winter Walk

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A trip to Kyoto is incomplete without visiting Arashiyama. This iconic bamboo grove features towering green stalks that create a natural tunnel. In winter, the scenery becomes incredibly romantic and cinematic as the bamboo leaves catch the falling snow.

Muslim Traveller Tip: The Arashiyama area is home to Yoshiya, a well-known Halal-certified restaurant serving authentic washoku (Japanese cuisine).

Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

4. Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Iconic Torii Tunnel

Image credit: @fushimiinaritaisha_official

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a bucket-list destination for travellers worldwide. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. In winter, the bright orange gates pop vividly against the white snow, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Japan. It’s the perfect place to rent a Kimono and capture unforgettable memories.

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

5. Kayabuki no Sato: The Thatched Roof Village

Image credit: Yukitouro Official Website

Located in the rural town of Miyama, Kayabuki no Sato is a preserved village known for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses. When it snows, the village looks like a scene from an old Japanese folktale. The atmosphere becomes even more magical during the winter lantern festival, where snow sculptures and LED lanterns light up the night, creating a warm, nostalgic glow.

Address: Miyamachokita, Nantan, Kyoto

Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

6. Kinkakuji: The Golden Pavilion in White

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Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion) is perhaps the most visually stunning winter spot in Kyoto. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, which shines brilliantly against the stark white snow and the reflection in the Mirror Pond (Kyoko-chi). It is a picture-perfect moment that captures the essence of Japanese aesthetics.

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 17:00

7. Kurama Onsen: A Mountain Retreat

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After a day of sightseeing, nothing beats warming up in a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen). The Kurama area, located in the northern mountains of Kyoto, is famous for its outdoor baths. Soaking in the steaming hot water while watching snowflakes fall around you in the open air is the ultimate winter luxury.

Note: Please check the current operating status of specific ryokans in Kurama before visiting, as schedules can vary.

Address: 520 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto

8. Amanohashidate: The Bridge to Heaven

Image credit: JiroS | Wikimedia Commons

Amanohashidate is a scenic sandbar covered in pine trees that spans across Miyazu Bay. It is ranked as one of Japan's three most scenic views. In winter, the pine trees are dusted with snow, creating a beautiful white line cutting across the blue waters. To get the best view, take the chairlift or monorail to the observation deck at Kasamatsu Park.

Address: Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours (Park area)

9. Tenryuji Temple: A Garden of Zen

Image credit: @heavenly_dragon.temple

Located in Arashiyama, Tenryuji is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its magnificent landscape garden. The garden features a large pond that reflects the surrounding mountains. In winter, the borrowed scenery of the snowy Arashiyama mountains creates a tranquil, monochrome masterpiece that attracts nature lovers from around the world.

Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 08:30 – 17:00

10. Ine no Funaya: The Floating Fishing Village

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For a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Ine no Funaya. This historic fishing village is famous for its boat houses (funaya) that are built right on the water's edge, with garages for boats on the first floor. In winter, the quiet bay and snow-capped roofs create a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere often compared to scenes from Studio Ghibli films.

Address: Hirata, Ine, Yoza District, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours

11. Shimogamo Shrine: A Walk Through Ancient History

Image credit: Shimogamo-jinja Official Website

Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Kyoto. It is located within the Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest that has stood for centuries. The entrance is marked by a massive vermilion torii gate. Walking through the snow-covered forest to reach the main shrine offering a serene and spiritual experience away from the city crowds.

Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumikawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: Daily, 06:00 – 17:00

Prayer Spaces & Halal Eateries in Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto’s winter wonderland is even more enjoyable when you don't have to worry about where to perform your prayers or find a Halal meal. Kyoto is becoming increasingly Muslim-friendly, with facilities strategically located near major tourist hubs. Here is a list of prayer spaces and Halal eateries to keep handy during your trip:

Prayer Spaces in Kyoto

Whether you are exploring the bamboo groves or the city centre, there are several dedicated spaces where you can observe your prayers comfortably.

• Kyoto Central Masjid & Kyoto Islamic Cultural Center: As the main hub for the local Muslim community, this is the primary mosque in the city. It is a welcoming space for travellers to connect with local Muslims.

• Masjid Al-Huda: Located in the Fushimi Ward, this mosque is convenient if you are visiting the southern parts of Kyoto.

• Arashiyama Muslim Prayer Room: Essential for those visiting the Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple. Having a prayer space in this popular tourist district makes spending the whole day in Arashiyama much easier.

• Prayer Room @ Mabrur: Located centrally in the Nakagyo Ward, this prayer room is part of the Mabrur dining facility, allowing you to pray and dine in one stop.

• JTB Kansai Tourist Information Center Prayer Room: Located in Nidec Kyoto Tower building, right across Kyoto Station, this is a very convenient stop for travellers just arriving in or leaving the city. The prayer room is located on the 3rd floor.

Halal & Muslim-Friendly Eateries

Warm up from the winter chill with authentic Japanese cuisine. These restaurants are known for serving Halal or Muslim-friendly menus, ranging from steaming bowls of ramen to traditional kaiseki.

• Ayam-ya Karasuma: Famous for its rich, Halal chicken-broth ramen. It is the perfect comfort food after a cold day of walking in the snow.

• Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya: Situated near the famous Kiyomizudera Temple, this historic establishment is renowned for its yudofu (boiled tofu) and traditional courses. They offer Muslim-friendly menus to ensure everyone can enjoy Kyoto's tofu culture.

• Honke Tankuma Honten: For a more upscale experience, this restaurant offers traditional Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine). It is a great place to experience the sophistication of Japanese fine dining with Muslim-friendly options.

• Mabrur Halal Dining Kyoto: A reliable spot for Halal dining in the city centre, offering a variety of dishes to satisfy your appetite between sightseeing stops.

Also read: Muslim Travellers Guide to the Sagano Romantic Train: Kyoto’s Most Scenic Journey

Kyoto is more than just a destination; it is an experience. Visiting in winter allows you to see a quieter, more majestic side of Japan’s cultural capital, where history meets the beauty of nature.