Last Updated on ninth September 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau
This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. Please take a look at my privateness coverage and disclosure for extra info.
Every fall, Kyoto blazes with a riot of reds, burnt oranges, yellows, and browns, making it one in every of Japan’s most beautiful autumn locations. The Japanese name the autumn leaves Koyō (紅葉), and the custom of leaf-viewing, often called Momijigari (紅葉狩り), is so essential that you simply’ll doubtless see folks dressed of their greatest, capturing photographs of the colourful foliage to share with family members. Here’s your final information to Kyoto within the fall!
When are you able to see fall colors in Kyoto?
Fall colors in Kyoto sometimes come fairly late, beginning on the finish of October, burning brightest in mid-November and lasting till round so long as mid-December. For reference, loads of the autumn images taken on this information have been taken across the twelfth of December. So, you possibly can see that there’s nonetheless loads of color late on within the yr.
Another treasured season in Japan is the sakura season, when the pink, fluffy clouds of cherry and plum blossoms adorn the panorama. Kyoto’s cherry blossom season sometimes falls from late March to mid-April, and it’s a entire different seasonal celebration value trying out!
Is Kyoto chilly within the Fall?
It could be. So, sometimes, because the months go on, the cooler temperatures set in. During September, the temperature continues to maintain the heat from summer season and averages at highs of 29°C (84°F) and 20°C (68°F) lows.
From mid to late October, the color of the leaves begins to alter. By November, the temperatures common at highs of 17°C (62°F) and seven°C (44°F) lows, so it’s nonetheless very nice. But, to be protected, I like to recommend bringing layers out with you.
Autumn actions in Kyoto
Eikandō Temple
Eikandō Temple (formally often called Zenrin-ji), is one in every of Kyoto’s most iconic spots for autumn leaves. Every fall, over 3,000 maple timber paint the grounds in colors of purple, orange and burning yellows.The temple, its walkways and the winding backyard paths present a few of the most photogenic fall views in Kyoto!
Founded in 853 through the Heian Period, Eikandō was initially the villa of the courtroom noble Michiie Fujiwara earlier than being transformed right into a temple. Today, it belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, and its historic halls, serene gardens, and delightful pond mirror the centuries of cultural and spiritual traditions.One of its most well-known options is the Amida Hall, which is barely angled in order that the statue of Amida Buddha is nose to nose with guests, which is a rarity in Japanese design.
Sadly, we didn’t have time to go to this yr (therefore there being no {photograph}), nevertheless it’s positively high of my checklist for after we return!
Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto’s Golden Temple)
One of my favorite spots to see Kyoto’s fall foliage is the Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji. With its iconic golden exterior reflecting within the surrounding pond, the autumn leaves appear to glow even brighter, casting heat reds, oranges, and yellows all through. The mixture of shimmering structure and vibrant foliage actually makes Kinkaku-ji an unforgettable autumn sight! Read my full information on how one can go to Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto’s Golden Temple) right here.
Kiyomizu-dera
Kiyomizu-dera is situated on the wooded foothills of Mount Otowa, on the location of the Otowa Waterfall. As you possibly can think about, the wooded foothills develop into a wonderful blaze of autumn foliage come the season. Indeed, it doesn’t matter what time of the yr, the view from this temple is just breathtaking.
This cherished temple takes its identify from the pure water which runs off of the close by hills, with Kiyomizu translating to ‘clear water’, or ‘pure water’. So, Kiyomizu Temple, 清水寺, actually means ‘Pure Water Monastery.’ It is a traditionally vital Buddhist temple and was constructed to foster the worship of the Buddhist god Kannon (God of Mercy). You can learn extra on how one can go to Kiyomizu-dera in my information right here.
Arashiyama & Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama is a magical district of Kyoto, and few locations can seize the magic of the autumn fairly in addition to right here. The well-known Togetsukyō Bridge stretches gracefully throughout the Katsura River, whereas a riot of autumnal fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows, create a shocking pure backdrop.
One of the principle causes folks select to go to this district is for its famed Bamboo Grove, generally known as Sagano Bamboo Forest. And, whereas the bamboo itself stays a luscious inexperienced, come the autumn, the tall forest is framed by the attractive yellow and orange maple timber that encompass. I like to recommend getting right here very early to go to, because the crowds could be fairly overbearing, notably within the fall and sakura seasons.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Situated on the high of the Arashiyama mountainside, a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys reside. This was simply one in every of my favorite visits in Kyoto, the views, the monkeys (!) and the beautiful fall foliage, make it one of many high locations to go to throughout fall in Kyoto.
The monkey park tends to be pretty quiet as most individuals aren’t keen to climb the steep hill to the highest, making it really feel considerably of a hidden gem. It prices 800 yen for common admission, after which takes round 20 to half-hour to climb to the height. Be certain to maintain your distance from the monkeys; they’re free-roaming, however to not be touched.
Stroll alongside Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道) is called “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, and it involves life through the fall season. This magical stroll follows a pedestrianised stone-lined pathway for two km alongside the banks of a gently flowing canal. And, you’ll see an array of fall foliage burning all potential colors!
It is called after the philosophy professors from Kyoto University, because it’s mentioned that Hajime Tanabe and Nishida Kitaro would take breaks from intense and draining periods by taking brief walks alongside the banks of the river right here.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
You won’t consider visiting a botanic backyard exterior of spring or summer season, however skipping Kyoto’s Botanical Gardens in autumn can be a mistake. The grounds stay vibrant properly into the autumn season, with a number of maple timber setting the panorama ablaze in reds and oranges. One of my favorite particulars is the dried lotus flowers within the ponds, as they offer the gardens a whimsical, nearly Studio Ghibli-like environment that feels uniquely magical in autumn.
The glasshouses are open as standard, so you may also go to the cacti and assortment of tropical vegetation, safely tucked away within the heat.
Attend a competition
Autumn in Kyoto isn’t simply concerning the foliage, in any case, it’s additionally competition season! Several festivals happen all through the season; I’ll checklist simply a few of the greatest beneath:
Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) – The Jidai Matsuri, or “Festival of the Ages,” is an annual competition held on the twenty second of October to have a good time the anniversary of the inspiration of Kyoto. It is held by the Heian Shrine, and a procession of over 2,000 performers takes place within the type of a parade.
Arashiyama Momiji Festival – As its identify suggests, this competition coincides with the height time for viewing autumn foliage. It is historically held on the second Sunday of November, however it might differ from yr to yr. The competition sees a riverboat celebration, costumed musicians, and elaborate dances, all to welcome and have a good time one other vibrant season.
Kurama Fire Festival – Just exterior of Kyoto, within the village of Kurama, a Shinto competition takes place on the twenty second of October. A torch procession involves life, with locals carrying flaming pine torches, and moveable shrines are carried via the village. The competition often goes on from nightfall, late into the night time.
Nijō Castle
Nijo Castle is an expansive complicated comprising fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, and gardens, amongst different extra buildings. In the grounds, you’ll discover some notably stunning maple timber that are particularly seen within the Ninomaru Garden.
Take a Tea Ceremony
There’s nothing extra magical than sipping a bowl of conventional matcha in a temple backyard, surrounded by the vivid colors of Kyoto’s autumn leaves. You’ll sometimes be given a small candy alongside your matcha, this conventional Japanese candy known as wagashi, and it’s sometimes served to stability the bitterness of the matcha tea.
Visit Nishiki Market “Kyoto’s Kitchen”
No matter the season, a go to to Nishiki Market must be on the high of each traveller’s checklist when exploring Kyoto. From mouthwatering native delicacies to culinary outlets promoting every little thing from speciality knives to distinctive porcelain, this in style vacation spot has been nicknamed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen‘ or ‘Japan’s Pantry‘ in consequence!
One factor that’s particular about visiting within the fall is that you simply’ll it brings an array of seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts, persimmons, candy potatoes, and Kyoto’s well-known pickles. You can learn extra about what to attempt on my information on how one can go to Nishiki Market.
Where to remain in Kyoto
Thanks to its sheer reputation, Kyoto has loads of locations to remain to go well with quite a lot of wants and budgets. I might personally advocate staying close to (ish) to Nishiki Market, this manner you possibly can benefit from the quiet streets that encompass whereas even be inside strolling distance of primary sights and transport.
Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: We stayed on this resort whereas in Kyoto and beloved it a lot that we additionally stayed there in our following journey to Kyoto! We discovered it to be clear and cozy. The rooms have been a bit on the small aspect, however since we have been out exploring more often than not, it didn’t actually impression on our keep. Check costs and availability right here.
IMU HOTEL KYOTO: This is one other resort I’ve stayed in, and I can’t advocate it sufficient! The rooms are fundamental, however have every little thing you want, plus the resort is budget-friendly. It’s a 5-minute stroll from the principle excessive avenue in Kyoto, and 10-minutes from Nishiki Market. The resort provide breakfast for a charge, however you may get a free sake tasting every day! Check costs and availability right here.
Ryokan Mugen: If you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable keep in Kyoto, then you definitely’ll need to e book your self into this conventional Ryokan. Amenities embrace a bar onsite, and a courtyard with a rock backyard. Some rooms have tatami mats. Check costs and availability right here.
Enjoyed studying our information to Kyoto within the Fall? Pin this text now, and skim it once more later:
