21 Sep 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.
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!
Photo by Marufish
Recommended Locations
East Kyoto
Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺)
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.
Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA
Don’t forget to enjoy the night illumination!
Photo by Albert
Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺)
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.
Photo by Takeshi Kuboki
Photo by Hideyuki KAMON
Eikando (永観堂)
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.
Photo by Kyoto-Picture
Photo by Sun Taro
Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道)
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.
Photo by np&djjewell
Maruyama Park (円山公園)
Maruyama Park (円山公園)
Photo by Sarah-Rose
Photo by Kyoto-Picture
SouthKyoto
Tofukuji Temple (東福寺)
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.
Photo by marki1983
Photo by Keiko Shih
Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺)
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.
Photo by minoir
Photo by Jérôme Capsid
Toji Temple (東寺)
Toji Temple (東寺)
Photo by prelude2000
Photo by doctorho
West Kyoto
Arashiyama & Hozu River (嵐山/保津川)
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?
Photo by Hans Liu
Photo by Herry Lawford
Nison-in (二尊院)
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.
Photo by Alan Dreamworks
Photo by snowshoe hare*(slowly catching up)
Mid-Kyoto
Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社)
Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社)
Photo by nwhitely
Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮)
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.
Photo by Norio NAKAYAMA
Photo by Kyoto-Picture
Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所)
Photo by np&djjewell
Photo by np&djjewell
North Kyoto
Kyoto Botanic Garden (京都植物園)
Kyoto Botanic Garden (京都植物園)
Photo by kimubert
Genko-an (源光庵)
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.
Photo by Kyoto-Picture
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!