Weather in the Northern Area of Kyoto (Kotengkyo, Kyotango)
What will the snow conditions be like around the 14th to 15th?
So, I recently planned this little crab trip up to the northern part of Kyoto, specifically Kotengkyo and Kyotango.
You know, the kind of trip where you’re dreaming of fresh, buttery crab legs and maybe a little winter magic. But, of course, Mother Nature had her own plans. Let me tell you, it was an adventure—one that involved a lot of snow, a few too many snacks, and some unexpected surprises. I’ll admit, I was a bit overeager. I arrived at the car rental place way too early, like two hours early. I guess I was just excited, or maybe I was worried about the snow. I had opted for studless tires, which I thought would be fine, but as I drove further north, the roads started to look like they belonged in a snow globe. The snow was coming down in these big, fluffy flakes, and while it was beautiful, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made the right choice with the tires. Spoiler: I did, but more on that later. When I finally got to Kotengkyo, the snow was everywhere. It was like stepping into a postcard. The locals were out shoveling their driveways, and I swear, one of them gave me this knowing smile, like, “Oh, you’re not from around here, are you?” I waved awkwardly and then promptly slipped on a patch of ice. Classic. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right? The crab feast was, of course, the highlight. I went to this little seaside restaurant that a friend had recommended, and let me tell you, the crab was worth every slippery step. The chef even came out to show me how to crack the shells properly, which was both helpful and slightly embarrassing because I’m pretty sure I looked like a toddler trying to use chopsticks for the first time. But hey, I got the hang of it eventually, and the crab was divine. Now, about the snow conditions around the 14th to 15th—it’s definitely snowy. Like, really snowy. If you’re planning a trip around that time, make sure you’re prepared. The roads can get icy, especially in the early mornings and evenings, but studless tires did the trick for me. Just take it slow, and maybe pack an extra bag of snacks (I may or may not have eaten an entire bag of rice crackers while waiting for the snow to let up). One thing that really surprised me was how quiet and peaceful everything felt. There’s something magical about being in a place where the snow muffles all the noise, and all you can hear is the crunch of your boots and the occasional caw of a crow. It made me reflect on how much I usually rush through life, always trying to get to the next thing. Being there, in that snowy little town, forced me to slow down and just be. It was a nice reminder to appreciate the little moments, even if they come with a side of icy sidewalks. So, if you’re heading up to Kotengkyo or Kyotango around mid-January, bundle up, take your time, and enjoy the ride. And if you’ve been there before, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Did you brave the snow? Any hidden gems I should check out next time? Let me know in the comments—I’m always up for a good travel tip (or a funny story about slipping on ice).
