08 Sep Don’t Miss Out on Kyoto this Fall – Autumn Foliage for Free
Kyoto is one of the most visited areas among tourists overseas and it is no different during autumn foliage. Even Japanese locals plan a trip during that time of the year to enjoy the amazing autumn in Kyoto.
Many autumn foliage collaborates with temples and shrines, thus some places you will need to pay entry fee.
Traveling on a tight budget? Don’t worry! There are places you can go for free and there are just as beautiful.
Photo by Moyan Brenn
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Arashiyama (嵐山)
Start to color in mid November, peaking late November – early December
Photo by Herry Lawford
The view of the grand Arashiyama from the famous Togetsukyo bridge is spectacular and is a great spot for photo shooting.
Photo by Kimon Berlin
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Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺)
You can enjoy the red and yellow leaves from mid November – early December.
To go into Nanzeji temple, there will be an entry fee but you can already enjoy the colorful leaves just walking around.
Photo by Takeshi Kuboki
Aquaduct located near Nanzenji is a popular spot among tourists throughout the year but red and yellow leaf decoration makes it so much better!
Photo by Hideyuki KAMON
Photo by Sun Taro
Shinnyodo Temple (真如堂)
You can enjoy the red and yellow leaves from late November – early December.
Located near Nanzenji temple, Shinnyodo temple is another wonderful photo location with the beautiful fall color.
Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA
The contrast of the autumn leaves and the unique design of the architecture is just so beautiful.
Photo by Albert
Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA
Maruyama Park (円山公園)
Start to color in mid November, peaking late November – early December.
Located next to Yasaka shrine, Maruyama park is a beautiful garden surrounding a pond in the middle. The color of the red leaves reflecting on the water offers an elegant seasonal view.
Photo by Sarah-Rose
Photo byKyoto-Picture
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Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
Start to color in early November, peaking mid November – mid December.
Because there are various types of trees and they each color at different times, you can enjoy it for long time.
Kyoto imperial palace park is quite big in size so take your time walking around and you will encounter different beautiful sceneries.
Photo by np&djjewell
If you are staying nearby, it is a great walk in the morning and you can enjoy it just for yourself.
Photo by np&djjewell
Photo by np&djjewell
Higashi Honganji Temple (東本願寺)
Come and enjoy the feel of autumn at Higashi Honganji temple in mid November until late November.
It is only 5 minutes walk from Kyoto station and it is famous for its yellow ginkyo trees.
Photo by titanium22
Photo by 淳平 筈井
Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社)
You can enjoy the red and yellow leaves from late November – early December.
Shimogamo shrine’s autumn is slightly later than some areas of Kyoto, so it is a good spot to visit if you are coming towards the end the fall.
Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA
As you walk under the tunnel of trees, you can enjoy the red and yellow leaves falling and the crisp sound of the leaves as you step.
Photo by nwhitely
How about enjoying those autumn leaves for free? It is a special time of the year where the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto becomes even more romantic and mystical.
Interested in capturing your trip to Kyoto this fall?
Book a vacation photo with KoKoRoGraphy today!