Kyoto’s immense popularity has brought big crowds, and understandably so, as the ancient capital is home to some of Japan’s most enchanting temples and Zen gardens. But if you’re looking to experience a different side of the city – lesser-known but no less charming attractions with fewer crowds – check out the Kyoto Summer Special Openings 2025. Running now through September 30, this seasonal programme is your key to a more hidden, tranquil Kyoto.
Launched in 1975, the annual Summer Special offers a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s most treasured cultural landmarks that are normally closed to the public. This year’s theme, ‘Waterscapes to Visit in Summer and Modern Architecture Masterpieces of Kyoto’, brings together sacred temples and historical residences. Better still, all the featured sites are easily accessible by public transport from Kyoto Station.
As a little taster, here are five highlights from this year’s programme.
Higashi Honganji Temple: Goei-do-mon Gate
Just five minutes on foot from Kyoto Station, the majestic Higashi Honganji Temple’s Goei-do (Founder’s Hall) is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Its Goei-do-mon Gate, at 27 metres high, is the tallest wooden temple gate in Japan.
The gate’s second storey is now open to the public for a limited time. From here, you can look out at a sweeping view of Kyoto and its eastern mountains, as well as admire a collection of sacred Buddhist statues.
Ninnaji Temple: Kannon-do Hall
Founded in 888 CE, the prestigious Ninnaji Temple is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its most important hall, the Kannon-do, is so sacred that its doors have long remained shut to protect the vividly coloured murals inside.
This summer, you can view the exquisite 380-year-old wall paintings, along with 33 solemn Buddhist images on the altar, including the Thousand-Armed Kannon, Fujin (the wind god) and Raijin (the thunder god).
Kamigamo Shrine
Considered the oldest shrine in Kyoto, Kamigamo Jinja is also a Unesco World Heritage Site and a popular spot for people praying for good health, romantic love and protection from misfortune.
Its two most important buildings – the Honden (Main Sanctuary) and Gonden (Temporary Sanctuary) – are usually off-limits to visitors. Now you can visit both, guided by a Shinto priest. Pay close attention to the traditional thatched roofs, made by layering hinoki cypress bark.
Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s five historical entertainment districts, and the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre specialises in traditional dance performances by geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). When the theatre opened in 1927, it garnered praise for its modern architecture that also incorporated Eastern aesthetics.
For this rare occasion, you’ll get to peek behind the usually curtained-off backstage, as well as into a room used by geisha and maiko for rehearsals, in addition to the stage and auditorium.
Shozan Hogyokutei
Tucked into the northern hills of Kyoto, this elegant villa, once home to a post-war merchant who traded in Nishijin-ori (traditional Kyoto textiles), is surrounded by a serene, moss-covered garden. The stream-fed landscape features 500-year-old Kitayama cedar trees, while the 70-year-old house is built using top-grade Kitayama cedar, Japanese zelkova and rare nandina (sacred bamboo). The rooms, meanwhile, are decorated with artworks by renowned Japanese painters.
This property offers a welcome escape from the bustling city, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a Japanese garden while exploring a beautifully preserved traditional home.
All the exclusive sites in the Kyoto Summer Special Openings 2025 programme are open daily from 10am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm), though some have specific closed dates. Tickets are generally priced at ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children aged 6 to 12, with some exceptions. For full details, check the event website.
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