Autumn is when Kyoto shines most beautifully.
In Kyoto, where I spent my student days, the entire city is adorned with vibrant autumn leaves when fall arrives, creating a breathtaking contrast with the old townscape.
The autumn leaves viewed while strolling leisurely along the riverside, the beauty of the foliage experienced in the tranquility of temples, and the depth of history – I wanted people from around the world to experience the emotions I felt, which is why I decided to write this article.
During an autumn trip to Kyoto, you shouldn't miss out on not only the autumn leaf viewing but also the seasonal cuisine and events. You can warm yourself from the core with yudofu (hot tofu), indulge in exquisite sweets made with Tamba chestnuts, and at the Jidai Matsuri festival, you can feel as if you've traveled back in time.
I hope you'll experience the Kyoto autumn filled with my memories. It's the best season to feel the beauty and depth of the ancient capital with all your senses.
After reading this article, why not plan an unforgettable autumn trip to Kyoto?
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・Best Time and Famous Spots for Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
・Festivals and Events Coloring Kyoto's Autumn
・Savoring Kyoto's Autumn Cuisine and Seasonal Ingredients
・Tips for Autumn Travel in Kyoto
Best Time and Famous Spots for Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
Autumn is the best season for sightseeing in Kyoto. Vibrant autumn leaves color various parts of the city, creating picturesque scenery that looks like a painting. Kyoto has many famous spots for autumn leaves, so an autumn trip to Kyoto is highly recommended.
Best Time for Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
Typically, Kyoto's autumn leaves reach their peak from mid to late November. However, this can vary slightly depending on the temperature and sunlight conditions of that year.
Some places color earlier, while others can be enjoyed until early December, so the best viewing time varies slightly depending on the location.
Kyoto has so many famous spots for autumn leaves that you can enjoy beautiful foliage all around Kyoto from mid-November to early December.
Must-Visit Spots in the Arashiyama Area for Autumn Leaves
When it comes to famous spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto, Arashiyama is a representative area. The view of autumn leaves from Togetsukyo Bridge is breathtakingly beautiful, and just walking along the riverside is enjoyable enough. But there are several other unmissable autumn leaf spots in the Arashiyama area.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple is the premier spot for autumn leaves in Arashiyama. The autumn foliage in the Sogenchi Garden, in particular, is spectacular. As you walk through the garden, trees colored red and yellow are reflected in the water surface, creating a breathtaking view.
You can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves throughout the temple grounds, so it's a place I definitely want you to visit when you come to Arashiyama. It's a place I visited every year during my student days, so it brings back nostalgic memories. The best viewing time is from mid to late November.
Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/en/
Jojakkoji Temple
The highlight of Jojakkoji Temple is undoubtedly the collaboration of moss and autumn leaves. The sight of bright red autumn leaves covering the green moss is breathtakingly beautiful.
This temple is located on a small hill, so you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Arashiyama from the grounds. It's a recommended spot for those who want to leisurely enjoy the scenery.
The best viewing time is about a week from mid-November. It's about a 15-minute walk from Tenryuji Temple.
Website: https://jojakko-ji.or.jp/
Hogonin Temple
Hogonin Temple, located right next to Tenryuji Temple, is a hidden gem that's only open to the public during special viewing periods in spring and autumn. The illumination during the autumn leaf season is extremely popular, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical scenery different from daytime.
I recommend visiting after the sun sets. The illuminated autumn leaves appear even more vibrant than during the day.
The best viewing time is from mid-November to early December. It's a hidden gem, so I definitely recommend visiting.
Website: https://hogonin.jp/en/
Nisonin Temple
Nisonin Temple is a famous spot for autumn leaves located in a particularly quiet area within the Arashiyama area. The contrast between the beautiful Japanese garden and the bright red autumn leaves is truly moving.
If you want to enjoy autumn leaves leisurely in Arashiyama, I recommend this place. Compared to other spots, there are fewer people, so you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
The best viewing time is from mid to late November. It's about a 20-minute walk from Tenryuji Temple.
Website: https://nisonin.jp/?lang=en
If you are interested in Arashiyama, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Arashiyama as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Other Famous Autumn Leaf Spots in Kyoto
Kyoto has many wonderful autumn leaf spots besides Arashiyama. I'll introduce some of my recommendations, from popular spots to hidden gems.
Tofukuji Temple
Tofukuji Temple is known as one of the best spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto. The view from the Tsutenkyo Bridge in the temple grounds is spectacular! Recently, many people have been visiting to see this view.
I think it's worth visiting even if you're prepared for crowds. That overwhelming scenery is sure to become a lifelong memory. The best viewing time is from mid-November to early December.
You can access it by taking a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line. The small path from the station to the temple is also beautiful with autumn leaves.
Website: https://tofukuji.jp/
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a well-known super popular tourist spot in Kyoto, is also famous for its autumn leaves.
The view from the main hall's stage, in particular, is spectacular. It's truly a "breathtaking" scenery that unfolds before you.
However, the best viewing time is later, from late November to early December. I recommend enjoying both the daytime scenery and the nighttime illumination.
For access, I recommend walking from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line or Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line. If you have time, take a stroll along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka on the way, as the autumn leaves there are beautiful too.
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
If you are interested in Kiyomizu-dera Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji Temple, located next to Kiyomizudera Temple, is another must-visit autumn leaf spot. The vibrant autumn leaves that fill the temple grounds and the contrast with the white sand are truly beautiful. The nighttime illumination, in particular, is fantastical and popular as a date spot.
The best viewing time is from mid to late November. I recommend visiting along with Kiyomizudera Temple to enjoy different expressions of autumn leaves during day and night. It's on the way to Kiyomizudera Temple, so why not drop by?
Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html
Rurikoin Temple
When it comes to hidden gems for autumn leaves in Kyoto, Rurikoin Temple is a must-mention. It's a truly secluded spot that's only open to the public during the autumn season.
The autumn leaves of the garden reflected on the black-based floor are so beautiful it takes your breath away. Even I, who lived in Kyoto for a while, was captivated by this beauty. Although access is a bit inconvenient, I believe it's absolutely worth visiting if you have time.
There are routes using trains and buses, but my recommendation is to take the Keihan Electric Railway to Demachiyanagi Station and then use the Eizan Electric Railway.
It's about a 15-minute walk from the last stop, "Yase-Hieizanguchi Station" on the Eizan Electric Railway. Just walking along the quiet mountain path will make you feel detached from everyday life.
Website: https://rurikoin.komyoji.com/
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.
sena kanda
Festivals and Events Coloring Kyoto's Autumn
Kyoto's autumn is not just about autumn leaves; you shouldn't miss the festivals and events either. Among them, the most famous is the Jidai Matsuri. Why not participate in this historical festival and experience a feeling of traveling back in time?
Jidai Matsuri
Source: Wikipedia
The Jidai Matsuri, held every year on October 22nd, is a traditional festival counted as one of Kyoto's three major festivals. It's a grand parade where about 2,000 participants dressed in historical costumes from the Heian period to the Meiji period march through the streets of Kyoto.
Just seeing the costumes that exude a long history makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time.
You can access it by taking about a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the subway Tozai Line. But if you're coming from around Gion-Shijo or Kawaramachi, I recommend walking for 20-30 minutes.
Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/festival/jidaisai.html
Autumn Leaves Illumination
An essential part of an autumn trip to Kyoto is the illumination of autumn leaves. It's popular because you can enjoy a fantastical beauty of autumn leaves different from daytime.
In Kyoto, many temples and shrines, mainly in the Higashiyama area including the standard spots like Kiyomizudera Temple and Kodaiji Temple, hold illumination events. It's interesting to enjoy the difference from the autumn leaves you saw during the day.
Of course, you need to be prepared for crowds. But I think it's worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. If you immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of the autumn leaves, it's sure to become a special memory different from daytime.
If you are interested in Autumn Leaves in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Autumn Leaves as much as possible.
sena kanda
Savoring Kyoto's Autumn Cuisine and Seasonal Ingredients
After enjoying Kyoto's autumn leaves, let's savor the tastes of autumn. Kyoto is a city where food culture has developed since ancient times. You can enjoy various autumn-specific tastes. Among them, chestnuts and yudofu (hot tofu) are unmissable.
Sweets Using Tamba Chestnuts
When it comes to representative autumn flavors in Kyoto, it's Tamba chestnuts. The large chestnuts produced in the Tamba region are characterized by their strong sweetness and fluffy texture. During this season, traditional Japanese confectionery shops in Kyoto like "Tawara-ya Yoshitomi" line up exquisite sweets using Tamba chestnuts.
In addition to traditional sweets like chestnut kinton and manju, some shops also offer autumn-specific sweets like exquisite Mont Blanc and parfaits using Tamba chestnuts.
I, too, during my student days, almost always went to eat chestnut sweets when autumn came. During this season, I definitely recommend you peek into Kyoto's sweet shops and look for chestnut confections.
Website: https://kyogashi.co.jp/
Yudofu (Hot Tofu)
Yudofu is an autumn and winter delicacy in Kyoto that warms you from the core. Yudofu, which concentrates the umami of tofu itself, stands out for its quality ingredients because of its simple seasoning.
While there are many long-established restaurants famous for yudofu, the reality is that they often require reservations or are expensive, making it difficult to visit casually. But don't worry. There are also affordable restaurants where you can eat delicious yudofu without a reservation near tourist areas.
Recommended Yudofu Restaurant 1: Takinoya
Source: Tabelog by array911
"Takinoya" is a casual eatery located within the grounds of Kiyomizudera Temple. In addition to yudofu, they also have a rich menu including udon and soba noodles. I'm glad that you can use it without a reservation and at a reasonable price of about 1000 to 1500 yen per person.
It's a perfect shop for a break after exploring Kiyomizudera Temple. Why not casually enjoy the taste of yudofu while sightseeing?
<Store Information>
Address: Beside Otowa Waterfall, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Grounds, 1 Chome-302 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 075-561-5117
Hours: 10 AM–4 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26002922/
Recommended Yudofu Restaurant 2: Okabeya
Source: Tabelog by Karin11223
"Okabeya" is a popular yudofu restaurant located on Ninenzaka, the approach to Kiyomizudera Temple. It's reputed that you can enjoy a Kyoto-style yudofu course for about 3000 yen.
You need to be prepared to line up before opening as it's an extremely popular shop with inevitable queues. But I think it's well worth it. If you come to Kyoto in autumn, it's a famous restaurant you should visit at least once.
<Store Information>
Address: 2 Chome-239 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862
Closed: None
Phone: 075-541-7111
Hours: 10:30 AM–5 PM
Website: https://www.okabeya.com/lang/en.html
Tips for Autumn Travel in Kyoto
Lastly, I'll introduce some useful tips to fully enjoy your autumn trip to Kyoto. Knowing these in advance should increase your satisfaction with the trip even more.
Check Autumn Leaf Information Around October
Although the autumn leaves in Kyoto are usually at their best from mid to late November, they can be quite delayed depending on the climate of that year. In recent years, due to the effects of global warming, there have been more years when it's considerably later.
You want to make travel plans early, but you also want to aim for the best viewing time if possible. In such cases, I recommend checking autumn leaf information frequently from around October.
I do this every year too, and visit temples and shrines at the best timing. Please catch the latest best viewing forecasts on the official websites of each tourist spot.
Clothing Tips
In my experience, Kyoto during this season has significant temperature differences between day and night. Even if it's hot enough to sweat during the day, it can suddenly get cold in the evening. What comes in handy at such times is easy-to-put-on-and-take-off outerwear like cardigans.
For footwear, the point is to choose with a focus on comfort for walking. In Kyoto, you may walk mountain paths in search of spectacular views.
Advice on What to Bring
During Kyoto's autumn leaf season, there are so many opportunities to take photos. When faced with spectacular views, you tend to get absorbed in taking pictures. But what becomes troublesome then is the battery drain of your camera or smartphone.
During my student days, I once had to search around for a charging spot due to a dead battery. Since then, I've added a mobile battery to my travel essentials. It's really reassuring to have one, and you can immerse yourself in photographing autumn leaves all day.
Also, try to avoid carrying large luggage as much as possible. Kyoto has many sights to see, so you end up walking quite a distance in a day. Moreover, tourist spots are overflowing with people, so it's often difficult to walk with a large bag.
There are coin lockers where you can store your luggage around Kyoto Station and major tourist spots. Please use them wisely and enjoy sightseeing lightly.
This city, full of my memories from when I lived in Kyoto, becomes a treasury of spectacular views in autumn. Wonderful autumn leaves, gourmet food, and exciting traditional events are waiting for you.
But you might get confused because there are too many attractive spots. At such times, please remember this article. If you follow my recommended select spots based on my actual living experience, you should be able to have a highly satisfying Kyoto trip!
If you are interested in Events in October, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Events as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
If you are interested in Events in November, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Events as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari