If you come to Japan during the foliage season, Kyoto is one of the famous autumn spots that is worth a visit. In ancient days, autumn leaves-viewing was appreciated for its beauty among the aristocrats. Today, many tourists flock to Kyoto to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the historical town colored with red and yellow leaves in autumn.
Here is the complete guide to the autumn leaves viewing in Kyoto, enjoy the stunning view of mountains with colorful Maple, Ginkgo, and other trees!
Special offer going on now!
You’ve come to the right spot if you’re interested in Japan’s amazing autumn colors! Read below to learn about an exclusive opportunity for enjoying this beautiful time of the year in Kyoto!
If you’re a huge fan of Japan’s incredible display of autumn colors, known in Japanese as “koyo”, then you’re in luck! Kiyomizudera and a handful of other temples in Kyoto are offering a special chance to enter the grounds before, or stay after operating hours to see the beautiful fall foliage. This is the perfect opportunity to see the temples in their glory as well as avoid potentially dense crowds as the spots are limited. The luxurious Kyoto Brighton Hotel line offers these immaculate experiences for those staying at the hotel as an add on to the room fee, but can also be reserved as a package initially.
Please note that the morning time slots differ in price and location to the evening. The morning experiences boast a variety of different temples and days Throughgout November up until December 1st, while the evening experience is only at Kiyomizudera and is only offered on the 1st of December.
For all the specifics, be sure to visit their official site and make your reservation while you can!
When is the autumn foliage season in Japan?
The best timing of the autumn foliage, when it starts coloring and ends, depends on the region. If you want to know when is the best foliage season in Japan, check out this autumn leaves forecast.
▶Autumn Leaves Forecast in Japan
The sakura season starts in the region with a warm climate but the autumn foliage season is the opposite. It starts from the north (Hokkaido) and the latest is the south (Kyushu region).
In Kyoto, normally leaves start to change their color in late October. Hence, the best time to view autumn leaves, also known as koyo, is from mid-November to early December. Around this time, it is widely known as the best time to travel in Kyoto, and that makes it the busiest time for tourists in Kyoto.
If you want to specify the peak season of the spot you want to visit, we recommend visiting the Kyoto City Official Travel Guide. From the website, you can find out the best timing of the foliage leaves in each spot. Also, it mentions special events such as fall festivals and light-up events.
Top 10 spots for viewing autumn foliage in Kyoto
1. Jojakko-ji Temple
Jojakko-ji temple certainly is one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto throughout the year. There is a thatched roof gate, fresh green mos, a bamboo pathway, a great mountain view, and 200 maple trees. In spring and summer, you will feel as if you are in a completely different world because everything is covered with green in the temple. Only in mid-November and early December, when the maple leaves change their color, will you see the breathtaking contrast of red maples and green moss. If you come to Kyoto in November, this place is a must-visit!
Jojakko-ji Temple
¥500 per adult
By foot, it takes approx. 20 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, and approx. 10 minutes from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
2. Togetsu Bridge
You might have seen a picture of a grand bridge across the river in Kyoto. That is Togetsukyo Bridge, the iconic bridge of the Arashiyama area. In the peak time of foliage, the whole mountain looks like big mosaic artwork. One of the best ways to enjoy the view is from the traditional boat called Yakatabune, or you can rent a rowboat.
After you enjoy the view, head to another attraction in the Arashiyama area, Monkey Park, if you have time.
3. Daikaku-ji Temple
If you walk northwards for approximately 20 minutes from JR Saga Arashiyama Station, you’ll find Daikaku-ji near a big pond. Daikaku-ji is featured in The Tale of Genji, the first novel in Japanese literature. Today, the temple is known as one of the places to feel the ancient court atmosphere and it is often used for Japanese historical movies. Since Daikaku-ji is not close to other popular tourist spots, it is less crowded than other big temples (such as Kiyomizu temple, Golden Pavilion, etc). The reflection of foliage leaves and red pagoda in the pond is called Deep Crimson Mirror.
Daikaku-ji Temple
¥500 per adult
The recommended time is 5:30 pm -8:30 pm because of the illuminations.
4. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is mostly known for its 2,000 beautiful plum trees in early March, but also it is the spot to view foliage in late autumn. From late October to early December, their Foliage Garden is open. In this garden, hundreds of maple trees line up along the river. In the evening until 8pm, the garden is lit up beautifully and you can see the combination of the vermillion bridge and bright red maple leaves. Also, you can see the road covered by foliage like a koyo carpet.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Free entrance to the shrine, Foliage Park ¥700
From Tokyo Station take a bus for 40 minutes
5. Genko-an Temple
If you head north from Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), after a 30-minute walk, you will arrive at Genko-an Temple. It’s a tiny Zen temple with a round and square window called The Window of Enlightenment and The Window of Confusion. Through these windows, you can enjoy the view of the small garden with autumn foliage. This is the place where you can forget about the big crowds of tourists.
Genko-an Temple
¥500
6. Eikando Temple
Eikando is famous for having the best of the best foliage views in Kyoto. That’s why in November, many people from all over Japan come to enjoy the view of Eikando Temple. In the evening, their 3,000 maple trees are lit up. It might be crowded, but it is worth a visit. Since Eikando is located beside the end of Philosopher’s Path (another scenic place in Autumn), it’s nice to enjoy Eikando and Nanzen-ji after strolling Philosopher’s Path.
Eikando Temple
¥600
7. Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan, constructed in the 13th century. This huge temple has many attractions. The first one is Sanmon Gate. You can go up to the deck and overlook the surrounding forests and mountains. The second feature is the ruin of the aqueduct from the 19th century. It was built when Kyoto city started the Industrial Revolution. The third and last one is their diverse Zen Garden. In Nanzen-ji, you can enjoy various styles of gardens (and if you like, have matcha tea here).
Nanzen-ji Temple
¥500
8. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
As you might know, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is one of the most popular spots for tourists in Japan. It’s the most crowded spot with many attractions. There are a lot of places to visit and keep visitors entertained throughout the year. The most famous tourist spot is its wooden stage which is just behind the main hall. The best time to see the autumn foliage from the main hall is in late November, if you have a chance, try to see the sunset on the stage which makes the scenery more magical with autumn colors.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
6am – 6pm (extended opening times in summer).
¥400
9. Tofuku-ji Temple
As well as Eikando Temple, another major attraction during the foliage season is Tofuku-ji Temple. There are 2,000 maple trees that change their color to red in November. Since the size is big, there are many autumn color viewing points. The most well-known viewpoint is the Tsutenkyo Bridge.
Tofuku-ji is located in southeastern Kyoto, close to Fushimi Inari Shrine (the shrine famous for its ten thousand vermilion gates). So, maybe it is a nice plan to visit Tofuku-ji before/after Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Tofuku-ji Temple
¥400
10. Bishamondo Temple
The location of Bisyamondo Temple is far-eastern Kyoto (The closest station is JR or Keihan Yamashina Station). Not very well-known, but Bisyamondo is also highly recommended to enjoy the autumn foliage view. If you come to Bishamondo during the peak of the foliage season, it will be entirely filled with red autumn colors! Being away from the center and due to the low awareness, it is a true hidden gem.
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
We hope you will have a wonderful time in Kyoto. Where in Kyoto would you like to go and see the beautiful autumn colors?
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Happy traveling!
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