Looking for the ultimate autumn experience in Kyoto? From hidden temples to secluded gardens, this guide reveals where to catch the city’s most stunning fall foliage. Don’t just follow the herd—experience Kyoto’s autumn like a true insider.
#1 Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train offers a unique vantage point for autumn in Kyoto that you won’t find elsewhere. Running alongside the Hozugawa River from Sagano-Arashiyama to Kameoka, this tourist train provides an intimate experience of Kyoto’s fall beauty. Imagine passing through a 7.3 km stretch adorned with around 1,000 maple and Japanese momiji trees, all awash in vibrant autumn colors. The train even slows down near prime viewing spots, letting you capture that picture-perfect moment. As if that wasn’t enticing enough, the route features special illuminations and “Light-up Fantasia” events from mid-October to late December, making the Hozugawa River Gorge glow in a magical light. To top it all off, the journey only lasts about 25 minutes, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Recommended Viewing Dates: Mid-November to Early December
#2 Rurikoin
Set amid the tranquil Yasu district — long cherished by Heian nobles and samurai — this spot offers an autumnal escape that melds historical elegance with natural splendor. The highlight is undoubtedly the dignified, serene study area overlooking the garden. Designed to capture the rich scenery of nature, the garden is awash with more than 100 species of maple trees come fall, their vibrant hues vying for attention. It’s an intoxicating display that weaves perfectly with the site’s traditional Sukiya-style architecture. Note, however, that this gem is open for special viewing only from October 1st to December 10th, 2023. Missing it means waiting for another year.
Recommended Viewing Dates: Mid-November to Early December
#3 Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine is a spiritual sojourn bathed in the colors of autumn. Nestled in Kyoto’s northern region, famously dubbed as “Kyoto’s inner parlor,” Kifune Shrine provides an early peek at fall foliage due to its lower temperatures compared to the city center. Revered as both a water deity and a match-making god, the shrine’s allure intensifies in November as its stone stairway and main hall get enshrouded in vibrant hues of maple trees. But that’s not all; the area hosts the “Kifune Momiji Lantern Festival” from November 3rd to 26th, where the entire precinct is softly illuminated by lined lanterns, augmenting the ethereal feel. From the shrine, you also get to relish the grand spectacle of autumn foliage in the adjacent Mt. Kurama, making it a multifaceted experience that pleases both the eyes and the soul.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November to late November
Special Lantern Festival: November 3rd to 26th, 2023.
#4 Eikando
Eikando is a place where autumn leaves and spirituality convene in an awe-inspiring tableau. Uniquely situated on the mountainside, its crowning glory is the towering Tahoto Pagoda, which gets utterly enveloped by kaleidoscopic leaves come fall. With approximately 3,000 maple trees ornamenting its pond-centered, stroll-style garden, and pagodas, it’s easy to see why it has been immortalized in the ancient Japanese anthology Kokin Wakashū as “Momiji no Eikando” (Eikando of Maple Trees). If you thought this was breathtaking during the day, just wait until sunset. From November 3rd to December 3rd, the temple complex undergoes a transformation with its evening light-up event, offering a more mystical viewing experience of its central Hojo Pond and radiant foliage.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November to late November
Special Light-up Event: November 3rd to December 3rd, 2023, from 17:30 to 21:00
#5 Kitano Tenmangu
Kitano Tenmangu offers a unique blend of historical and natural beauty during the fall foliage season. The shrine is home to an ancient maple garden (“Momiji-en“), which boasts approximately 350 maple trees, some with a history extending over 350 years. This garden is a remnant of an embankment built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is now designated as a historic site. The red and yellow leaves of these trees create a striking reflection on the surface of the Kamiyagawa River, adding another layer to the autumnal experience. Additionally, the main hall of the shrine, a designated National Treasure, can be viewed against this colorful backdrop, providing a culturally enriching visual treat. Evening visitors can enjoy the trees lit up at night, offering a different yet equally enchanting perspective on the fall colors.
Optimal Viewing Dates: October 28th to December 3rd
Nighttime Light-up Event: November 11th to December 3rd, 2023
#6 Genkoan
Genkoan is not just another temple but a sublime meeting point of spirituality and natural beauty, particularly during the fall foliage season. The temple is famous for its two distinctive windows in the main hall: the round “Window of Enlightenment” and the square “Window of Confusion,” each reflecting intricate Buddhist philosophies. These windows become the framing point of magnificent maple leaves during autumn, offering a visually and spiritually enriching experience. As you look through these thought-provoking windows, you’ll not only be captivated by the vibrant reds and yellows but also take away a moment for introspection. Adding to its historical gravitas is the temple’s ceiling, which is an architectural relic from Fushimi Castle, famously known as the “blood ceiling” that tells a tragic tale.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November, with the maples starting to change color in early November.
#7 Kodaiji
If you’re on a quest for a sublime fall foliage experience steeped in history and artistry, Kodaiji Temple should be your pilgrimage site. Founded in 1606 to commemorate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this Zen temple retains its original structures, including the Kaizando Hall and Kaisan-do Hall, each a testament to Japan’s architectural ingenuity. But let’s cut to the chase: you’re here for the autumn leaves. Not only will you witness a riot of colors in a garden attributed to the legendary Kobori Enshu, but you’ll also experience it all under a breathtaking light-up display. Between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm, the illuminated fall foliage reflects onto the temple’s pond and the surrounding bamboo grove, transforming the scene into an ethereal panorama. It’s not just ‘nice’; it’s a visually intoxicating blend of history, culture, and nature that’s a feast for the senses. And lest we forget, you also get to see this spectacle with the backdrop of Higashiyama—a setting so artistically orchestrated, it’s like living in a painting.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November to early December
Nighttime Light-up Event: October 21 to December 10, 2023, running from 17:00 to 22:00 (last entry at 21:30)
#8 Jingoji
Set amid the famed “Three Tails” (Takao, Makio, and Tsugio) of Kyoto’s northwestern realm, Jingoji Temple provides an early start to the fall foliage spectacle, making it a top-tier choice for autumn enthusiasts. What sets Jingoji apart is its venerable age—both in history and in the arboreal giants that grace its premises. We’re talking centuries-old maple trees whose vibrant red and yellow leaves not only envelop the temple’s stone steps but also create intricate frames around its structures. Adding a dash of ritualistic flair, the temple is the birthplace of the famous “Kawara Nage” tradition, where people toss tiles into the valley to pray for household safety. Come late autumn, even the fallen leaves (called “chiri momiji”) that carpet the temple grounds exude a poetic allure. And for culture vultures, a special viewing of the “Important Cultural Property, Dashi-do Hall and its wooden statue of Kobo Daishi” is a can’t-miss.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Early to mid-November
Cultural Event: November 1 to 7
#9 Eizan Railway
Let’s be honest; there’s fall foliage viewing, and then there’s the Eizan Train experience—a total game-changer in the world of autumn appreciation. Imagine zipping through a mesmerizing “Maple Tunnel,” a 250-meter stretch festooned with nearly 280 Japanese maple trees. The ride itself is an immersive visual feast: not just any train ride but a carefully orchestrated show. As the train slows down, the interior lights dim, plunging you into an ethereal world where the blazing reds and vivid yellows outside take center stage, dramatically enhanced by lanterns and spotlights. Alight at any station, and you’re instantly wrapped in more foliage. Add the nearby hot springs to this equation, and you’ve got an unbeatable combination. If the idea of enjoying autumn foliage has felt like old hat, the Eizan Railway will make you a fall fanatic all over again.
Optimal Viewing Dates: November
Nighttime Light-up Event: November 3 to 26, from dusk until 21:00
#10 Sanzen-in
Situated within a sanctuary of cedar trees, the temple grounds offer an immersive fall spectacle, especially in the Yūsei-en and Jūbī-en gardens. These historical gardens showcase an array of maple trees that burst into brilliant shades of red and yellow, setting a vivid contrast against the verdant moss-covered grounds. The unique stone sculptures peppered around Yūsei-en bring a subtle, artistic touch as you wander through this vibrant seasonal display. A walk through the 50-meter path lined with maple trees and tea shops takes this immersive experience to another level. Fallen maple leaves create a colorful blanket over the moss, epitomizing the quintessential image of a Japanese garden in autumn. To top it off, the temple also hosts special seasonal events that offer glimpses into its historical and spiritual significance.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November
Momiji Festival: October 28 to November 28, 2023
#11 Bishamondo
Bishamondo offers a captivating autumnal experience with its serene setting and historic architecture. Situated at the northern edge of the Yamashina District, this ancient temple emanates a peaceful aura. The grand approach to the main gate is a popular fall foliage spot, as you can see a carpet of maple leaves. Its garden called Bansuien Garden is also a spectacle, where you can find a large pond flanked by two islets as the centerpiece. The collaboration between the temple’s structures and the vibrant leaves delivers a uniquely emotional aesthetic that’s a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November
Festival Date: November 23, 2023
#12 Manshuin
Manshuin offers a distinct experience for autumn foliage enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the historical and spiritual aspects of Japan. The temple, with its 1,200-year-old history, features a karesansui (dry landscape) garden that harmonizes well with its surrounding nature. During the fall season, the maple leaves add vibrant reds and oranges to the otherwise zen-like monotone landscape, providing an engaging contrast. This temple is also conveniently located near a train station, making it easily accessible for those who wish to experience its serene atmosphere alongside the autumn colors.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Late November
#13 Otagi Nenbutsuji
Otagi Nenbutsuji, located in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, stands out as an unconventional autumn foliage spot. What sets this temple apart are the 1,200 unique Rakan statues, each with a different expression, that adorn the temple grounds. As the maple leaves begin to change color, the striking contrast between the crimson leaves and stone statues provides a spectacle that’s both whimsical and visually arresting. Adding to the allure, fallen leaves create a red carpet that complements the lush mossy areas within the temple premises.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November
#14 Arashiyama
Arashiyama is more than just a backdrop for the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge; it’s a vibrant tapestry of red and yellow foliage that amplifies the beauty of its natural and architectural landmarks. The scenic allure doesn’t just stop at the bridge. Whether it’s the view from the Sagano Scenic Railway, the tranquil premises of Tenryu-ji Temple, or the elegant boats that grace the Hozugawa River, Arashiyama offers multiple vantage points to appreciate its fall foliage. The entire area becomes a canvas of vivid colors, punctuated by ripples in the water and the occasional waft of steam from nearby hot springs. For a dose of traditional artistry, the annual “Arashiyama Maple Festival” showcases local performances on the riverbanks near Togetsukyo Bridge. Accessibility is another plus, as you can immediately immerse yourself in autumn hues right after stepping off the train.
Optimal Viewing Date: Late November to early December
Festival Date: November 12, 2023
#15 Kinkakuji
Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a spot where even the foliage seems to want to compete with the golden hues of the iconic structure. Although the area is more abundant in evergreens like pine and cedar, splashes of maple trees provide a vivid contrast of reds against the golden sheen of the pavilion. The real kicker? The reflection of both the golden pavilion and autumn leaves on the Mirror Pond offers a double feast for the eyes. However, don’t expect any nighttime illuminations here—Kinkakuji opts out to avoid disrupting the residential neighborhood. Given that it’s a crowd magnet year-round, if you’re eyeing a less chaotic experience, aim to visit either immediately after opening around 9:00-10:00 AM or just before closing between 4:00-5:00 PM.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Late November to Early December
#16 Komyoji
If you’re looking for an authentic and less-crowded alternative to enjoy autumn foliage, Komyoji in Nagaokakyo City is a solid choice. The temple is locally renowned for its maple trees, which number in the hundreds. These trees line the temple’s cobblestone pathway, creating a visually pleasing and tranquil setting perfect for leisurely strolls. Komyoji also features multiple points of interest for autumn foliage, including the “Shiun no Niwa” garden. One thing to note: the temple doesn’t offer parking during the autumn season, so it’s advisable to use public transport or plan a walking route that includes other nearby attractions like Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine. Overall, Komyoji offers a comprehensive yet less hectic autumn experience that allows you to enjoy the seasonal changes in a peaceful setting.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November
Festival Dates: November 11 to December 3, 2023
#17 Shisendo
Shisendo offers a unique experience that transcends typical autumn foliage destinations. This historical site in Kyoto’s Sakyo District was once the hermitage of Ishikawa Jozan, an early Edo period scholar. While the hermitage is famous for its Shisendo room adorned with portraits and poems of Chinese poets, the real spotlight-stealer during fall is its exquisitely designed garden. The garden not only offers richly hued maple leaves but also boasts a stunning contrast between white gravel and trimmed azaleas. What sets Shisendo apart is the way you can appreciate the foliage: from the comfort of traditional tatami rooms or while leisurely strolling through the gardens. If you’re looking for a deeply cultural and aesthetically refined autumnal experience, this is it.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November
#18 Hakuryuen
Hakuryuen Garden is not your run-of-the-mill autumn foliage spot; it’s a privately owned Japanese garden in Kyoto that opens to the public only for a limited time in spring and fall. Owned by the venerable apparel company Aono, this garden is typically used for private events. The allure of Hakuryuen comes alive especially in mid-November when the garden’s trees turn vibrant shades of red. The visual experience here is distinct, as the sun filtering through the autumn leaves creates intricate patterns and contrasts, making a stroll through the garden a refreshing endeavor. The exclusivity of the experience is emphasized by its limited-access, pre-reservation system, catering to only 50 visitors at a time. All in all, it offers an intimate, less-crowded way to appreciate Kyoto’s renowned fall foliage.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid to late November
#19 Byodoin
Situated in Uji, Kyoto, Byodoin Temple is a fall foliage hotspot that deserves a spot on your autumn bucket list. Built in 1053 by Fujiwara Yorimichi, the temple features the iconic Phoenix Hall, a design you may recognize from the 10-yen coin. The magic heightens in autumn when over 100 maple trees, positioned around the Ajiji Pond, begin to change color. This spectacle creates an ethereal setting that only amplifies the temple’s aura as a representation of the Pure Land. Adding to the experience, you can savor authentic Uji tea at the temple’s teahouse while drinking in the vibrant scenery. For those seeking something extra special, Byodoin also hosts a limited-time night illumination event to celebrate its 970th anniversary, which allows for an entirely different, serene perspective of the autumn leaves.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November to early December
#20 Enkoji
Steeped in history and cultural significance, Enkoji is not just a temple but also an esteemed academic institution founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. The temple ground showcases a blend of natural beauty and Zen-inspired landscaping, making it a sought-after spot for fall foliage. The intricate karesansui (dry landscape) garden, known as “Honryu Tei,” offers a striking contrast between its artistic stonework and the vibrant autumn leaves. A suikinkutsu, or “water koto cave,” serenades visitors with melodious droplets, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere. Don’t miss the panoramic views of the fiery foliage, juxtaposed with distant sights of Kitayama and Arashiyama, from the temple’s hilltop viewpoint.
Optimal Viewing Dates: Mid-November to early December
The Ultimate Kyoto Fall Experience Awaits You
Autumn in Kyoto is a symphony of changing leaves and timeless traditions. From secret gardens to world-renowned temples, every corner of the city offers a unique spectacle. Experience the heart of Japan in its most picturesque season—your autumn in Kyoto is a memory waiting to happen.
