Where to See the Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

Kyoto's autumn foliage is one of the most popular and particular sceneries in Japan that attracts tourists from all over the world. Enjoying Kyoto's elegant streets and historical buildings brightened by the fire-like color will become a unique experience. Here we will introduce the best period to see the perfect colors and some of the best spots to see autumn leaves in Kyoto, including some tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

When is the Best Time to See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

In general, the fall comes to Kyoto around mid-to-late October, and the fall foliage will begin to change color at this time. But if you want to catch the peak of fall leaves, the best time to take your trip to Kyoto is from mid-November to early December.

Best Places in Kyoto for Autumn Leaves

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is one of the World Heritage and a famous tourist spot worldwide. On the Kiyomisu Stage in the temple, you will feel surrounded by a large red forest consisting of Japanese maples. During the autumn leaves season every year, the temple will offer a special illumination that emphasizes the contrast between the bright temple and colorful leaves, which makes it very romantic and photogenic.

2. The Momiji Tunnel

The Momiji Tunnel is where the trees with red, yellow, and orange leaves form a shape that looks like a tunnel. From every train on the Eizan Electric Railway between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station, you get a clear view of the Momiji Tunnel. If you luckily get on a panorama train, you will be able to enjoy an even more stunning view through the large window. The panorama train does not need a reservation and costs the same as a normal train. Besides, it is possible to see night autumn leaves with limited-time illumination. The train runs slowly with the lights turned off when it enters the Momiji Tunnel, which may feel like traveling through a magic world.

3. Tenryū-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple was built by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn the spirit of the emperor after his death, and it is registered as a World Heritage Site. Here you can enjoy a unique view of autumn leaves and bamboo of Arashiyama mingled together. From the wood deck of the main hall, you can see a mirror-like pond reflecting the molten-red maple trees. When you climb on top of Bokyo no Oka, a hill in the temple, you can overlook Kyoto from above with diverse colors leaves all at once.

4. Eikan-do Temple

Eikan-do Temple, also known as Zenrin-ji Temple. It is a miracle that its beauty has continued from 1000 years ago to the present day. After mid-November, about 3,000 maple trees will draw the park red and yellow. You can see the brightened autumn leaves in different shades decorating the Japanese-style bridge across the pond. 

Eikan-do Temple in Kyoto

5. Nanzen-ji Temple

The most popular spot to see autumn leaves in Nanzen-ji Temple is the road to the main hall after passing the mountain gate after the entrance. The symmetric scenery with red maples along the road and the main hall at the end consist of a stunning picture. Also, if you climb to the top of the mountain gate, you will be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of Kyoto and the Nanzen-ji Temple complex. The temple is also near to Eikan-do Temple, which was mentioned before, so it would be very convenient to visit both.

6. Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is also registered as a World Heritage Site, and it is a popular spot for praying for good luck in marriage. There is a guardian forest of the Shrine spread out in the precincts. From late November to mid-December, the entire forest is covered in colorful autumn leaves. Here you can find the vivid scenery of red and yellow fall leaves decorating the scarlet shrine building and bridge. In mid-Decmber, the carpet made of maple leaves that covers all surfaces is also impressive.

7. Kitanotenman-gu Shrine

Kitanotenman-gu Shrine is a famous power spot and sightseeing spot loved by many people. On the west side of the precincts, there is a maple garden which is said to have been built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. You can see both the magnificent historical architecture of the classic Shinto Shrine style and fall colors up close. There is a scarlet bridge where you will be able to see the unreally beautiful autumn scenery, whether with sunlight or evening illumination.

Recommended Restaurants With Autumn Leaves View

In this part, we are going to introduce some of the best restaurants in Kyoto, where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery. These restaurants are in some of the popular areas, such as Arashiyama, Higashiyama, and Nanzenji. You will be able to have a luxurious time in these restaurants while watching the fall colors of the garden.

1. Kyo-Suiran

"Kyo-Suiran" is located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's leading tourist destinations and autumn leaves viewing spots. You can enjoy delicate Kaiseki cuisine with the aesthetics of French cuisine while having a wonderful view of the 100-year-old building with red leaves in the background. You can gaze at the red maple trees decorating the Japanese-style garden-like jewelry from the large window in the restaurant. Not only for dinner but also for lunch, you can enjoy a luxurious course including appetizer, soup, deep-fried, fish, and beef at a relatively reasonable price.

2. The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto

"THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO" is an Italian restaurant located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. It is a historical building built in 1929 by Japanese painter Seiho Takeuchi. It was once a private residence, and you may taste a bit of a hideaway mood here. Imagine enjoying Italian cuisine while gazing at the beautiful Kyoto-style Garden, especially during the night when all the autumn leaves are lit up. How fantastic the atmosphere is!

3. Okakuen

"Okakuen" is in the Nanzenji area of Kyoto, a 5-minute walk from Keage Station. The restaurant itself is a historical building built in 1915. While you dining here, you can overlook the beautiful Japanese-style garden with a river flowing through the garden. You can enjoy Exquisite Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a private room with colorful autumn spread in the garden.

Recommended Area to Stay to Enjoy Autumn Leaves Scenery

We will introduce some of the areas with different characteristics in Kyoto where you can enjoy autumn leaves more conveniently.

1. Gion & Higashiyama Area

The Gion & Higashiyama area is one of Kyoto's most popular sightseeing areas, where plenty of autumn leaves are spread, such as Kiyomizu-Dera-Temple, Eikan-do Temple, and Nanzen-ji Temple. It is highly recommended for those who would like to visit the famous attraction as much as possible. In this area, with all kinds of hotels or ryokans with different styles and prices, it is sure that you can find something that meets your needs. All the spots can get quickly by public transportation. Or, you may even go on foot. Usually, a 20-minute walk will lead you to a place full of autumn red.

The Gion District, Kyoto

2. Arashiyama & Sagano Area

It is an area around 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, where you can enjoy the autumn scenery of magnificent mountains. There are many ryokans and hotels with modern Japanese Style here. It is recommended to stay in this area when traveling in Kyoto if you enjoy rather be in nature instead of the city.

Types of the Most Beautiful Red Leaves in Kyoto

There are about 14 kinds of trees that change colors in autumn. Here are 3 types of trees in Kyoto that are considered to have the most representative and beautiful red leaves. You may try to find them during your trip to Kyoto.

1. Redvein Maple

The size of the Redvine maple leaves is about 10 cm to 15 cm. When autumn comes, the leaves will first turn yellow and then red. You may find one tree in two or more colors. It is easy to find this type of autumn leaves in the mountains of Kyoto.

2. Japanese Maple

The typical Japanese maple that can be seen in Kyoto is the 3-7cm large maple known as "Iroha maple". It is also characterized by small leaves and jagged edges. This type of maple tree is the best companion in traditional Japanese gardens, and it can often be seen in many temples, such as Shinnyo-do Temple or Tofuku-ji Temple.

3. Ginkgo

Ginkgo offers a different kind of beauty from the maples. The yellow leaves reflect golden light under the sunshine is just stunning. You can capture Ginkgo trees in many famous tourist spots of Kyoto, such as To-ji Temple or Higashihongan-ji Temple.

Autumn makes Kyoto much more fascinating. For enjoying a perfect Kyoto trip with beautiful autumn leaves, feel free to contact our travel specialists for detailed information and a fully organized itinerary based on your preferences.