Kyoto did not see much snowfall last winter, but now, we are seeing the first signs of snow in 2025 in Kyoto’s mountains.
During my second hike of Mt. Daimonji, I had chosen a cold winter day to make my journey to the summit. I did it for the challenge of pushing myself through harsh climates, but what I didn’t expect to see at the top of the mountain was the first bit of snowfall in Kyoto!
Slippery Slopes
Unfortunately, my first interaction with Kyoto’s snow in 2025 saw me slipping on my behind and taking home a nice bruise on the butt.
As I picked myself up and dusted myself off, I realized the road had become quite icy and slippery, gradually transforming into a path of white powder.
The clouds started to form and what I thought were raindrops became colder and colder to the point of small pebbles of ice coming down.
Brace Yourself!
Indeed, winter had arrived. Well actually we were already one month into winter as it was January 2025, but now it was really winter so to speak.
The snow started pouring down heavily to the point of having to cover my eyes for protection. My clothes started to make a new fashion statement as I was covered in bits of dotty snow all over (I do say it contrasted nicely with my black attire).
In any case, it was truly remarkable how different the environment was at the top of Mt. Daimonji as compared with the city streets down below, where there was not a single bit of snowfall in sight!
Pure White Snow
The snow in Kyoto is pure white and powdery, just like the ones you see in the movies, and certainly more real than the fake snow from Ski Dubai.
I was able to take some aesthetic nature shots of snow hanging off leaves and spread across thick wooden logs to give it a “Christmas feel.”
In fact, there was enough snowfall to make full-on snowballs! I saw a few of them stacked up on the side of the road, likely from previous hikers.
I’m not sure whether the snow will reach the city this year, but one thing’s for sure, Kyoto is experiencing its first wave of snowfall after a long time in 2025!
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