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Kyoto in autumn is attractive. The historic 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 one of the best locations to see autumn foliage in Kyoto, from well-known temples to quiet gardens.
Plus, you’ll be taught when to anticipate fall colors and the best way to discover out which temples have peak color throughout your go to. There’s a map on the finish with all these high spots.
Contents
Best Time to Visit Kyoto for Autumn Foliage
November is one of the best month to go to Kyoto to see autumn foliage. Colour often begins across the center of the month and peaks in direction of the top of November.
Peak foliage dates differ yearly (see the forecasts beneath), however the final week of November is the most secure guess.
If attainable, I might keep away from Labor Thanksgiving Day on 23 November, because it’s a really busy day for leaf viewing.
We had 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 direction of the start of that interval and previous peak by the top. The colors had been at their finest from 24 to 30 November.
If you go to earlier in November, you may nonetheless discover fall color at greater elevations utilizing the forecast instruments beneath.
If you go to Japan in late September or October, you’ll have to discover autumn foliage outdoors of Kyoto, similar to in far north Japan (Hokkaido) or at greater elevations.
Kyoto Autumn Leaves Forecast 2024
The Kyoto autumn leaves forecast for 2024 is presently predicting that one of the 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 the same 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 can 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 concentrate on for Kyoto, though one can find a couple 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 essentially the most great tool to plan the place to go and when.
It lists many temples, gardens, and parks throughout town and its outskirts. At the highest, you’ll discover dates from 20 October to eight December (it’s up to date twice per week), with symbols marking when every spot is at its peak.
Red leaves signify peak color, and though that is one of the best time to go, it’s nonetheless price visiting when it’s orange (partially colored) or brown (previous peak).
Although it received’t be up to date till 20 October, you may see the earlier 12 months’s peak occasions.
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 photographs of many temples so you may see how the colors are progressing. You’ll must 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 most well-liked spots have three stars).
Best Kyoto Fall Foliage Spots
The finest locations to see the colorful autumn leaves in Kyoto are at temples. You’ll discover the odd vibrant purple or yellow tree whereas wandering town, however the temples (plus gardens and parks) are the place you’ll see lots of color.
These are our favorite Kyoto fall foliage spots (roughly ranked), however you may see some beautiful color at nearly all temples.
In addition to those, we loved visiting Kodaiji, Entokuin, and Shorein (all in Southern Higashiyama). While the colorful timber aren’t as in depth, they aren’t as busy as extra well-known koyo spots.
See our posts on the finest 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 number of temples cost further at this peak time.
1) Eikando
Eikando is my high choose 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 preferred autumn spot for Japanese guests.
It’s price braving the crowds because the maples are in depth 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 heaps to see on this giant advanced, and we spent 1 hour and 10 minutes there. You begin inside and observe a set route alongside the wood corridors with out sneakers (put on heat socks). Bring a bag to hold your sneakers in case you can (however they do present plastic baggage).
In this indoor part, you stroll in a stream of individuals and might admire historic fusuma (embellished sliding doorways) and the courtyard backyard with maples and a small pond.
You step by step make your technique to a temple constructing greater on the hill with completely different views of dense clusters of maples on the way in which.
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, nevertheless it was closed once we arrived simply earlier than 5pm closing.
Eikando additionally has one in all Kyoto’s finest evening illuminations in autumn. I like to recommend visiting by day and evening as they’re completely different experiences (and also you don’t see the within areas or hillside pagoda at evening).
2) Enkoji
Enkoji is a little bit out of the way in which in Northern Kyoto, nevertheless it’s price 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 value is greater than the remainder of the 12 months at 1000 yen/ $7), however we obtained 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 may 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 a superb view of town and sundown. While it doesn’t have the identical sea of maples as Eikando, it was a extra peaceable expertise.
Also Worth Visiting: Shisendo Temple is only some minutes from Enkoji and is one other quieter spot. It’s not recognized for its autumn color, however there are some beautiful vibrant timber and a tatami room to admire them from. We visited for half-hour earlier than Enkoji.
3) Jojakkoji
Jojakkoji is one in all our favorite cherry blossom spots in Kyoto and is much more gorgeous in autumn—however quite a bit busier.
It’s positioned in Arashiyama, a distant neighbourhood that’s a must-visit in autumn (extra suggestions beneath).
At any time of 12 months, I really 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 among the most well-known Kyoto fall foliage spots (and one of the vital 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, nevertheless it was a lot quieter and extra fulfilling than our night go to.
The evening illuminations are magical, although, so do each in case you keep close by.
This is an enormous advanced, so enable at the very least an hour in 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 had been essentially the most in depth 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 whenever you get to this terrace at Okunoin Hall—a whole bunch of individuals had been crammed on right here at 8.30pm and I didn’t hassle (you may nonetheless see the principle corridor from different angles). At 7am, there was nonetheless a brief however manageable wait.
Note that in case you do go early, the retailers on Kiyomizuzaka (the road main up the hill to the temple) don’t open till 10am (which could be a blessing as this avenue will get so crowded). Starbucks on Ninenzaka is among the solely locations close by open at 8am.
5) Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a neighbourhood within the western outskirts of Kyoto that’s properly definitely worth the effort to get to, particularly in autumn.
Expect very excessive crowds, however the payoff is essentially the most autumnal place in Kyoto with vibrant timber in all places.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is an iconic spot to see fall colors on the hillside subsequent to the river. You may take common 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 in depth with a pond and lots of ranges to discover. Walk up the steps close to the again for a fair higher view. You may see a number of the well-known bamboo forest.
Shigetsu is a Zen Buddhist restaurant within the gardens and one of many finest vegetarian eating places in Kyoto. Be certain to e-book weeks forward in autumn.
6) Saihoji Moss Temple
Saihoji, generally generally known as the Kyoto Moss Temple, isn’t generally known as an autumn vacation spot, however we liked 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 way more tranquil. We adore it and extremely suggest combining it with Arashiyama.
See my information to the Kyoto Moss Temple for the whole lot it’s essential know.
7) Kibune and Kurama
Kibune and Kurama are two small villages in Northern Kyoto. Combined with a hike by the forest over the mountain between the 2, that is one in all my favorite day journeys from Kyoto and a (comparatively) peaceable escape from town.
Autumn is an exquisite time to go to. The leaves flip earlier at these greater elevations, and so they had been previous peak once we visited on 26 November.
We took the Eizan practice to Kibune, which takes you thru a fairly tunnel of maple timber. From the station, we walked up the highway to Kibune Shrine, then by the west gate to Kurama-dera (500 yen/ $3.50 entrance).
A path by the forest (with a steep climb at the start) introduced us to Kurama-dera the place the colors had been extra vibrant than in Kibune and the mountain views are unbelievable. As we obtained 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 toes) of elevation acquire. It wasn’t too difficult however put on first rate sneakers.
This is a superb and straightforward half-day journey if you would like some train, a style of the Japanese countryside, recent mountain air, and a few fairly fall color (particularly earlier within the season).
If you don’t need to hike, you could possibly take the practice to Kurama after which the cable automotive as much as the temple.
8) Tofukuji
Tofukuji is a Zen temple that goes underneath the radar many of the 12 months, however guests descend in autumn because it’s one of the vital well-known fall color locations.
The colors are vibrant and in depth, however we didn’t get pleasure from it as a lot as these above because the crowds had 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 lined wood walkway by a valley of maple timber.
9) Nanzenji
Nanzenji is a unbelievable temple advanced to go to anytime, however autumn is particularly lovely.
Located close to the beginning of the Philosopher’s Path, it’s straightforward to mix with different temples within the space (and we often stroll from Gion with stops on the way in which).
Much of the advanced 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 town.
One subtemple price paying for is Tenjuan (to the proper whenever you enter Nanzenji), which is quieter than the principle areas.
After passing the Zen rock backyard, stroll by 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, nevertheless it should have been gorgeous per week earlier.
10) Murin-an Garden
Murin-an isn’t an iconic fall color spot, nevertheless it’s a superb quieter choice, particularly for backyard followers.
This fashionable Japanese backyard (relationship again to 1896) is on the grounds of a late Nineteenth-century villa. It’s a 10-minute stroll from Nanzenji.
You should e-book prematurely on the Murin-an web site; the value relies on the date. Booking a day or two forward needs to be tremendous. 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 start out my go to sitting on tatami within the tearoom overlooking the backyard.
While it wasn’t my favorite matcha (and it’s dear), it was a calming place to linger and benefit from the view of the yellowing maple.
The backyard solely takes about 10 minutes to wander round, nevertheless it’s beautiful with stepping stone pathways, a stream, little waterfall, some scarlet maples, and the Higashiyama Mountains within the distance.
Autumn Temple Illuminations
In spring and autumn, some Kyoto temples open for night illuminations, and it’s price visiting one or two for a distinct perspective on the gardens.
Illuminations often begin in mid-November and run till early December, however examine the dates for every temple as they modify barely every year.
Expect crowds at these occasions. They often run from round 5.30pm to 9pm and can be quietest within the final hour (though we nonetheless discovered them very busy). Try to go to on weekdays.
These are a number of the hottest temple illuminations in autumn:
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Eikando
- Tofukuji
- Kodaiji
- Toji
See the Souda Kyoto web site for a full record (translate from Japanese).
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 e-book properly forward (ideally 3-5 months earlier than).
Hotel The Celestine in Gion is a 15-minute stroll from Kiyomizu-dera, excellent 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 evening 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 evaluations of each these, plus different suggestions of locations we’ve stayed.
Weather in Kyoto in Autumn
While early November in Kyoto can nonetheless be sizzling (it was 26ºC/ 79ºF on our go to), the temperature drops quickly by the month.
By 10 November, temperatures had been right down to round 15ºC, and in the midst 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, nevertheless it was usually cloudy.
Layers are the easiest way to decorate for Kyoto in autumn.
I often wore a long-sleeved t-shirt, mild cashmere sweater, light-weight Patagonia down jacket, denims, woolly hat and gloves. My Allbirds Wool Runners served me properly as they’re heat, comfy, and straightforward to slide off at temples.
We picked up further winter garments from Uniqlo, which has affordable costs and the Heattech vary is nice for layering. You may purchase hats and gloves from comfort shops.
Map of Kyoto Autumn Foliage Spots
Is Kyoto in Autumn Worth It?
Autumn is among the busiest and costliest occasions of 12 months to go to Kyoto, however for us, it was price it. There are so many temples and gardens the place you may get pleasure from actually gorgeous fall colors.
Kyoto is gorgeous at any time of 12 months, however autumn (and spring) are further particular.
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