What a view. 20 most beautiful places in Kyoto for Autumn Leaf season

The scent of the sweet osmanthus flower and the chilled weather, as if there never was Summer, is the start to the Autumn season in Kyoto.
There’s so many events and places that goes on in the Autumn Kyoto, but the best is of course, the Autumn Leaves.

This article will be introducing you (and perhaps to take you) to the 20 popular Autumn Leaf areas in Kyoto!

So when’s the Autumn Leaf season in Kyoto?

It really depends on the area, but it is usually early November to late November. So basically, November.

If you’re thinking of coming to Kyoto for the Autumn Leaf season on the weekend, November will be the prime time.

When it comes closer to December, the weather will get a little breezey, so early to mid November is even better.

Eikan-dou

This place is a historic and honourable place, which was even written in the “Kokin Wakashu” (a collection of ancient and modern Japanese Poetry).

The line up of the 3000 maple trees are beyond the doubt the best part of this place. Also the light up of the Maple tree gives a different look on the Autumn leaves, and please don’t forget the “Tahou-dou” inside “Eikan Dou”.

Address : 48, Eikan-dou-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/RK6TYRpNfC72

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.eikando.or.jp/

Sanzen-in

Famous site located in Ohara, Kyoto.

Ohara has one of the most biggest differences in temperature when it’s cold and hot, so the vivid colour of the Autumn Leaves are on a different level.

You can enjoy the contrast of the green moss and the red and yellow colour of the leaves.

Address : 540, Raigeiin-cho, Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/MDpb8XvdLHU2

The season : Early-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/

Kitano-tenmangu

The shrine Kitano-tenmangu, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, would have been a place to go for high school and uni students before exams.

The Autumn Leaf area, left by the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi is now been open to the public as Japanese Maple Garden.

Address : Umakui-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/byFh2WeTwhm

The season : Mid-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/

Tohfuku-ji Temple

Thanks to the location, Tohfuku-ji Temple is the longest place where you can enjoy your Autumn Leaf.

The highlight of Tohfuku-ji is the “Tsu-tenbashi” shown in the picture above. It has a touching atmosphere just like the Ghibli animation, “Spirited Away”.

Tohfuku-ji holds a Japanese maple season special event in early November when the Autumn leaf season begins.

This allows tourists and locals to view the Japanese maple at 8:30am, half an hour before the actual opening time.

Address : 778-15, Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/WSYFF59TG412

The season : Early-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://www.tofukuji.jp/index.html

 

Koumyou-ji Temple

Koumyou-ji Temple has an approach to the temple which is covered by the beautiful Japanese maple, just like a Japanese maple tunnel. It’s called “The Japanese maple approach”.

You cannot miss the autumn leaf along the main entrance, at the end of “The Japanese maple approach” of Koumyou-ji Temple, and also the ‘Nyonin Zaka’ (It’s a little upslope with small sets of stairs so it is easy for ladies to walk as well) just past the gate.

 

Address : 26-1, Aosaijounouchi, Nagaokakyo-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/a2WH3ydhtpn

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/

Yoshimine-dera Temple

Yoshimi-dera Temple is located in Nagaokakyo, the same area as Koumyou-ji Temple, and it is a temple on a mountain but easily accessible with either a car or a bus.

In the Autumn Leaf season, the whole mountain becomes full of red, orange, and yellow leaves so a lot pf places become famous for the Autumn Leaf.

Address : 1372, Oharano-ojio-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/SAJ29m79xoL2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.yoshiminedera.com/index.html

Kennin-ji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple is the oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto, just few streets off Gion.

It’s famous for the national treasure, ‘Fuujin Raijinzu Byoubu’ (The Wind and Thunder Gods), and Chouontei Garden, a Zen garden, where the Autumn Leaf beautifully hangs from the trees.

Since it’s really close to the busy area, a recommended sightseeing plan could be, visit Kiyomizu Temple, then go for a walk to Kennin-ji Temple, enjoy the multi coloured Autumn Leaf, then go on to Gion, Sentocho, or Kiyamachi for a nice dinner.

Address : 584, Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/LgiojPzrFLB2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.kenninji.jp/

Shinnyou-dou

Fantastic spot where you can see the Autumn Leaf surrounding the tower from the main hall.

Since it is near the Kyoto National Fushimi Art Museum, and Kyoto City Art Museum, I recommend walking towards one of the museum after a great time in Shinnyou-dou, and then while you’re walking, just hop into one of many cafes and grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the art in the Museum.

Near Shinnyou-dou, there is a temple called Konkai Koumyou-ji, aka ‘Mr. Kurotani’ by the locals. In this temple, there’s no ‘Afro Samurai’, but there sure is a ‘Afro Buddha’, so it is definitely a must go place. It’s way more ‘afro’ than you think.

Address : 82, Jodo-ji Shinnyo-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/JDr4yrDB6aT2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://shin-nyo-do.jp/

Arashiyama

The above photo is one of the Kyoto’s famous sightseeing spot Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo. This place is crowded with tourists all year round.

Of course the mountains, looking from Kagetsukyou, is full of beautiful Autumn Leaf. Not only that, you can enjoy the Autumn Leaf anywhere, and everywhere in Arashiyama so you’d want to walk all day and experience a taste of Autumn in Kyoto.

I’d also love you to go on the Torokko Tram running through the Autumn Leaves along the Hozu River. It’s just a pure joy drinking the “Randen Wheat Sake”, a craft beer in Arashiyama, on the Torokko Tram whilst enjoying the view of the Autumn Leaf.

Address : Togetsu-kyo, Arashiyama

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/MLJph8bJmcA2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/detail.php?InforKindCode=1&ManageCode=3000071

Manshu-in

An approach full of Autumn Leaf on the Karesansui, and the scattered Autumn Leaf is the main lookout for Manshu-in.

If you travel down to the city area from Manshu-in, there’s the Ichijouji Ramen Street, so my suggestion is to enjoy Autumn Leaf in Mashu-in, then go have a bowl of Ramen.

Address : 42, Ichijoji Takenouchi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/tHa2N433w8s

The season : Early-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.manshuinmonzeki.jp/

Hakuryuu-en Garden

 

It’s a Japanese Garden limited to 100 people per day, only for the month November.

It’s been open to the public since 2012, and it is the most prime location for Autumn Leaf season.

The limit of 100 people per day allows you to browse around the garden at your own pace, looking at the clean moss that hasn’t been stepped on by someone, and to enjoy the Autumn Leaf

You are required to buy a ticket for entree, and it is available at the Eizan Line Demachi Yanagi Station from 9am to 1pm.

You will be able to get to the Garden on Eizan Line (Kurama Line Ninose Station).

Address : 106, Kurama Ninose-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/QjWGMU7jWRB2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : https://www.facebook.com/Hakuryuen/info?tab=page_info

Koudai-ji Temple

Wife of the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nene, was the one who opened Koudai-ji Temple.

The above photo is the Autumn Leaf above Garyouchi Lake, within the garden. The lighting reflects the Autumn Leaf on the surface of the pond, which gives a romantic atmosphere.

Not only in Autumn, Koudai-ji has its own unique lighting in Spring, Summer, and Autumn, so it’s a nice place to visit all year round.

Address : 526 Shimogawaramachi Yasaka-Toriimae-Sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/WJUQLiyJF982

The season : Mid-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://www.kodaiji.com/index.html

Daigo-ji Temple

After Nene’s Temple, it’s now Daigo-ji, a place famous for the connection with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The ‘Sanpou-in Teien’, registered in the National Special Historical Sites, was designed by Hiedeyoshi himself for the “Cherry Blossom Viewing in Daigo”.

*The other places registered in the National Special Historical Sites are Amanohashidate, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. So Sanpou-in Teien is as famous as these two!

The above photo is the lake in Benten-dou. The vivid red Autumn Leaves are reflected on the surface and is appealing its beautifulness.

Address : 22 Daigo Higashi Oji-cho, Hushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/5ZY6J8TNGEm

The season : Mid-November ~ Early-December

Website : https://www.daigoji.or.jp/

Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple, one of the three famous gates to the main temple in Japan.

It is very rare to have a European architect arch shaped waterway inside the temple, adding the Autumn Leaf, you can experience both Japanese and European atmosphere.

What I should mention especially is the collaboration of Kosensui (Japanese rock garden) and the Autumn lead in the Japanese Garden in the Tenjuan.

Address : 86, Nanzen-ji Hukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/mGX9MXLBrxy

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.nanzen.net/

Kiyomizu Temple

The Autumn leaf during the day is of course beautiful, however, the night view and the Autumn Leaf together from the lit up Kiyomizu Temple is on a different level.

The Autumn Leaf season here is a bit later than other areas, so it means looking at the lit up Autumn Leaf in a bit of chilly atmosphere, but the beautiful view covers that part so I’d really recommend you to see it.

Address : 294-1, Kyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/gLTvapEJQao

The season : Late-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

Shouji-ji Temple

It is known for the cherry blossom, but it also has such nice Autumn Leaf. So it is a very nice place for both Spring and Autumn.

After you pass the white painted approach to the main temple, you’ll be hit with the main area with Autumn Leaf trees planted everywhere.

Address : 1194, Oharano-Minami-Kasuga-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/R2vWSkQHBzK2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.shoujiji.jp/

Hougon-in

Hougon-in, priding themselves for the lit up Shishiku Garden, is just on another level.

The Autumn Leaf is obviously a thing to see there, but I also want you to look down while you’re looking around. The ground is covered with Autumn Leaf from the tree and nicely coloured moss, and the contrast the two makes is just wonderful.

Address : 36, Saga-Tenryu-ji Sasano-baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/JSJk7Q6J8qN2

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://www.hogonin.jp/index.html

Kifune

Pre historic hotels are lined up around here, and on the waterbed, you get to see the waterfall of the Kifune River while you eat.

There is a temple that is famous for relationship, and there’s a lot of places to see in the small vicinity.

It’s a place you would like to go with your partner, staying at the Kifune Hotel on a small Autumn road trip.

To get to Kifune, get on the Eizan Train from the Demachi Yanagi Station and get off at the Kifuneguchi Station. In the Autumn Leaf season, while you’re on the train, outside is covered by full bloomed Autumn Leaf, which is why the area is called ‘Japanese Maple Tunnel’. If you get on the Eizan Special Train “Kirara”, the seats are designed for looking at the Autumn Leaf so the trip will be doubled in enjoyment.

Address : 180 Kurama Kifune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/p8qm53FnNKy

The season : Early-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://kifunejinja.jp/

Ruri-kou-in

It’s a rare spot where it is closed depending on the season.

The varieties of Autumn Leaf colour from the study room, a.k.a. Shoin (photo above), is amazing. Also the Ruri Garden (Photo below) representing the land of Perfect Bliss is just on another level.

If it is open to public, it is one of the most beautiful place and definitely a must go.

Address : 55, Takano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/sVs8dNfX9S72

The season : Mid-November ~ Late-November

Website : http://rurikoin.komyoji.com/

Kinkaku-ji Temple

The famous Kinkaku-ji Temple is of course beautiful all year around, but Autumn is especially good.

The red Autumn Leaf looks more attractive on the gold colour of Shariden, and you’ll be that fascinated you’ll forget about reality.

No matter your gender, we are informing about Kyoto’s solo travel spots. Please keep in mind the places we have recommended and enjoy your solo travel.

Address : 1, Kinkaku-ji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Gic4h4yLPFu

The season : Mid-November ~ Early-December

Website : http://www.shokoku-ji.jp/k_sanpai.html