Kyoto is Japan's premier tourist destination, home to traditional buildings and temples such as Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangendo. The famous Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its 1000 torii gates. The city is brimming with beautiful, historical tourist spots.
Kyoto is also rich in nature. Many shrines and temples are surrounded by forests and mountains. The Kamo River, flowing through Kyoto city, is beloved as a symbol of Kyoto.
Kyoto's nature transforms into vibrant colors during the autumn foliage season. As a nature enthusiast, I'll introduce you to the must-visit spots in Kyoto during the fall foliage season.
If you are interested in Kyoto in Autumn, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto in Autumn as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Autumn is the Best Season for Tourism as Kyoto is Enveloped in Fall Colors
Kyoto attracts tourists year-round, but the autumn foliage season sees the highest number of visitors. In fall, the entire city is wrapped in vibrant autumn colors.
The popularity stems from the breathtaking sight of trees with red and yellow leaves alongside historical buildings. In Japan, enjoying autumn foliage is considered a culturally beautiful activity.
Kyoto's fall colors begin in October and reach their peak from late November to early December. This period is the best season for tourism when Kyoto shines most beautifully throughout the year. Enjoy Kyoto's autumn beauty by visiting the highlights introduced in this article.
Fall Foliage Spots Best Viewed from Late October to Early November
Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple
Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei typically starts showing autumn colors from late October, earlier than the Kyoto city center. The fall foliage on Mount Hiei begins at the summit and gradually spreads down to the foot of the mountain, turning the entire mountain red.
The highlight is the Momiji Festival, held annually for a month starting around October 20th. Mount Hiei boasts 2000 maple trees and 1000 cherry trees, which turn vivid colors during the festival period. The festival also features free lotteries by Enryaku-ji Temple and autumn vegetable soup offerings.
Mount Hiei has a driveway, making it possible to enjoy the autumn foliage from a taxi or car. However, be cautious of the winding mountain roads if you're prone to motion sickness. If you're traveling to Kyoto in October, enjoy an early taste of Kyoto's autumn at Mount Hiei.
Facility Information:
- Address: 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0775780001
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 500 yen
Takao Area
source：Souda Kyoto Ikou
The Takao area also begins showing early autumn colors from late October. This area refers to the region around Mount Takao's streets, including three temples famous for their fall foliage: Jingo-ji, Saimyo-ji in Makino-o, and Kozanji in Toganoo.
Jingo-ji is covered in maple trees. During the fall foliage season, these maples turn beautiful colors, adorning the 1000-year-old temple. Every view is like a painting. At Saimyo-ji, you can see autumn leaves alongside rare cherry blossoms that bloom in fall. Between Jingo-ji and Kozanji flows the beautiful Kiyotaki River. A stroll along this path while viewing the fall colors is also recommended.
The Takao Momiji-chan Festival is held for three days around November 5th each year. During this period, you can enjoy markets and photo contests. The Takao area is in the mountains, so expect a mountain hiking experience. It's especially recommended for those who want to enjoy hiking in nature along with the autumn foliage.
(Jingo-ji Temple)
- Address: 5 Umegahata Takaocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0758611769
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 1000 yen
Kibune Area (Kibune Shrine)
source：KYOTO SANGYOU UNIVERSITY
The Kibune area around Mount Kurama and Mount Kibune also reaches its fall foliage peak in October. Kibune Shrine, surrounded by a beautiful river, is located in this area.
The main attraction in the Kibune area is the light-up event covering the entire area from sunset to 8:30 PM. The entire mountain's autumn foliage and Kibune Shrine are illuminated, creating a magical scene. Soft lantern lights are placed along the traditional stone-paved paths.
The Eizan Electric Railway is another highlight. This scenic train is famous for passing through a tunnel of autumn foliage on Mount Kibune. During the event period, the train's interior lights are turned off at night, allowing passengers to view the illuminated fall colors through specially large windows. The slow-moving train also provides ample opportunities for photography.
The event starts in early November. If you want to see magical lights and autumn foliage, be sure to visit the Kibune area.
Facility Information:
- Address: 4220 Sakamoto Honmachi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0775780001
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Admission: 500 yen
If you are interested in Kibune Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kibune Hiking as much as possible.
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If you are interested in Kurama Dera, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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Fall Foliage Spots Best Viewed from Early to Mid-November
Arashiyama Area
source：caede-Kyoto
Arashiyama, a popular tourist area, reaches its fall foliage peak from early to mid-November, earlier than central Kyoto. Arashiyama is home to many temples known for their autumn colors, such as Tenryu-ji, Jingo-ji, and Daikaku-ji.
The highlight is Tenryu-ji, famous for its beautiful Japanese garden. The Sogen-chi Garden features a large pond that visitors can walk around to appreciate. Just behind the garden are Mount Arashiyama and Mount Kameyama. The most breathtaking view is of these mountains, dyed in autumn colors, reflected in the pond.
Early morning is especially beautiful, with the morning sun illuminating the vivid colors of the leaves and trees. It's also less crowded, allowing for a leisurely stroll. I highly recommend visiting Tenryu-ji and the Arashiyama area in the early morning.
(Tenryu-ji Temple)
- Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0758811235
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 800 yen
If you are interested in Arashiyama Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Sanzen-in Temple
source：Rurubu
Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Kyoto City, begins showing its best fall colors from early November, with the most beautiful foliage typically around November 15th.
Located about an hour by bus from Kyoto Station, Sanzen-in welcomes visitors with a picturesque path arched by red-tinted trees just beyond its traditional, beautiful gate.
From one of the temple buildings, you can view the famous Japanese garden called Shuheki-en. This garden is renowned for its beautiful moss. In autumn, the green moss contrasts beautifully with the fall foliage, creating an exceptionally elegant scene.
Moss covers much of Sanzen-in's grounds. The sight of countless red leaves fallen on the moss, creating a carpet-like effect, is famous and highly recommended by me as a must-see beauty.
Facility Information:
- Address: 540 Ohararaigoin-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0757442531
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 700 yen
Fall Foliage Spots Best Viewed from Mid-November to Early December
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The autumn colors at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous temples, begin in mid-November and typically last until early December.
Kiyomizu-dera has a stage-like area called "Butai" that offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city. The forest surrounding this stage turns a vibrant red during the fall season, famously appearing as if it's on fire.
From the scenic stage, you can also view the autumn colors of trees throughout Kyoto city and the surrounding mountains. Personally, I love Kiyomizu-dera most in autumn. It truly shines during this season.
Even if you've visited Kiyomizu-dera before, I highly recommend visiting again in autumn if you have the chance.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0755511234
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 500 yen
If you are interested in Kiyomizu Dera Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
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Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji Temple was built to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous Japanese warlord from the Warring States period. The temple's autumn colors begin in mid-November, attracting many tourists annually.
The highlight of Kodai-ji is its nighttime illumination of the fall foliage. The autumn leaves illuminated at night create a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime views. This popular event is highly praised by tourists.
Within the grounds is a pond called Garyo-chi. This quiet pond is known for its mirror-like surface that vividly reflects the autumn colors. This scene, called "reversed autumn colors," is a popular photo spot.
To see both the autumn colors at Garyo-chi and the illumination, try visiting Kodai-ji in the late afternoon, just before dark.
Facility Information:
- Address: 540 Ohararaigoin-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0757442531
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 700 yen
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
source：WALKER PLUS
Eikando Zenrinji Temple is located in Higashiyama. From mid-November, you can enjoy the autumn colors with Higashiyama as a backdrop. The fall foliage lasts until early December.
Eikando has been known as an autumn foliage spot for about 1000 years. The temple grounds are home to 3000 maple trees. The charm lies in the beautiful scenery created by a mix of red, yellow, and green maple leaves. The reflection of the beautiful bridge and autumn colors in the garden pond is also famous.
Pay attention to the historical Tahoto pagoda as well. The sight of this beautiful pagoda embraced by autumn colors with Higashiyama in the background creates a majestic scene steeped in history.
The beauty of Eikando, loved in Kyoto for 1000 years, is a must-see spot for those who appreciate classical and serene atmospheres.
Facility Information:
- Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0757610007
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 600 yen
Tofuku-ji Temple
source：caede-Kyoto
Tofuku-ji is a large temple complexly composed of many smaller temples. The autumn colors at Tofuku-ji begin to appear in mid-November, reaching their peak in late November. The foliage is still beautiful in early December, with the beauty of falling red leaves being an additional attraction during this time.
Tofuku-ji features a corridor bridge called Tsutenkyo that connects buildings. From this bridge, you can look down upon the sprawling autumn foliage below. The elegant atmosphere created by the combination of this historical 14th-century bridge and the beautiful scenery is exceptional. Tsutenkyo is so popular that long queues form every year.
Note that during the autumn season, photography from Tsutenkyo is prohibited due to crowding. While you can't take photos, be sure to imprint this special scene in your memory.
Facility Information:
- Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0755610087
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 500 yen
Rurikoin Temple
source：Souda Kyoto Ikou
Rurikoin Temple is located in the Yase area, slightly away from the city center. The autumn visiting period starts in October, with the peak season from mid-November to early December when the entire temple is enveloped in fiery red colors.
Being a temple in the mountains, Rurikoin is surrounded by abundant nature. The entire temple is covered in deep green moss.
The temple is famous for the beauty of red maple leaves quietly falling on the moss. First, enjoy the beauty of moss and autumn leaves in the "Yamaroji-no-niwa" garden just inside the gate.
Facility Information:
- Address: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Closed: None
- Phone: None
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Official Website
- Admission: 2000 yen
The View from Inside Rurikoin is Also Fantastical and Recommended
source： Official website
A highlight of Rurikoin is the view from inside. From the second floor of the building called "Shoin," you can appreciate the spectacular autumn foliage surrounding the building.
This Shoin has a large desk for writing. The desk surface becomes mirror-like, vividly reflecting the autumn colors. This scene is so beautiful that photos taken here have become a big topic on social media.
The contrast between the dark interior and the bright colors of the autumn leaves is striking. When visiting Rurikoin, be sure to enjoy the fantastical scenery from the Shoin. It's also recommended for those who want to take impressive photos.
If you are interested in Kyoto's Best Temples and Shrines, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Best Temples and Shrines I recommend and how I felt each Temples and Shrines.
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Guided Tours are Recommended for Enjoying Fall Foliage Spots
source：Rurubu
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
To fully enjoy the fall foliage spots, I recommend taking a guided tour with a local guide. This allows you to avoid crowds, follow the most scenic routes, and cover the highlights of each autumn spot.
For example, the Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour takes you through the bamboo forest and gardens of Arashiyama with a guide for half a day.
The Japanese gardens and autumn colors in Arashiyama should ideally be enjoyed in tranquility and relaxation. With a guide, you can move around calmly, avoiding noisy crowds. Additionally, you can gain a deeper understanding of how to appreciate the fall colors and gardens from a Japanese cultural perspective.
Don't miss the autumn season when Arashiyama is said to be at its most beautiful. Make your Arashiyama excursion a special experience with a tour guided by an expert.
4-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples
To more deeply enjoy the charm of Kyoto's autumn-colored streets, I recommend the 4-hour Kyoto Historical Highlights Bike Tour with UNESCO Zen Temples. Traveling by bicycle allows you to fully experience Kyoto's autumn, catching sights you might miss when moving by bus or train.
This tour focuses on Zen temples and takes you to various beautiful spots in Kyoto. Start by learning about Zen culture from your guide.
Nanzen-ji Temple, visited during the tour, has 300 maple trees that turn beautiful colors in autumn. Enjoy the scenery created by the old aqueduct within the temple grounds intertwined with vibrant autumn foliage.
While cycling, pay attention to the beauty of Kyoto's streets and rivers. The Kamo River area, in particular, is rich in nature. You can discover autumn flowers and small trees changing colors. This is the perfect tour for those who want to experience Kyoto's autumn while being active.
If you are interested in Walking Tours, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Walking Tours as much as possible.
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Precautions When Visiting Fall Foliage Spots
There are several things to keep in mind when visiting autumn foliage spots. First, tourist areas during the fall season are extremely crowded every year. Therefore, try to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people.
If you're planning to wear a kimono in Kyoto, remember that traditional kimonos can restrict movement for those not used to wearing them. Consider that it may be difficult to walk and you may tire easily. It's recommended to travel by taxi or take a tour with transportation provided.
At shrines, temples, and parks where you can view autumn colors, an understanding of manners and Japanese culture is expected. Loud voices and pushing through crowds are not welcome in Japan. Be sure to observe proper etiquette while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage.