10 Best Places for Autumn Foliage in Kyoto
Kyoto in autumn is a masterpiece, as the prefecture's ancient temples and shrines transform into an unforgettable canvas of vibrant red and gold. In this article we've noted down some of the best Kyoto autumn leaves viewing spots. If you are planning a trip to witness the magic of Kyoto's fall foliage for yourself, look no further!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
When Can You See Fall Colors in Kyoto?
While it depends on the area and year, the best time to see autumn foliage in Kyoto generally falls between mid-November to early December.
2025 is predicted to be later than usual. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecast released on November 4, 2025, Kyoto is expected to see its peak foliage period for red leaves (typically maple) around December 15, with golden ginkgo leaves coming in a little earlier around November 30.
Check our fall foliage forecast for more information. We update it every year!
About Kyoto - The Ancient Capital of Japan
Kyoto Prefecture was once the center of Japanese politics and culture, with Kyoto City acting as the capital of Japan. As a result, even today it is full of temples, shrines, and other culturally important structures, with 17 of the prefecture’s cultural assets registered as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage Site, including Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera Temples. It is also paradise for sightseers, offering varied landscapes thanks to its narrow and long shape. In the north that faces the Sea of Japan, you get stunning coastal views, while areas like Arashiyama and Sagano are celebrated by sightseers for their cherry blossom and fall foliage scenery.
Boasting atmospheric streetscapes, natural beauty, and a hefty helping of famous attractions, it’s no surprise that Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for tourists. Being part of the Kansai region, it is also close to several other prefectures with their own autumnal charms: Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. Why not also pay them a visit before or after exploring Kyoto?
Our Top Tips
Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket
You can tick off several of the spots introduced in this article in one day, but the transport fees will soon rack up. Why not grab a transport pass to save some money?
Best Places for Autumn Foliage in Kyoto
1. Arashiyama
The leafy neighborhood of Arashiyama sits on the western outskirts of Kyoto City and is renowned as one of Japan’s most scenic attractions. Come autumn, Arashiyama’s vast forest, parkland, and streetscape becomes framed by a spellbinding tapestry of dynamic fall foliage. We especially recommend appreciating this beauty from the Sagano Romantic Train - in the daytime, you'll run through tunnels of red and gold, and at night, lighting devices installed along the route illuminate the foliage, offering a completely new view of the valley.
*You don't need to purchase any special ticket, just the usual train tickets. While you can book same-day tickets at the counter, they sell out really fast, so we suggest booking the tickets online through websites like Klook instead, and doing so ASAP.
2. Takao
The tranquil, mountainous Takao area in the suburbs of Kyoto is known for the legendary temples of Kozanji, a World Heritage Site; Jingoji and its grand stone stairway; and Saimyoji and its iconic vermillion bridge. All three temples have been celebrated as prime spots for autumn colors since ancient times.
Jingoji Temple, the most popular of the three, offers one of the best views in the area with its elegant Hall of the Five Great Deities surrounded by fiery foliage, which is lit up at night to further enhance its captivating beauty.
3. Kurumazaki Shrine/Geino Shrine
Kurumazaki Shrine and its inner shrine of Geino is famous for its visits by people working in the entertainment industry (known as “geinojin” in Japanese). Its reputation is seen in its eye-catching vermillion “tamagaki” fence, which surrounds the shrine and features the names of hundreds of Japanese celebrities who have visited and prayed for a successful career.
Kurumazaki Shrine is also loved for its spectacular autumn scenery, with hundreds of tourists flocking to the shrine to take in the colors during the peak fall foliage period. Being only a 10-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station, it can be easily enjoyed together alongside the other sights of Arashiyama.
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most iconic sights, allows visitors the unique opportunity to take in the surrounding autumn colors from above, forming an entirely different experience to most other spots.
From mid-November to early December, a special autumn night viewing event is held where the leaves are illuminated in a magical display. It is also the only time of the year when the Jojuin Garden is open to the public. Subtly lit by the moon rising from Higashiyama, it is supposedly so captivating that it has attracted countless great figures over the years.
*Don't forget to dress up in kimono before visiting for the perfect picture.
5. Enkoji Temple
Enkoji is a Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto City founded by Ieyasu Tokugawa, one of the former military rulers of Japan. Originally established as an educational institution for the general public, today it is a peaceful temple offering beauty in all four seasons. The temple offers a number of ways to appreciate this beauty, such as wandering the pond and courtyard, climbing the hill, or relaxing in the traditional tatami room.
The temple is especially popular for its autumnal views, but visits are strictly reservation-only during the peak viewing period to avoid crowds. If you do get the chance to visit, check out the bamboo garden. Its tranquil beauty inspired artist Maruyama Okyo to paint "Bamboo in Wind and Rain," now an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Seeing the stalks of bamboo rise against the reds and golds of the foliage brings a kind of serene joy that's hard to find elsewhere.
6. Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a scenic avenue running alongside a shallow irrigation channel lined with gorgeous cherry and maple trees. These trees burst with radiant red foliage during mid-November, adorning the path with an autumn glow that captures the eyes when strolling through it. The walk is roughly 2 kilometers long and connects Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple. With lots to see and enjoy along the way, including the equally famous fall colors of Honen-in Temple, the Philosopher's Path is best relished slowly and thoroughly.
7. Momiji Garden (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine)
During the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568-1600), ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi built an embankment around Kyoto to prevent flooding, the remains of which can be found today throughout the Kyoto outskirts. One section has been transformed into the Momiji Garden, which sits on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and hosts an impressive collection of roughly 350 maple trees and more. Along with wandering the park itself, you can also take in a stunning panorama of the entire autumnal scene from the nearby lookout.
While the Momiji Garden is accessible during the daytime, we suggest visiting during the night to enjoy the reds and golds of the foliage illuminated by light. It offers a completely different viewing experience from the daytime!
8. Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple
Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated spots for autumn foliage. Originally founded in the early Heian period as a training hall for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, the temple houses many important works of Esoteric Buddhist art. Some of these treasures can be admired during the Eikando Treasures Autumn Exhibition, which takes place around mid-November to early December.
At the same time, Eikando Zenrin-ji holds special night viewings where its strolling garden, with around 3,000 maple trees, is illuminated at night and the principal image, the Mikaeri Amida Nyorai statue, is made available to the public for worship. Don't miss out on seeing the breathtaking autumnal beauty of its garden, which was even mentioned in an ancient poetry anthology as "the maple Eikando."
9. Ninnaji Temple
Founded in 888 AD under imperial order, Ninnaji Temple serves as the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” partly for its storied past and also because it houses numerous important cultural properties and national treasures.
While best known for its cherry blossoms, Ninnaji transforms in autumn into a landscape of brilliant reds and golds, arguably best admired from its Japanese garden which offers a grand view of its five-storied pagoda. Those with more outdoorsy spirits might also want to consider the scenic Omuro Pilgrimage path behind the temple, where the autumn foliage adds a serene beauty.
Visit at night for the temple's special nighttime illumination, when the grounds glow under a sea of lights and mist. As part of the event, you may be able to snag a limited-time autumn "goshuin" stamp!
10. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is a spacious park surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace. Once home to the residences of court nobles and members of the imperial family, the area was transformed into a public garden during the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). While most of the estates were removed, visitors can still explore historical sites such as the Shusui Tei teahouse and the former KAN IN NO MIYA residence that remain within the grounds.
Today, the garden is home to around 100,000 trees, with ginkgo and maple adding vibrant color to the scenery come autumn. It's a peaceful place to experience both Kyoto's rich history and natural beauty, with wild birds and seasonal flowers bringing it to life.
Become Enchanted by the Autumn Scenery of Kyoto!
The sensational autumn colors of Kyoto serve to amplify the charm of its countless historic buildings, temples, shrines, and streetscapes. Whether you’re longing for a hike in the wilderness or a wander through a temple, the autumn scenery you’ve been dreaming about is guaranteed to be in Kyoto!
Top image: PIXTA
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
About the author
