Kyoto Autumn Foliage Viewing Day Tour | Enryakuji Temple, Hachimanbori, Ishinodera Temple, and Kyorinbo Night Light-Up | Depart from Osaka and Kyoto
- Enryakuji Temple, a World Heritage Site: Experience the majestic Zen atmosphere amidst the thousand-year-old temple and crimson foliage.
- Hachimanbori Water Village: Red maple leaves reflect the waterways and ancient bridges, showcasing the charm of Edo
- The tranquil ancient temple of Ishiji Temple: The temple and the maple forest complement each other, like a maple painting
- Jiaolinfang Night Lighting (Limited Access): As night falls, maple leaves intertwine with lights, creating a dreamy light and shadow that adds a touch of glamour to your journey.
- Departing from both Osaka and Kyoto: Direct buses eliminate transportation hassles and save time and effort
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Luggage limit | None |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Kansai in autumn is known as Japan's most beautiful autumn foliage viewing destination. Join this tour and visit the most representative autumn foliage spots near Kyoto.
After a good morning nap, depart from either Osaka or Kyoto, starting with Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves intertwine with the ancient temple, creating a solemn and tranquil scene. Next, visit Hachimanbori, known as "Little Kyoto." The stone walls, ancient bridge, and reflections of the autumn leaves create a sense of transport back to the Edo period.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Ishino-dera Temple, where the temple and the autumn foliage forest blend seamlessly together, a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Finally, we'll visit the highlight of this trip, Kyorinbo. This "red foliage temple," open for a limited time, offers a picturesque view of the garden during the day, while at night, the illuminated garden creates a dreamlike world of light and shadow, a breathtaking end to a day of autumn foliage viewing.
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—Important Notes—
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit (please inform us in advance when registering. If you fail to inform us in advance and the carriage is crowded, the driver has the right to refuse you boarding and the fee will not be refunded). The excess luggage will be charged 2,000 yen per piece on site.
- Children aged 0-2 years old can be carried in their arms without occupying a seat, and children aged 3 years and above can be carried with an adult. If you are not informed that a child does not occupy a seat, we reserve the right to refuse boarding and no refund will be given.
- The tour guide will not contact the passengers in advance. On the day of the tour, passengers need to go to the meeting point on their own and report to the tour guide or staff wearing a "yellow vest or holding a GOGODAY yellow flag". Please understand and cooperate with each other and follow the tour guide's arrangements.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day.
- Driver-guide service: Small groups of 1-13 people; Driver + guide service: Bus groups of 14-45 people, the actual number of people will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on the day.
[Jiaolinfang] Jiaolinfang is not just a temple. The spectacular Momoyama-era scenic garden with a row of moss-covered boulders and the thatched-roof academy create a quiet and peaceful secluded atmosphere.
The red leaves temple in Kyorinbang is open for a limited time - Night illumination time: November 15th to December 7th, illumination time is 17:30~19:00.
Enryakuji Temple, with approximately 1,200 years of history and heritage, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Enryakuji Temple comprises over 100 buildings spread across 1,700 hectares of Mount Hiei. The mountain is divided into three areas: the East Pagoda, the West Pagoda, and the Yokogawa area. Each area has its own main hall. The East Pagoda area is centered around the Konkon-chu-do Hall, the temple's birthplace.
Enryakuji Temple, located on Mount Hiei, on the border between Kyoto and Shiga, is the head temple of the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. With over 1,200 years of history, it is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. In autumn, Mount Hiei transforms into a world of crimson leaves, with ancient temples intertwined with maple forests, creating a majestic and dreamy scene.
The best time to view the red leaves is from late October to mid-November. Distribution of red leaves: Enryakuji Temple spans three main areas from the top of the mountain to the middle part (East Pagoda, West Pagoda, and Yokogawa). The time when the red leaves turn red varies slightly with the altitude, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of layered maple colors. Special landscapes: The Konponchudo (main hall) is surrounded by maple leaves, solemn and peaceful. The West Pagoda area is even more quiet, with bright red maple leaves intertwined with ancient trees and stone steps, without the hustle and bustle of the crowds. The mountains and forests around Yokogawachudo are covered with layers of red leaves, and the scenery is like an ink painting embellished with brilliant colors.
[Hachimanbori] Stroll through the ancient water city of Omihachiman, a city steeped in history and culture. Influenced by the merchants of Omi, it's also a popular filming location for period dramas. Enjoy a rich variety of delicious food, including wagyu beef, Japanese confectionery, and sake. Don't miss this unique destination.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Osaka, Kyoto, and Shiga
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd. , etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Registration number Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Travel Industry Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
If you leave the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. If any personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by the individual.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
Due to unpredictable factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds, the arrival time of each tour is subject to change. Japanese law stipulates that drivers' maximum working hours are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and operational stability, we may adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances, including shortening or eliminating certain attractions. This does not constitute a refund. We sincerely hope that our passengers will understand and support the adjustments we make while ensuring safety.
In case of a small group, a small car with a driver who also serves as the tour leader will be used. Please be aware that this product is a carpooling service and will be shared with other guests. Parking outside of the scenic area is not allowed.
Due to climate change, the maple leaves may turn red earlier or later. Once a tour is completed, refunds or complaints cannot be made based on the maple leaves not turning red. Please be advised.
In the case of a small group where the driver also serves as the guide, the driver will mainly drive, with explanations as a supplement. He will give a brief introduction on the bus and will not get off the bus to explain.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Enryakuji Temple, located atop Mount Hiei, holds immense historical significance. Founded by Saichō in 788 AD, it is the head temple of the Tendai school of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For centuries, it served as a paramount center for Buddhist studies and spiritual training in Japan, producing many influential monks who shaped Japanese history and culture. Its strategic location and spiritual authority made it a powerful force throughout different historical periods.
Visitors to Mount Hiei can experience a profound spiritual journey and breathtaking natural beauty. Beyond the thousand-year-old Zen atmosphere of Enryakuji Temple, the mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Biwa and Kyoto, especially during autumn when it's adorned with crimson foliage. Guests can explore various temple complexes within Enryakuji, such as Tōdō, Saitō, and Yokawa, enjoy serene walks amidst ancient trees, and engage in moments of quiet reflection, connecting with centuries of Buddhist history.
The peak season for viewing autumn foliage in Kyoto generally spans from late November to early December. However, at higher elevations like Mount Hiei, where Enryakuji Temple is situated, the leaves often begin to change earlier, typically reaching their prime around mid-November. For attractions like Hachimanbori Water Village and Ishinodera Temple, the vibrant colors are usually best observed from mid-November onwards, offering a stunning display of crimson and gold.
Several locations provide exceptional autumn foliage views. Hachimanbori Water Village is renowned for its picturesque setting, where ancient bridges and stone walls are beautifully reflected in the waterways, surrounded by crimson maples. Ishinodera Temple offers a tranquil ancient temple atmosphere, with its buildings gracefully complemented by the vibrant maple forest, creating a painting-like scene. Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei also provides a majestic Zen backdrop for the colorful leaves.
In Japan, "kouyou" (紅葉) specifically refers to the vivid phenomenon of leaves turning red, yellow, and orange, especially those of maple (momiji) and ginkgo trees. It emphasizes the beauty and artistic appreciation of these specific color changes. While "autumn foliage" is a broader term encompassing all leaves changing color during the season, "kouyou" carries a deeper cultural significance, often associated with dedicated viewing events and festivals, much like cherry blossom viewing (hanami).
Reaching Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei from Kyoto or Osaka involves several options. For convenience and ease, direct bus services are available, eliminating the hassle of transfers and planning. Alternatively, one can take a train from Kyoto to Hieizan-Sakamoto Station, then board the Sakamoto Cable Car, which is Japan's longest, up to the temple grounds. From Osaka, take a train to Kyoto and then proceed with the aforementioned options, or utilize the direct bus for a seamless journey.
The Kyorinbo Night Light-Up offers a unique and enchanting autumn foliage experience. As dusk settles, the maple leaves are dramatically illuminated by carefully placed lights, creating a magical interplay of light and shadow. This limited-access event transforms the garden into a dreamy, glamorous landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the vibrant colors of autumn in a completely different, atmospheric setting. It provides a serene and captivating evening highlight to the day's viewing.
Enryakuji Temple offers a profound atmosphere steeped in centuries of Zen tradition. Visitors can expect a majestic and solemn environment that encourages spiritual reflection and a sense of peace. As a sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exudes historical depth and tranquility, inviting contemplation amidst its ancient halls and natural surroundings. The blend of the thousand-year-old temple architecture with the vibrant autumn foliage creates a uniquely inspiring and serene experience.
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