All You Need to Know About Autumn Foliage in Kyoto

Kyoto’s autumn foliage is very popular among both local Japanese and tourists visiting!

There are many places you can enjoy autumn leaves, however Kyoto is special in a away that it collaborates with anvient temples and shrines.

石灯籠

Photo by minoir

Season for Autumn Foliage

If you are planning to see autumn foliage in Kyoto, make your travel plan between end of October until early December. Last few weeks of November will be a safe choice!

The temperature plays a huge role in the color of the leaves, thus the timing of autumn leaves can change depending on the proximal weather. 

North Kyoto: Mid – Late November

Middle Kyoto: Late November – Early December

East Kyoto: Late November – Early December

WestKyoto: Mid – Late November

South Kyoto: Mid November – Early December

What to Wear to Enjoy Autumn Foliage

It can be quite cold during autumn season so make sure to bring something warm to wear. During this season, some temples and shrines offer illumination of autumn leaves so you may be going out late at night.  

It’s always good to have layers so you can easily put it on and take it off!

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Photo by Marufish

Recommended Locations

East Kyoto

Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺)

Probably one of the most famous temples in Kyoto. The view from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera stage during fall is just beautiful.

Autumn Kiyomizu-dera 清水寺

Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA

Don’t forget to enjoy the night illumination!

清水寺

Photo by Albert


Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺)

The gate to Nanzenji temple will be beautifully decorated with red and yellow leaves. Enjoy the free view of fall here in Nanzenji temple. 

Nanzenji temple 南禅寺

Photo by Takeshi Kuboki

Suirokaku (Aqueduct Bridge)

Photo by Hideyuki KAMON


Eikando (永観堂)

It is one of the famous spots during autumn. The yellow leaf carpet is just beautiful and makes you appreciate the season of fall. 

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Photo by Kyoto-Picture

永観堂

Photo by Sun Taro


Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道)

Looking for a nice location to stroll around? Well, philosopher’s path will be a good choice. Capture the reflection of autumn leaves on the water as you walk along the canal.

Philosopher's Path

Photo by np&djjewell


Maruyama Park (円山公園)

Leaves

Photo by Sarah-Rose

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Photo by Kyoto-Picture 


SouthKyoto

Tofukuji Temple (東福寺)

Looking for a nice location to stroll around? Well, philosopher’s path will be a good choice. Capture the reflection of autumn leaves on the water as you walk along the canal.

東福寺

Photo by marki1983

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Photo by Keiko Shih


Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺)

The collaboration of the red bridge and the autumn leaves are just beautiful. It is one of the most popular places during fall for both locals and tourists. It can take about 1 hour to go around Daigo-ji temple, so make sure to have enough time to enjoy this beautiful temple. 

弁天堂

Photo by minoir

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Photo by Jérôme Capsid


Toji Temple (東寺)

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Photo by prelude2000

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Photo by doctorho


West Kyoto

Arashiyama & Hozu River (嵐山/保津川)

Arashiyama offers grand nature view of autumn leaves. How about a boat ride to get 360 view of fall?

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Photo by Hans Liu

Kyoto

Photo by Herry Lawford


Nison-in (二尊院)

The road that leads up to the entrance to Nison-in is very famous for its spectacular autumn scenery. Enjoy a walk as red and yellow leaves covers over you.

Picturesque Nison-in

Photo by Alan Dreamworks

Japanese maple #11

Photo by snowshoe hare*(slowly catching up)


Mid-Kyoto

Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社)

Shimogamo sights

Photo by nwhitely


Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮)

Although Kitano Tenmangu is famous for its plum trees, autumn is just as beautiful as spring. The yellow ginkyo trees contrast well with the vivid red bridge. 

Autumn KITANO-TENMANGU 北野天満宮

Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA

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Photo by Kyoto-Picture


Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)

Sentō-gosho Garden, Kyoto

Photo by np&djjewell

Sentō-gosho Garden, Kyoto

Photo by np&djjewell


North Kyoto

Kyoto Botanic Garden (京都植物園)

Kyoto Botanic Garden

Photo by kimubert


Genko-an (源光庵)

Very famous for its view from the circular window. It is perfectly built that everything looks like a fine piece of artwork. 

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Photo by Kyoto-Picture

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Photo by Kyoto-Picture


So many places you can enjoy the spectacular view of fall in Kyoto!

How about capturing those beautiful vacation memory with a professional photographer?

Book a vacation photo with KoKoRoGraphy today!

 

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