November in Kyoto is a special time when autumn leaves reach their peak, painting the entire city in beautiful fall colors.
During the day, you can enjoy vibrant autumn foliage, and at night, you'll be captivated by the fantastical illuminated autumn leaves at temples. It's also the most pleasant time of the year in terms of climate.
Additionally, there are various attractive events, from traditional festivals that recreate the elegant atmosphere of the Heian period to gourmet events where you can enjoy vegan cuisine.
In this article, I'll introduce autumn leaf illumination events, traditional festivals, and gourmet events scheduled for November 2024 in Kyoto. Use this as a reference for your trip to experience the deepening autumn in the ancient capital of Kyoto.
Many events still have undecided schedules, so I plan to update this article regularly. If you're visiting Kyoto in November in 2024, I recommend bookmarking this page.
If you are interested in Autumn in Kyoto, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Autumn in Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Table of Contents
・Natural Highlights in Kyoto in November 2024
・Traditional Events and Festivals in Kyoto in November 2024
・Special Experiences in Kyoto in November
・Gourmet Events in Kyoto in November 2024
Natural Highlights in Kyoto in November 2024
When thinking of November in Kyoto, the first thing that comes to mind is autumn leaves. I still vividly remember the excitement I felt when I first experienced autumn in Kyoto. While the vibrant autumn leaves during the day are wonderful, the fantastical scenery of illuminated leaves at night is indescribably beautiful.
Famous temples and gardens in Kyoto hold elaborate illumination events every year. I think one of the charms of Kyoto's autumn leaves is that you can enjoy different atmospheres at each location.
Here, I'll introduce carefully selected locations that you should definitely visit in November 2024 for autumn leaves and illumination events. These are all places where I've personally visited and been deeply moved.
When is the Best Time to See Autumn Leaves?
Generally, the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto is from mid to late November. However, leaves in mountainous areas may start changing color earlier. Also, it's difficult to predict the exact timing as it varies depending on the temperature and rainfall of that year.
From my experience, if you visit around the third week of November, you can enjoy spectacular autumn leaves at most locations.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Planned for Mid-November to Late November 2024)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a representative autumn leaf viewing spot in Kyoto. The nighttime illumination is particularly magical. When I first saw it, I was breathless at its beauty. The view from the main hall's stage is spectacular, offering a panoramic view of the autumn-colored scenery.
The peak time for autumn leaves at Kiyomizu-dera is relatively late, often peaking from late November to early December. The 2024 illumination schedule hasn't been announced yet, but in 2023, it was held from November 18 (Sat) to November 30 (Thu), from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The entrance fee is 600 yen per person.
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Schedule: Planned for mid-November to late November 2024
Access: About a 25-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line
Entrance fee: 600 yen
Website
If you are interested in Kiyomizu Dera Temple, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Kodai-ji Temple (Planned for Late October to Early December 2024)
Kodai-ji Temple is known for its autumn leaves within the temple grounds and the beauty of its garden. What's particularly impressive is the stunning view created by the contrast between the autumn leaves and white sand. When I first visited, I was captivated by its harmonious beauty.
The best time to see autumn leaves at Kodai-ji is from mid to late November. The 2024 illumination schedule hasn't been announced yet, but in 2023, it was held from October 21 (Sat) to December 10 (Sun), from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:30 PM). The entrance fee is 600 yen per person.
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Schedule: Planned for late October to early December 2024
Access: About a 15-20 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line
Entrance fee: 600 yen
Website
Hogon-in Temple (Planned for Mid-November to Early December 2024)
Hogon-in is a hidden autumn leaf spot right next to Tenryu-ji Temple, a famous site in Arashiyama. What's particularly noteworthy is that it's a special place that can only be entered in spring and autumn. When I first visited, I felt like I was stepping into a secret garden and was overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty.
The best time to see autumn leaves at Hogon-in is from mid-November to early December. The illumination is particularly popular. While the 2024 schedule hasn't been announced yet, in 2023, it was held from November 11 (Sat) to December 3 (Sun), from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The entrance fee is 600 yen per person.
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Schedule: Planned for mid-November to early December 2024
Access: From Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From the Gion area or Osaka, take the Hankyu Railway to Arashiyama Station
Entrance fee: 600 yen
Website
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Odoi (Planned for Mid-November to Early December 2024)
Source: Kyoto Tourism Official Website
The Odoi at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is part of the earthen embankment built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi around Kyoto in 1591. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of autumn leaves along the "Odoi" flowing alongside a stream.
While the 2024 illumination schedule hasn't been announced yet, in 2023, it was held from November 11 (Sat) to December 3 (Sun), from sunset to 8:00 PM. The entrance fee is 1,200 yen per person, including tea and sweets.
I recommend visiting from the evening. You can enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves as the sun sets and the fantastical illuminated landscape. The reflection of the riverside autumn leaves on the water surface is particularly spectacular. Being able to enjoy autumn leaves while having tea and sweets is also a unique charm of this place.
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Schedule: Planned for mid-November to early December 2024
Access: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 50 for about 35 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae". From the Gion area, take the Keihan Railway to Demachiyanagi Station, then take Kyoto City Bus Route 203 for about 20 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae"
Entrance fee: 1,200 yen
Website
Traditional Events and Festivals in Kyoto in November 2024
November in Kyoto is not only beautiful for its autumn leaves but also enjoyable for its traditional events and festivals.
What I look forward to every year is being able to feel Kyoto's deep history and culture firsthand through these traditional events. Here, I'll introduce traditional events and festivals to be held in November 2024.
Fushimi Inari Shrine Hitakisai (November 8, 2024)
The Hitakisai at Fushimi Inari Shrine is a traditional festival to give thanks for the autumn harvest. It's one of the largest of its kind in Japan, and its grandeur is truly impressive. When I first participated, I was overwhelmed by the enormous flames rising up, feeling as if I had time-traveled back to an ancient ritual.
The center of the festival is the three fire beds set up in the ritual area behind the main shrine. Here, straw from the rice harvested in the shrine's sacred rice fields is burned to send the gods who brought blessings back to the mountains. The sight of flames rising high into the sky is mystical and overwhelmingly powerful.
This festival, held every year on November 8, is beloved by many as an autumn tradition in Kyoto. I look forward to this day every year. After the Hitakisai, walking around the shrine grounds and visiting the thousand torii gates is also a wonderful experience.
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Date: November 8, 2024
Access: Get off at Inari Station on the JR Nara Line, or a 5-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Main Line
Entrance fee: Free
Website
If you are interested in Fushimi Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Fushimi
as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Arashiyama Momiji Festival (November 10, 2024)
Source: THE Arashiyama
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a wonderful event that recreates the boat excursions of Heian aristocrats from over 1000 years ago. Various traditional performances on the boats provide a precious opportunity to experience the culture of old Kyoto firsthand.
What's particularly impressive is that you can take a cruise wearing Heian period costumes. I tried it once myself, and when I put on that heavy costume and looked at Arashiyama dyed in autumn colors, I really felt like I had time-traveled back to the Heian period.
This event is held on the second Sunday of November every year, and in 2024, it's scheduled for November 10. It often coincides with the peak of autumn leaves, allowing you to enjoy it along with the beautiful scenery of Arashiyama.
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Date: November 10, 2024
Access: From Kyoto Station, get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR San-in Main Line. From the Gion area or Osaka, get off at Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Railway
Entrance fee: Free
Website
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
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Ochatsubo Hokensai (Late November 2024)
Source: Kitano Tenmangu Official Website
The Ochatsubo Hokensai at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a traditional festival where tea leaves are offered.
The sight of tea produced in various parts of Kyoto, including Uji, being packed into beautifully decorated pots and carried by a procession in traditional costumes is truly impressive. When I first saw it, I was fascinated by its solemn atmosphere and beautiful costumes.
The procession departs from the first torii gate at 10:45 AM. The graceful steps of the participants and the solemn atmosphere are impressive. This festival is a precious opportunity to feel the depth of Kyoto's tea culture.
While the 2024 schedule hasn't been announced yet, in 2023, it was held on November 26 (Sun). As it's held in late November every year, it's expected to be around the same time in 2024 as well.
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Date: Late November 2024
Access: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus Route 50 for about 35 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae". From the Gion area, take the Keihan Railway to Demachiyanagi Station, then take Kyoto City Bus Route 203 for about 20 minutes and get off at "Kitano Tenmangu-mae"
Entrance fee: Free
Website
Special Experiences in Kyoto in November
Besides autumn leaves and festivals, there are temples and shrines in Kyoto that open only during this season, offering special experiences.
I look forward to these special openings every year. It's truly an autumn-only experience where you can see precious cultural properties and artworks that are usually not accessible.
Hokyoji Temple Autumn Doll Exhibition (About Two Weeks in Early November 2024)
Source: Wikipedia
Hokyoji Temple, located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, is known as the "Doll Temple". The autumn doll exhibition held here is one of the events I look forward to every year. Many historical Japanese dolls owned by Hokyoji Temple are displayed, and I'm always amazed by their beauty and intricacy.
The dolls on display range from the Edo period to modern times. What's particularly impressive is the expressions and decorations of the dolls reflecting the aesthetic sense and techniques of each era. It's a precious opportunity to see the transition of Japanese doll culture all at once.
While the dates for 2024 are undecided, in 2023 it was held from November 1-14. As it's usually held for about two weeks in early November every year, it's expected to be around the same time in 2024.
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Date: About two weeks in early November 2024
Access: About a 5-minute walk from "Horikawa Teranouchi" bus stop on Kyoto City Bus. Alternatively, you can walk for about 15 minutes from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Entrance fee: 600 yen
Website
Special Opening of Kyoto's Non-Public Cultural Properties (Late October to Late November 2024)
The special opening of Kyoto's non-public cultural properties is a special event held in collaboration between an organization called the Kyoto Ancient Cultural Preservation Association and various temples and shrines.
Buddha statues and other items that are usually not open to the public are successively opened at various temples and shrines around November.
While the autumn 2024 dates are undecided, it's often held from late October to late November every year. In 2023, it was held at more than 10 locations including Kinkaku-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine. It's a special opportunity to see precious cultural properties that are usually not accessible at each temple and shrine.
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Date: Late October to Late November 2024
Access: Varies by temple/shrine
Entrance fee: Varies by temple/shrine
Website
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If you are interested in Kinkakuji, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Gourmet Events in Kyoto in November 2024
November in Kyoto offers not only traditional events but also modern gourmet events to enjoy. Here, I'll introduce the vegan gourmet festival that I'm particularly looking forward to.
Vegan Gourmet Festival (November 10, 2024)
The Vegan Gourmet Festival is Japan's largest gourmet festival specializing in VEGAN / PLANT BASED food. You can enjoy various completely plant-based dishes.
In the past, creative dishes like vegan sushi and vegan pancakes have been popular.
This event is held from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and admission is free. The key to enjoying it is to stroll around and visit various stalls while eating. I look forward to encountering new flavors every time.
It's scheduled to be held on November 10, 2024 as well. I recommend combining it with autumn leaf viewing, a Kyoto autumn tradition. It's a modern Kyoto experience where you can enjoy new food culture while also appreciating the traditional beauty of Kyoto.
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Date: November 10, 2024
Access: 30 seconds walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station on the JR Sagano Line. It's also about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, so walking is also a good option
Entrance fee: Free
Website
November 2024 in Kyoto is truly a treasure trove of attractive events. From traditional autumn leaf viewing to historic festivals, and modern gourmet events, you can enjoy various experiences.
Using this article as a reference, I hope you thoroughly enjoy the autumn in Kyoto where history, nature, tradition, and modern elements are perfectly harmonized!
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