If you haven’t visited Kyoto yet in autumn, this is now your sign to do so. Autumn in Kyoto is a magical experience, with vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow blanketing the historic city. Expect picturesque scenery at every turn — imagine the numerous momiji (maple leaves) and ginkgo trees adding beautiful autumn hues to the various temples, shrines, and gardens throughout the city. This breathtaking beauty, however, draws a huge number of visitors during fall, so expect huge crowds, especially at popular tourist spots.
We know what you’re probably thinking — where’s the fun in that, right? Don’t fret: we’re here to help you experience the best of Kyoto in Autumn at your own pace. Check out our guide for hidden spots in Kyoto and more!
What to expect during autumn in Kyoto?
As summer fades and temperatures drop, the vibrant green of nature transforms into the fiery colors of autumn foliage. Kyoto, renowned for its historic shrines and temples, is considered one of the top destinations for viewing autumn leaves in Japan. Many temples, including Kinkakuji Temple, provide breathtaking views that make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a picture-perfect postcard. Additionally, a lot of temples hold special night illuminations, which add to the dreamlike atmosphere.
The crisp air and clear skies make it an ideal season for leisurely walks and photography, too. If you’re visiting during this season, be sure to have enough storage space on your devices because you’ll be snapping a lot of photos!
Enjoy a convenient private car transfer service from the Kansai International Airport (KIX) to downtown Kyoto. Book this private car service in advance via KKday.
When is the best time to go to Kyoto for fall foliage?
The best time to visit Kyoto for fall foliage is from mid-November to early December. The autumn leaves are at their brightest by the second week of November. This peak period can vary, though, depending on the weather conditions and temperature, so it’s best to check Japan’s fall foliage forecast so you can schedule your autumn travel dates properly.
Enjoy Kansai’s most popular attractions, minus the queue. Get up close and personal with the deer at Nara Park, visit Todaiji Temple, and pray for blessings at the Fushimi Inari Shrine through this day tour.
Off-the-beaten autumn spots in Kyoto
Want to avoid the huge crowds while viewing Kyoto’s vibrant autumn foliage? We got you. Here are our top picks for the best hidden spots to enjoy Kyoto’s autumn scenery.
Enkoji Temple
Start your leaf-peeping adventure in Kyoto at Enkoji Temple, a Zen temple renowned for its beautiful gardens and autumn foliage. Located a stone’s throw away from the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, this lesser-known temple was founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601, the same shogun who started the Edo period in Japan. Historically, Enkoji Temple once served as a school, before becoming a seminary for women, then later on turning into the temple that it is today.
Enko-ji Temple is known for its picturesque gardens. One has a pond and maple trees, which transform into vibrant colors of reds and oranges during autumn, while the other is a dry landscape rock garden that symbolizes a flying dragon. A small hill behind the garden provides you with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding city and the temple, adding to the overall serenity of this place. Plus, if Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is too crowded for your liking, you’ll be pleased to know that this temple has a small bamboo grove, too!
Location: 13 Ichijōji Kotanichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8147, Japan
Website: https://www.enkouji.jp/
Contact no:+81-75-781-8025
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, transfer to the Keihan Main Line, and alight at the final stop, Demachiyanagi Station. From there, take the Eizan Railways to Ichijoji Station. The whole trip takes about 40 minutes one way.
Travel conveniently across Kyoto and in the West Kansai Area through this JR West Kansai-Hiroshima Pass.
Takao Area
Located on the north side of Saga-Arashiyama, the Takao Area in Kyoto is a wooded valley filled with historic temples. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, particularly in November when the autumn colors peak earlier than in other areas due to the valley’s high elevation.
Go temple-hopping or visit any of these historic temples:
- Konzanji Temple: This temple, recognized as a World Heritage Site, was built during the Nara period in the 12th century. Inside, you can view what is considered the origin of Japanese manga—a scroll featuring caricatures of animals, birds, and humans. Additionally, this site is the birthplace of tea cultivation in Japan, and tea picking activities are still celebrated at the temple every May!
- Jingoji Temple: The most popular among the three Takao temples, Jingoji Temple draws visitors to its site since its construction due to its spectacular views of autumn foliage. Upon entering the temple grounds, you’ll see a long set of stone stairs that lead to the temple’s main entrance hall, framed by gorgeous maple trees.
- Saimyoji Temple: Originally built as a detached temple of the Jingoji Temple, this temple is located between Konsanji and Jingoji across a stunning vermilion bridge that stretches over a river, surrounded by maple trees.How to get there: Takao is connected to central Kyoto via local JR buses and Kyoto city buses. From Kyoto Station, you can take a JR bus to Takao, which takes 50 minutes one way. Alternatively, you can board the Kyoto City Bus number 8, which departs from Shijo-Karasuma and takes 45 minutes one way.
Gioji Temple
Gioji Temple, a small and serene spot in Arashiyama’s lush moss garden. Inside, you’ll find a statue of Dainichi Nyorai, the Buddha of Light, along with other historically significant statues.
The temple is quaint compared to the others, but don’t underestimate its beauty. In summer, it’s stunning in a deep shade of green. Come autumn, the warm and vibrant hues of the autumn leaves stand in beautiful contrast with the green moss.
Location: 32 Kosaka-cho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8435
Website: https://www.giouji.or.jp/
Contact no: 075-861-3574
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
>How to get there: The temple is a 25-minute walk from JR Sagano Line Saga-Arashiyama Station and Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Station.
Shinsendo Temple
Shinsendo Temple is a former villa that attracts visitors with its beautiful dry landscape garden and tranquil atmosphere. Its name, meaning “Hermit’s Retreat,” reflects its history as the retirement residence of a famous scholar and poet.
Currently, hanging ink-brushed poems and portraits of ancient Chinese poets decorate the temple’s beautiful walls. Additionally, from the study, you can enjoy the captivating beauty of the landscape garden. This garden boasts dwarf azaleas and, notably, maple trees that transform into a stunning orange during the fall season.
Address: 27 Ichijoji Monguchicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8154, Japan
Contact no: +81 75-781-2954
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take bus #5 to Ichijoji-kudari-matsumachi bus stop. The temple is about a seven-minute walk from there. From Demachiyanagi Station, take the Eizan Main Line to Ichijoji Station. It is about a 15-minute walk east from there.
Local tips for avoiding crowds during autumn in Kyoto
Here’s how to navigate Kyoto’s autumn scenery to avoid huge crowds.
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- Go early or late. Try to arrive at popular attractions right when they open (usually around 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.) or visit an hour or two right before closing time.
- Visit on weekdays. Whenever possible, target to schedule your visits on weekdays, especially from Tuesdays – Thursdays. Weekends, especially around the peak season in late November, are extremely crowded. Avoid national holidays.
- Explore less popular temples and residential neighborhoods. Kyoto is best explored on foot! Go off the beaten path and explore lesser-known residential neighborhoods. This is where you’ll most likely discover smaller and charming temples, where you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage without the huge crowds.
- Use public transportation wisely. Buses can also get easily jam-packed. Aside from exploring on foot, consider renting a bike to explore the city.Another option is to glide through the autumn scenery of Kyoto by embarking on the Sagano Romantic Train. It’s a sightseeing railway that connects Arashiyama and Kameoka and takes you through the unparalleled beauty of Kyoto’s autumn landscapes.
- Book in advance. Hotels, inns, and guesthouses fill up quickly — consider booking your accommodation at least several months before your trip.
- Consider evening illuminations. Many temples offer special evening illuminations during autumn. While popular, if you go right at the beginning or towards the very end of the illumination period, you might encounter fewer people than during peak hours.
Discover these other Kyoto autumn experiences via KKday and add them to your itinerary!
