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Why Visit Kyoto's Autumn Foliage
Kyoto is arguably the best place in Japan to experience the vibrant autumn foliage. This ancient city turns into a living masterpiece each fall, with a brilliant display of fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges. It perfectly blends history, nature, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.
Here's why you should add Kyoto to your autumn travel list:
Where History Meets Nature: As a city with a thousand years of history, Kyoto is home to ancient temples, shrines, and streets like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Tenryu-ji, and Gion. These spots are spectacularly adorned with colorful maple leaves in the fall, offering a mix of rustic charm and natural beauty that's unmatched by any other city.
Endless Options: From the serene Zen temples to intricately designed Japanese gardens and the wooded areas on the outskirts, there's a perfect spot for everyone to enjoy the autumn scenery.
Unique Experiences: You can ride the Sagano Romantic Train or the Eizan Electric Railway, winding through maple forests and enjoying the scenery. Or take a leisurely boat ride along the Hozu River to view the stunning red maple leaves.
Festive Atmosphere: Many temples in Kyoto host lantern festivals and nighttime maple viewing events during the fall, offering a magical and enchanting perspective on the autumn leaves.
When is the Autumn Foliage in Kyoto?
Kyoto in autumn is a sight to behold! The best time to see the city's famous fall foliage is usually from mid-November to early December. The leaves reach their peak color during this time, with everything from fiery red maples to golden ginkgoes.
While the leaves start changing in October, November is when Kyoto truly comes alive with color. Places like Arashiyama, with its iconic bamboo forest, provide a stunning backdrop for the changing seasons. Keep in mind that warmer temperatures can delay the peak foliage.
If you're too early, explore the northern mountains or visit Nara and Uji later in the season.
Top Places to See Fall Foliage in Kyoto
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple: Admiring the Spectacular Valley's Vibrant Colors from the Wooden Stage
Want to experience the magic of fall foliage in Kyoto? Kiyomizu-dera Temple is an absolute must-visit! Known for its stunning wooden stage, the temple is even more enchanting when surrounded by fiery red and golden leaves.
The main hall's wooden stage is the highlight, providing unobstructed views of the colorful valley below. The contrast of the vivid foliage against the temple's dark wood and the cityscape beyond is truly a sight to behold. It's a perfect spot for photography and peaceful reflection.
Wander the temple's network of pathways that meander through and around the temple grounds. These paths offer various perspectives and angles to view and appreciate the autumn colors.
Check if your visit coincides with the special night illuminations at Kiyomizu-dera. During select evenings in the fall, the temple and its foliage are lit up, creating a mesmerizing and ethereal experience as the leaves glow under the soft lights.
Eikando Temple: Over 3,000 Brilliant Maple Trees
If you're looking for the ultimate autumn leaf experience in Kyoto, Eikando Temple is a must-visit. With over 3,000 maple trees, the temple is enveloped in a dazzling display of red foliage when the season hits, creating a breathtaking scene.
Maple trees are scattered throughout every corner of the temple, from the halls to the corridors, and even along the pond edges, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The architecture of Eikando harmoniously blends with the natural surroundings, and the red leaves frame the temple halls, pagodas, and the reflections in the ponds to form a picturesque scene typical of an Eastern monastery.
Eikando is particularly famous for its nighttime maple viewing. As dusk falls, the temple lights up, casting the red leaves in an even more brilliant glow. The nighttime view of the foliage under the lights offers a beauty distinct from that seen during the day, providing visitors with a unique visual experience.
Tofuku-ji Temple: Cross the Tsutenkyo Bridge to Enjoy Kyoto's Autumn Color
You've likely seen this stunning image on every Kyoto autumn foliage postcard and travel book. A covered bridge spans across a valley, offering a view from above of the Sengyokukan Valley blanketed in red leaves, creating a sensation of floating above a sea of autumn colors. This is the Tsutenkyo Bridge at Tofuku-ji, one of the hottest spots for viewing fall foliage in Kyoto.
Walking along the Tsutenkyo Bridge, surrounded by a sea of fiery red and orange leaves, is an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the opportunity to capture this iconic landscape with your camera. The Garyu-kyo Bridge is another free viewing spot where you can enjoy the beauty of a courtyard covered in red leaves. The four gardens at Tofuku-ji, designed by the renowned landscape architect Mirei Shigemori, are a symphony of minimalist beauty and subtle autumn hues.
Arashiyama in Autumn Foliage: Kyoto's Picturesque Playground
If you want to experience the colors of autumn in Kyoto, you shouldn't skip Arashiyama. Nestled in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a region of exceptional natural beauty, especially in the fall when the entire mountain range is draped in vibrant red leaves. Arashiyama in autumn awaits with its mountainside foliage, the serene red leaves around ancient temples, the iconic views from Togetsukyo Bridge, the Sagano Scenic Railway, and boat rides on the Hozu River to enjoy the scenery.
Here are some must-do activities to Enjoy the Autumn Leaves in Arashiyama:
Visit Temples for Autumn Colors: Arashiyama is home to many historical sites and temples like Tenryu-ji and Jojakko-ji, which become even more enchanting during the foliage season.
View the Entire Valley from Togetsukyo Bridge: From the bridge, you can look out over the valley completely covered in a blanket of red leaves.
Attend the Arashiyama Autumn Festival: Held on the second Sunday of November each year, the Arashiyama Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration of the foliage season where visitors can enjoy various cultural performances and local foods. During the festival, activities like lantern illuminations also allow visitors to appreciate the beauty of the leaves at night.
Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway: For a unique seasonal view, take this train ride through the mountains for 25 minutes, enjoying the rural autumn scenery along the banks of the Hozu River.
Enjoy a Riverboat Tour: For a different perspective on the foliage, take a boat trip on the Hozu River. This is a peaceful way to enjoy the surrounding landscape as the leaves beautifully reflect in the water.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: A Unique Maple Tunnel
Experience the magic of autumn at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. This historic shrine is a popular spot for leaf peeping, thanks to its stunning maple trees. The contrast between the vibrant fall foliage and the shrine's ancient buildings is simply breathtaking.
The Momiji Garden is a must-see, with its enchanting maple tunnel. It's the home to around 250 maple trees, most of which are 350 to 400 years old. Imagine walking through a tunnel of red, orange, and yellow leaves - it's like stepping into a fairytale.
Don't miss the Odoi waterway, where the reflection of the maple leaves in the water creates a mesmerizing scene.
Kifune Shrine: Spring Lanterns and Autumn Foliage
Kifune Shrine is located in the mountainous area of northern Kyoto and is one of the first places in Kyoto where you can see the maple leaves turn red. The path leading to the shrine is particularly breathtaking, lined with Kasuga lanterns and maple trees, displaying dazzling autumn colors that lead visitors into a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. This scene is especially magical at night when the stone lanterns are lit, casting a warm glow that complements the red and gold leaves.
After visiting the shrine, stop by one of the nearby traditional restaurants that offer seating on platforms extending over the river. Sitting amidst the stunning autumn scenery and enjoying seasonal local cuisine perfectly captures the essence of Kyoto's autumn leaf season.
Best Temples in Kyoto to See Fall Foliage
Tofukuji Temple: Tofukuji is one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, with over 2,000 maple trees. The Tsutenkyo Bridge is a notable highlight here, offering a stunning overlook of the Sengyokukan valley blanketed in red leaves.
Jojakko-ji Temple: Located in the Arashiyama area and built against a hillside, Jojakko-ji allows visitors to climb to the highest point for a breathtaking panoramic view of Arashiyama. The maple trees surrounding the temple become spectacularly vibrant in autumn.
Nanzen-ji Temple: At Nanzen-ji, a large maple grove in the middle of the courtyard drops its red leaves onto the moss below, creating a beautifully layered effect in the sunlight.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: One of Kyoto's oldest temples, Kiyomizu-dera is striking in autumn, especially near the Kiyomizu Stage where the red maples beautifully complement the ancient temple structures.
Myoshin-ji Temple: Known for its unique stroll garden, Myoshin-ji spans a large area with 46 sub-temples. During the fall, the entire temple is enveloped in maple leaves, offering a serene and majestic atmosphere.
Eikando Temple: Eikando is famed for having Kyoto's most beautiful night-time maple viewing. Several large maple trees surround the rustic main gate, densely packed like stars in the sky. Additionally, the famous maple staircase and the small temple next to the Bishamondo main hall, along with torii gates, lantern offerings, and maple-lined paths, are perfect for photography.
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Top Gardens in Kyoto to See Autumn Fall
Sanzen-in: Sanzen-in is renowned for its gardens featuring a combination of moss and maple leaves. The moss carpets the ground like a lush tapestry, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant red leaves, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Iwakura Jissai-in Monzeki: This site boasts two distinctively different gardens. One is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located between the study and guest halls, and the other is a grand rock garden set against the backdrop of Mount Hiei, which looks even more magnificent framed by the bright red maple leaves during the fall season.
Daigo-ji: Recognized as one of the most beautiful maple foliage sites in the outskirts of Kyoto, Daigo-ji is celebrated for its exquisite Japanese gardens and the seamless integration of natural landscapes.
Rurikoin: Rurikoin is most famous for its second-floor window, which overlooks a dense forest of maple trees within the garden. In autumn, these maple leaves transition from green to deep red and golden yellow, creating a stunning visual effect similar to a picturesque painting when viewed through the window.
Hosen-in: Known for its unique framed garden, Hosen-in allows visitors to enjoy the colorful maple leaves in the garden through lattice windows from inside, offering a distinctly charming and picturesque view.
Away from the Crowds: Kyoto's Spots for Fall Foliage
Kyoto is world-renowned for its stunning fall foliage, with famous spots like Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera often crowded during peak season. However, for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the city's autumn beauty in tranquility, there are several off-the-beaten-path locations worth exploring:
Haradanien Garden: A hidden gem located in the northwestern part of Kyoto, Haradanien Garden is a private garden that bursts into spectacular colors in autumn. Although it's lesser-known compared to major tourist spots, the garden offers an intense concentration of maples and other autumn trees, providing a vivid backdrop that feels almost surreal.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: Situated in the scenic Arashiyama neighborhood but away from the main tourist track, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is famous for its 1200 stone statues of Rakan, disciples of Buddha, each with a unique facial expression. In autumn, these statues are framed by colorful leaves, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere.
Takao: Just a short bus ride from central Kyoto, the mountainous area of Takao is known for its three historic temples set among lush forests that turn fiery in the fall. It's a perfect spot for hiking and temple visits, away from the hustle of the city, with the added beauty of autumn leaves reflecting in the river.
Kosan-ji Temple: Located in the Setagaya area, Kosan-ji offers a stunning autumn experience with fewer visitors. Its unique statues and beautiful garden are spectacularly highlighted by the autumn colors, providing a peaceful retreat for contemplation and photography.
Shinnyodo Temple: This temple is often overlooked, which makes it an excellent spot for those seeking a quiet place to enjoy autumn colors. The panoramic views of Kyoto from here are framed beautifully by the temple's vibrant maple trees.
Kibune Shrine: While Kibune is somewhat popular for its summer dining platforms over the river, in autumn it transforms into a magical place with fewer crowds. The path leading to Kifune Shrine is particularly picturesque, lined with lanterns and maple trees that create a tunnel of fiery leaves.
Best Spots in Kyoto for Viewing Autumn Leaves at Night
Eikando Zenrin-ji: Eikando is famous for its spectacular fall foliage, lighting up around 3,000 maple trees and other autumn plants at night.
Nijo Castle: This World Heritage castle holds special night-time lighting events in the autumn, showcasing the beauty of the fall leaves.
Kifune Shrine: During the night illumination period, the autumn leaves at Kifune Shrine complement the shrine buildings, creating a mysterious and beautiful atmosphere.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto's famous temples that opens at night, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves under the lights.
Daigo-ji Temple: The night-time autumn leaf event at Daigo-ji is also very popular, especially in the lower Daigo area, where visitors can see a beautiful tunnel of red leaves.
Tofukuji Temple: To-ji is another popular spot in Kyoto for viewing autumn leaves, with the night-time lights making the fall colors even more enchanting.
Most Beautiful Ways to Experience Fall Foliage in Kyoto
Take a Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train, also known as the Sagano Scenic Railway, winds its way through the picturesque Arashiyama district. This scenic railway runs along the Hozugawa River, offering breathtaking views of lush mountainsides and vibrant autumn foliage. Designed to enhance the viewing experience, the train features large windows that allow passengers to soak up the crisp autumn air and take in the stunning scenery.
The journey begins at Saga Station in Arashiyama and continues to Kameoka Station, covering a distance of about 7.3 kilometers. From the dense, fiery red maple trees to the distant mountains shrouded in a golden mist, the views are simply breathtaking. The entire journey takes about 25 minutes, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the autumn beauty.
Experience Kyoto's Autumn Colors on the Eizan Electric Railway
There's nothing quite like riding the Eizan Electric Railway during autumn. As the train winds its way through the mountains, you'll find yourself surrounded by a tunnel of vibrant autumn foliage.
The Eizan Electric Railway, or Eizan Line, is famous for its "maple leaf tunnel." This picturesque train line connects Kyoto to the northern mountainous areas, passing through the scenic Kibuneguchi and Kurama districts.
During the autumn foliage season, passengers can enjoy a unique experience as the train travels through a tunnel of vibrant autumn leaves. To enhance the experience, the lights inside the train are dimmed between Shihara Station and Ninose Station, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the illuminated foliage outside.
The peak season for the maple leaf tunnel is around November 20th. The light-up schedule is typically from 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM on weekdays and may be extended to 9:25 PM on weekends and holidays.
Glide Through Autumn Splendor on a Hozu River Cruise
As Kyoto dons its autumn colors, the Hozu River Cruise offers one of the most serene and picturesque ways to experience the city's famed fall foliage. Nestled in the enchanting Arashiyama district, this river cruise takes you on a gentle journey through a corridor of vibrant autumn hues, flanked by lush mountains and the softly flowing waters of the Hozu River.
Starting from Tanba-Kameoka and meandering down to Arashiyama, the cruise spans approximately 16 kilometers and takes about 2 hours. This leisurely pace allows passengers to fully absorb the tranquil beauty of the changing seasons. The river winds its way through narrow gorges and expansive vistas, where cliffs and rocks are adorned with a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
How to Plan an Autumn Foliage Tour in Kyoto (Travel Length & Itinerary)
A Kyoto autumn foliage trip is a must-do for any traveler. The city transforms into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, typically from mid-October to early December. Focus on Kyoto's iconic spots like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Eikan-do Temple, Sanzen-in Temple, and Arashiyama. You can extend your trip to 7-10 days to include other Japanese highlights like Osaka, Nara, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Hakone.
Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Kyoto
Day 1: Arrival at Osaka
Begin your journey in Osaka, where the vibrant city life meets the gentle onset of autumn. While exploring, you may notice hints of maple and ginkgo trees starting to show their autumnal colors, especially around Osaka Castle and its sprawling park grounds, setting the stage for the forthcoming fall foliage spectacle.
Day 2: Enjoying Nara's Autumn Leaves
Head to Nara, where the ancient temples and shrines are framed by spectacular autumn hues. Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha become even more enchanting with a backdrop of vibrant reds and oranges from the surrounding maples. Nara Park and Wakakusa Hill offer panoramic views of the city enveloped in fall colors, providing a perfect setting for a day of exploration.
Day 3-4: Immersed in Kyoto's World of Autumn Leaves
Spend 2 days in Kyoto, the heart of Japan's fall foliage. The historic paths to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera are lined with a tapestry of colorful leaves. Eikando and Sanzen-in are particularly famous for their autumn gardens. A ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway through Arashiyama's forested landscape offers a moving panorama of the season's best colors.
Day 5-6: Head to Tokyo and Experience Sights and Autumn Colors
In Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine and Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue are ablaze with autumn colors, contrasting beautifully with the urban environment. The gingko trees create a golden canopy that is a must-see. Even bustling areas like Shibuya and Asakusa offer pockets of fall beauty, with seasonal colors enhancing these iconic locations.
Day 7-8: Explore Highlights and Autumn Colors of Mount Fuji and Hakone
Conclude your tour with the natural splendor of Mount Fuji and Hakone. The Momiji Corridor by Lake Kawaguchi is renowned for its brilliant autumn colors. Take the Owakudani Cable Car for aerial views of the season's palette, and cruise on Lake Ashi to see the floating torii of Hakone Shrine framed by fall foliage, creating a stunning conclusion to your autumn foliage tour in Japan.
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Useful Kyoto Travel Guide: 11 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Kyoto Temples & Shrines, Kyoto Autumn Foliage, Kyoto Itinerary, How to Get to Kyoto from Tokyo, How to Get to Kyoto from Osaka, Kyoto Osaka Nara Itinerary, Kyoto Maps, Japan Travel Guide, Japan Travel Tips & FAQs
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