The best things to do in Kyoto in May 2026

Set in the verdant Yase mountains, Ruriko-in is easily one of the most photogenic temples in Kyoto. This former-residence-turned-temple is home to a beautiful garden, with an abundance of momiji (Japanese maple) trees that turn brilliant crimson come autumn.

What makes Ruriko-in even more appealing is that the temple is not open year-round, but only for brief periods in spring, summer and autumn. While autumn is its busiest season – often requiring advance reservations – the spring opening offers a more serene experience. Better yet, you can walk in without any advance booking.

The garden is, of course, the highlight here. For the most iconic view, head up to the second floor and see the lush green foliage reflected on the perfectly polished lacquered tabletop.

Founded in 1236, the Rinzai sect head temple Tofukuji is especially stunning in autumn, when its gardens are ablaze with fiery red momiji foliage. This summer, however, the beloved Zen Buddhist temple is offering a new way to experience its tranquil grounds through a special night opening.

With its immersive light-ups, Zen Night Tofukuji may seem like just another temple illumination, a trend that has been growing across Japan in recent years. But it's more than that. As with previous editions at Kyoto's Kenninji Temple (2024) and Kamakura's Kenchoji Temple (2025), this year’s event will also incorporate neuro music into its mix of sound, light and spatial installations to create a much more sensorial experience befitting the temple's meditative atmosphere.

For the uninitiated, neuro music can enhance or suppress specific brainwave frequencies to help sharpen concentration or, in this case, induce deep relaxation. Visitors at Zen Night Tofukuji can experience this firsthand at the Neuro Music Zazen Sound Meditation in the temple's Zen Hall, which is the oldest and largest of its kind in Japan.

Other highlights include the illumination of the iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge, which overlooks more than 1,000 lush maple trees, and the dreamy transformation of Hojo Garden's Zen landscape into a sea of clouds...

Located in southern Kyoto, the ancient Fujinomori Shrine is closely associated with horses, making it a popular site for prayers among jockeys and racing enthusiasts. For the general public, however, the shrine’s biggest draw is its two lush gardens, which burst into vibrant colour in early summer.

Starting from May 30 for roughly a month – depending on the flowering situation – the shrine opens its two expansive gardens to the public to enjoy roughly 3,500 hydrangea plants blooming in all colours. The best times to visit are on weekends, when the shrine hosts special dedication ceremonies and cultural activities.

There’s a ¥500 admission to visit the gardens.

If you’re looking to experience a serene, ancient temple without the overwhelming crowds of central Kyoto, get off the beaten track and make your way to the mountainside Mimurotoji on the outskirts of Uji City. Founded in 770, this sprawling temple complex is home to an elegant three-tiered red pagoda as well as expansive grounds featuring a dry landscape garden, a pond, and some of the region’s most beautiful displays of seasonal flowers.  

Mimurotoji looks especially colourful from late spring through early summer, with azaleas blooming in May, followed by hydrangeas in June and lotus flowers in July. In fact, the temple boasts one of the most spectacular hydrangea sights in the Kansai region, with 20,000 plants across 50 varieties growing under tall cedar trees.  

For the most awe-inspiring scenery, visit on a Saturday or Sunday between June 13 and June 28, when the garden comes aglow with illuminations after dark from 7pm until 8.30pm...