10 Stunning Fall Foliage Spots

Kyoto in autumn is attractive. The historical Japanese metropolis abounds with temples and gardens filled with maple timber that flip from inexperienced to gold, then orange and fiery purple.

We discovered koyo (fall foliage season) simply as lovely as cherry blossom season, and it lasts longer.

In this put up, I share our picks for the very best locations to see autumn foliage in Kyoto, from well-known temples to quiet gardens.

Plus, you’ll be taught when to count on fall colors and easy methods to discover out which temples have peak color throughout your go to. There’s a map on the finish with all these high spots.

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Best Time to Visit Kyoto for Autumn Foliage

November is the very best month to go to Kyoto to see autumn foliage. Colour often begins across the center of the month and peaks in the direction of the top of November.

Peak foliage dates range yearly (see the forecasts under), however the final week of November is the most secure guess.

If attainable, I’d keep away from Labor Thanksgiving Day on 23 November, because it’s a really busy day for leaf viewing.

We have been fortunate to spend a month in Kyoto in 2023 and will see autumn color for over two weeks from 22 November to 7 December (once we left).

It was greener in the direction of the start of that interval and previous peak by the top. The colors have been at their greatest from 24 to 30 November.

If you go to earlier in November, you possibly can nonetheless discover fall color at larger elevations utilizing the forecast instruments under.

If you go to Japan in late September or October, you’ll have to discover autumn foliage exterior of Kyoto, resembling in far north Japan (Hokkaido) or at larger elevations.

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Kyoto Autumn Leaves Forecast 2024

The Kyoto autumn leaves forecast for 2024 is at the moment predicting that the very best time to see autumn color is barely later than common.

It predicts the height time to be 12 December 2024 for Kyoto (7 days later than common). Note that there was an analogous prediction on our 2023 go to, however the peak ended up being on the finish of November.

We used these fall foliage forecast websites to plan our autumn sightseeing.

Before You Arrive

Japan Meteorological Corporation is an effective first cease to get a way if fall colors are anticipated in Kyoto (and elsewhere within the nation) earlier or later than traditional. The first forecast is launched in early September however subsequent forecasts will probably be extra correct.

They have two projections for ginkgo (golden leaves) and momiji (purple Japanese maple leaves). It’s momiji that you just need to give attention to for Kyoto, though you’ll find a number of gingko timber lining the streets.

If summer season is longer and warmer than traditional, fall foliage will peak later than traditional.

In Kyoto

Once you might be in Kyoto, we discovered the Kyoto City Autumn Leaves Calendar probably the most useful gizmo to plan the place to go and when.

It lists many temples, gardens, and parks throughout the town and its outskirts. At the highest, you’ll discover dates from 20 October to eight December (it’s up to date twice every week), with symbols marking when every spot is at its peak.

Red leaves characterize peak color, and though that is the very best time to go, it’s nonetheless value visiting when it’s orange (partially colored) or brown (previous peak).

Although it gained’t be up to date till 20 October, you possibly can see the earlier 12 months’s peak instances.

The calendar additionally notes if reservations are wanted and if the temple has an evening illumination.

Another useful device is Souda Kyoto, which has continuously up to date images of many temples so you possibly can see how the colors are progressing. You’ll have to translate the web page from Japanese.

Finally, the Kishou web site (which additionally requires translating) has peak estimates for every temple and a recognition rating (the preferred spots have three stars).

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Best Kyoto Fall Foliage Spots

The greatest locations to see the colorful autumn leaves in Kyoto are at temples. You’ll discover the odd vibrant purple or yellow tree whereas wandering the town, however the temples (plus gardens and parks) are the place you’ll see plenty of color.

These are our favorite Kyoto fall foliage spots (roughly ranked), however you possibly can see some beautiful color at virtually all temples.

In addition to those, we loved visiting Kodaiji, Entokuin, and Shorein (all in Southern Higashiyama). While the colorful timber aren’t as intensive, they aren’t as busy as extra well-known koyo spots.

See our posts on the greatest issues to do in Kyoto and Kyoto temples for particulars on these and extra concepts.

Note that the majority temples are open from 9am – 5pm (final entry 4pm) with an entrance price of round 500 – 600 yen / $3.50 – $4 (many are money solely). A couple of temples cost additional at this peak time.

1) Eikando

Eikando is my high decide for seeing autumn foliage in Kyoto. This temple is positioned north of Nanzenji, close to the Philosopher’s Path.

While it isn’t well-known amongst foreigners, it’s a well-liked autumn spot for Japanese guests.

It’s value braving the crowds because the maples are intensive and vibrant, and the surroundings is numerous, with a pond, a number of temple buildings, and a metropolis view from the hillside.

We arrived within the late afternoon (3.45pm) on a weekday in an try to keep away from the crowds. It was nonetheless jam-packed however eased off by 4.30pm.

There’s tons to see on this giant complicated, and we spent 1 hour and 10 minutes there. You begin inside and observe a set route alongside the picket corridors with out sneakers (put on heat socks). Bring a bag to hold your sneakers should you can (however they do present plastic luggage).

In this indoor part, you stroll in a stream of individuals and might admire historical fusuma (adorned sliding doorways) and the courtyard backyard with maples and a small pond.

You step by step make your technique to a temple constructing larger on the hill with totally different views of dense clusters of maples on the best way.

Then put your sneakers again on to discover the outside. Walking up the hill to Tahoto Pagoda is a spotlight for a view of Kyoto and a sea of purple and orange.

Back down the hill, the Hojo Pond is gorgeous, with vibrant colors, a scenic bridge, reflections of the timber within the water, and a view of the pagoda on the hillside. We even had a full moon so as to add to the magic.

There’s a teahouse by the pond, but it surely was closed once we arrived simply earlier than 5pm closing.

Eikando additionally has certainly one of Kyoto’s greatest night time illuminations in autumn. I like to recommend visiting by day and night time as they’re totally different experiences (and also you don’t see the within areas or hillside pagoda at night time).

2) Enkoji

Enkoji is slightly out of the best way in Northern Kyoto, but it surely’s value visiting within the autumn for its variety, metropolis view, and decrease crowds than many different temples.

Reservations on the Enkoji web site are required in autumn (and the worth is larger than the remainder of the 12 months at 1000 yen/ $7), however we acquired a reserving a day prematurely. We booked the 4pm final slot to see the sundown.

Enkoji is smaller than Eikando however nonetheless diversified with a karesansui Zen backyard (rock backyard), lovely fusuma, mossy gardens, small bamboo grove, and pond with maple reflections.

Our favorite half was the tatami room the place you possibly can sit peacefully and admire the gardens. You don’t get this time for contemplation on the busier temples.

Afterwards, we walked up the hill to get view of the town and sundown. While it doesn’t have the identical sea of maples as Eikando, it was a extra peaceable expertise.

3) Jojakkoji

Jojakkoji is certainly one of our favorite cherry blossom spots in Kyoto and is much more gorgeous in autumn—however so much busier.

It’s positioned in Arashiyama, a distant neighbourhood that’s a must-visit in autumn (extra suggestions under).

At any time of 12 months, I like Jojakkoji’s hillside location, thatched roof gate, mossy gardens, bamboo grove, and pagoda.

Add to that vibrant purple, orange, and yellow maples, and it’s a shocking spot.

4) Kiyomizu-Dera

Kiyomizu-dera is likely one of the most well-known Kyoto fall foliage spots (and probably the most visited temples at any time of 12 months).

It will get extremely busy in autumn, so I extremely suggest doing what I did and visiting early within the morning. Unlike most temples, it opens at 6am.

On my 7am go to, it wasn’t empty, but it surely was a lot quieter and extra pleasurable than our night go to.

The night time illuminations are magical, although, so do each should you keep close by.

This is a large complicated, so permit a minimum of an hour to your go to.

Kiyomizu-dera has many temple buildings, however in autumn, it’s well-known for the mass of vibrant maples extending down the hillside—they have been probably the most intensive of all of the spots we visited.

Expect to queue to get the long-lasting shot of the principle corridor overlooking the purple hillside.

You’ll know once you get to this terrace at Okunoin Hall—tons of of individuals have been crammed on right here at 8.30pm and I didn’t trouble (you possibly can nonetheless see the principle corridor from different angles). At 7am, there was nonetheless a brief however manageable wait.

Note that should you do go early, the outlets on Kiyomizuzaka (the road main up the hill to the temple) don’t open till 10am (which generally is a blessing as this avenue will get so crowded). Starbucks on Ninenzaka is likely one of the solely locations close by open at 8am.

5) Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a neighbourhood within the western outskirts of Kyoto that’s effectively definitely worth the effort to get to, particularly in autumn.

Expect very excessive crowds, however the payoff is probably the most autumnal place in Kyoto with vibrant timber in every single place.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is an iconic spot to see fall colors on the hillside subsequent to the river. You can even take standard boat journeys alongside the river.

There are many temples to discover in Arashiyama, together with our favorite Jojakkoji (see above).

Tenryuji is one other lovely temple, particularly in autumn. The gardens are intensive with a pond and plenty of ranges to discover. Walk up the steps close to the again for a good higher view. You can even see among the well-known bamboo forest.

Shigetsu is a Zen Buddhist restaurant within the gardens and one of many greatest vegetarian eating places in Kyoto. Be certain to guide weeks forward in autumn.

6) Saihoji Moss Temple

Saihoji, generally referred to as the Kyoto Moss Temple, isn’t referred to as an autumn vacation spot, however we cherished it in late November.

There are sufficient maples so as to add attractive distinction to the colourful inexperienced moss within the gorgeous gardens.

Reservations are important to go to Saihoji, and it’s costlier than different temples, however this makes it far more tranquil. We adore it and extremely suggest combining it with Arashiyama.

See my information to the Kyoto Moss Temple for every little thing you’ll want to know.

7) Kibune and Kurama

Kibune and Kurama are two small villages in Northern Kyoto. Combined with a hike by means of the forest over the mountain between the 2, that is certainly one of my favorite day journeys from Kyoto and a (comparatively) peaceable escape from the town.

Autumn is a good looking time to go to. The leaves flip earlier at these larger elevations, they usually have been previous peak once we visited on 26 November.

We took the Eizan practice to Kibune, which takes you thru a reasonably tunnel of maple timber. From the station, we walked up the street to Kibune Shrine, then by means of the west gate to Kurama-dera (500 yen/ $3.50 entrance).

A path by means of the forest (with a steep climb in the beginning) introduced us to Kurama-dera the place the colors have been extra vibrant than in Kibune and the mountain views are incredible. As we acquired there by 10am, it wasn’t too busy.

We then walked right down to Kurama village, the place we had a superb vegetarian lunch at Yoshuji (see our vegetarian Kyoto information) earlier than taking the practice again to Kyoto from Kurama station.

Our 5km (3 mile) stroll took about two hours (together with time to discover Kurama-dera) with 321 metres (1053 ft) of elevation acquire. It wasn’t too difficult however put on first rate sneakers.

This is a wonderful and simple half-day journey if you would like some train, a style of the Japanese countryside, contemporary mountain air, and a few fairly fall color (particularly earlier within the season).

If you don’t need to hike, you would take the practice to Kurama after which the cable automobile as much as the temple.

8) Tofukuji

Tofukuji is a Zen temple that goes beneath the radar a lot of the 12 months, however guests descend in autumn because it’s probably the most well-known fall color locations.

The colors are vibrant and intensive, however we didn’t get pleasure from it as a lot as these above because the crowds have been so intense, even arriving at 8.30am opening. It prices 1000 yen ($7) in autumn.

The hottest view is of and from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, a coated picket walkway by means of a valley of maple timber.

9) Nanzenji

Nanzenji is a incredible temple complicated to go to anytime, however autumn is very lovely.

Located close to the beginning of the Philosopher’s Path, it’s simple to mix with different temples within the space (and we often stroll from Gion with stops on the best way).

Much of the complicated is free, and you’ll see autumn color all through, together with the massive Sanmon entrance gate, the brick aqueduct, and the serene little Saisho-in sub-temple.

We at all times love strolling up the forested hillside to the Okunoin shrine. It’s by no means busy up there and there have been splashes of color amongst the inexperienced forest. You really feel so removed from the town.

One subtemple value paying for is Tenjuan (to the suitable once you enter Nanzenji), which is quieter than the principle areas.

After passing the Zen rock backyard, stroll by means of a mossy gate to a pond, which feels magical with its stepping stones, mossy banks, little waterfall, lily pads, and fallen maple leaves.

On 4 December, it was previous peak, but it surely should have been gorgeous every week earlier.

10) Murin-an Garden

Murin-an isn’t an iconic fall color spot, but it surely’s quieter choice, particularly for backyard followers.

This fashionable Japanese backyard (courting again to 1896) is on the grounds of a late Nineteenth-century villa. It’s a 10-minute stroll from Nanzenji.

You should guide prematurely on the Murin-an web site; the worth will depend on the date. Booking a day or two forward ought to be high quality. In early December, I went on the most cost effective 600 yen ($4) date, which was very peaceable.

I paid an additional 1200 yen ($8.50) for matcha and sweets to begin my go to sitting on tatami within the tearoom overlooking the backyard.

While it wasn’t my favorite matcha (and it’s expensive), it was a soothing place to linger and benefit from the view of the yellowing maple.

The backyard solely takes about 10 minutes to wander round, but it surely’s beautiful with stepping stone pathways, a stream, little waterfall, some scarlet maples, and the Higashiyama Mountains within the distance.

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Autumn Temple Illuminations

In spring and autumn, some Kyoto temples open for night illuminations, and it’s value visiting one or two for a special perspective on the gardens.

Illuminations often begin in mid-November and run till early December, however verify the dates for every temple as they modify barely annually.

Expect crowds at these occasions. They often run from round 5.30pm to 9pm and will probably be quietest within the final hour (though we nonetheless discovered them very busy). Try to go to on weekdays.

These are among the hottest temple illuminations in autumn:

• Kiyomizu-dera
• Eikando
• Tofukuji
• Kodaiji
• Toji

See the Souda Kyoto web site for a full listing (translate from Japanese).

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Where to Stay in Kyoto in Autumn

As autumn in Kyoto is peak season, it does assist to remain near the principle sights for early begins. Make certain to guide effectively forward (ideally 3-5 months earlier than).

Hotel The Celestine in Gion is a 15-minute stroll from Kiyomizu-dera, good for that important early morning go to.

Yachiyo Ryokan is barely 5 minutes from Nanzenji and 10 minutes from Eikando, which was particularly handy for the night time illumination. Our big room had a personal onsen and a view of a scarlet maple tree within the backyard.

See our information to the place to remain in Kyoto for full critiques of each these, plus different suggestions of locations we’ve stayed.

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Weather in Kyoto in Autumn

While early November in Kyoto can nonetheless be scorching (it was 26ºC/ 79ºF on our go to), the temperature drops quickly by means of the month.

By 10 November, temperatures have been right down to round 15ºC, and in the course of the month, it felt like winter arrived in a single day with 7ºC temperatures within the morning.

By the top of November (peak fall viewing time), temperatures ranged from 3ºC within the morning to round 12ºC throughout the day.

It didn’t rain a lot, but it surely was usually cloudy.

Layers are one of the best ways to decorate for Kyoto in autumn.

I often wore a long-sleeved t-shirt, gentle cashmere sweater, light-weight Patagonia down jacket, denims, woolly hat and gloves. My Allbirds Wool Runners served me effectively as they’re heat, comfy, and simple to slide off at temples.

We picked up additional winter garments from Uniqlo, which has cheap costs and the Heattech vary is nice for layering. You can even purchase hats and gloves from comfort shops.

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Map of Kyoto Autumn Foliage Spots

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Is Kyoto in Autumn Worth It?

Autumn is likely one of the busiest and costliest instances of 12 months to go to Kyoto, however for us, it was value it. There are so many temples and gardens the place you possibly can get pleasure from actually gorgeous fall colors.

Kyoto is gorgeous at any time of 12 months, however autumn (and spring) are additional particular.

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