Experiencing Kyoto’s Autumn Splendor: If You Haven’t, Here Are 7 Must-See Locations for Leaf Viewing

Kyoto is renowned for its spectacular display of fall foliage, making autumn one of the most popular times of year to visit. Top spots to take in the vibrant hues of the changing maple leaves include Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, the Philosopher’s Path, and the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. With its abundance of temples, shrines, gardens, and forests, Kyoto offers many breathtaking vantage points to admire the stunning autumn scenery.

1. Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple is renowned as one of the best places to view fall foliage in Kyoto. Perched on a hillside overlooking the city, the main hall offers sweeping views of vibrant maple leaves against a backdrop of vermilion shrines and pagodas. As the sun sets, the temple buildings are illuminated, creating an enchanting nighttime display. With its panoramic vistas, atmospheric lights, and sheer beauty, Kiyomizu is a quintessential Kyoto autumn destination.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: Late November to early December

What to Expect

• Type of Trees: Yamamomiji (Japanese Maple)
• Scenery: The harmony between the vividly colored maple leaves and the grand national treasure, the Main Hall, is stunning. The view from Oku-no-in (inner sanctuary) is particularly breathtaking.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
• Admission Fee: Adults ¥400, Children ¥200
• Night Viewing: Available from November 18 to November 30, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (planned)

Amenities

• Parking: None
• Shops: Available
• Beer: Available
• Toilets: Available

Contact Information

• Phone: 075-551-1234

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Main Line, Kyoto Station
• Nearest Highway Exit: Meishin Expressway Kyoto East IC
• Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

2. Tofukuji Tsutenkyo Bridge

The Tsutenkyo Bridge at Tofukuji Temple provides one of the most stunning maple vistas in Kyoto. Connecting the main temple to the Kaizando hall, the 100-meter long bridge crosses a valley filled with over 2,000 brilliantly colored maple trees. Looking out over a sea of vibrant red leaves from the bridge is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of a Japanese autumn. Tofukuji’s iconic maple valley alone makes it one of the best spots in Kyoto for koyo season.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: Mid-November to early December

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: Iroha Momiji, Yamamomiji, To Kaede, Nomura Momiji
• Scenery: Tofukuji is touted as having some of the best autumn leaves in Kyoto. The view of the autumn leaves in the Senyukan ravine from Tsutenkyo Bridge is truly breathtaking. You can also see a type of maple called “Tsuten Momiji,” where the leaves split into three and turn golden.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Admission Fee: Adults ¥1000, Children ¥300
• Night Viewing: Available (details to be confirmed on-site)

Amenities

• Parking: None (Note: All parking areas will be closed from late October to early December)
• Shops: Available
• Toilets: Available

Contact Information

• Phone: 075-561-0087

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Nara Line, Tofukuji Station
• Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

3. Arashiyama

Arashiyama offers autumn scenery unlike anywhere else in Kyoto. The Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River provides breathtaking views of crimson maple leaves against a backdrop of lush green mountains. Taking a stroll through Arashiyama’s bamboo groves and temples, like Tenryuji and Jojakkoji, reveals astonishing colors at every turn. With its idyllic setting, Arashiyama is the perfect place to experience Kyoto’s fall foliage.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: Late November is the best time to see the autumn leaves.

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: The primary type of tree for autumn foliage is Momiji (Japanese Maple).
• Scenery: The autumn leaves reflect on the surface of the Oi River, creating an elegant view that complements the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: The area is open year-round, every day, including holidays. It operates 24 hours.
• Admission Fee: Free
• Night Viewing: Closed to night viewing.

Amenities

• Parking: Available
• Shops: Available
• Toilets: Available
• Additional: Beer and Japanese sake are also available.

Contact Information

• Contact: Private

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Sanin Main Line Saga Arashiyama Station
• Nearest IC: Meishin Expressway Kyoto Minami IC
• Address: Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City/Arashiyama, Nishikyo Ward

4. Eikando Temple

Eikando Temple is famous for its autumn illumination event. As night falls, over 3,000 maple trees surrounding the temple are artfully lit up, creating an enchanting glow. Visitors can sip matcha and take in the beauty of ancient temple buildings surrounded by vibrant colors. With its stunning evening lights display, Eikando is a majestic spot for viewing illuminated autumn leaves.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: Mid-November to late November. The autumn leaves are so famous that the location is also called “Momiji no Eikando.”

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: Japanese maple, Big maple, Nomura maple
• Scenery: The area is renowned for its autumn foliage, particularly the vibrant colors of the maples.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: All year round (closed on holidays), 9:00-17:00
• Admission Fee: Adults ¥1000, Children ¥400
• Night Viewing: Allowed from November 3rd to December 3rd, 17:30-20:30 (gates close at 21:00). Special night admission fee is ¥600 for junior high school students and above.

Amenities

• Parking: None available
• Shops: None available
• Toilets: Available

Contact Information

• Phone Number: 075-761-0007

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Main Line Kyoto Station
• Nearest IC: Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC
• Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

5. Path of Philosophy

The Path of Philosophy is one of Kyoto’s most scenic autumn strolls. The canal-lined pathway leading from Ginkakuji to Nanzenji Temple explodes in fall colors as maples transform into brilliant crimson and gold. Lined with cafes and shops, it’s a relaxed way to admire the foliage by foot or bicycle. For an easy yet idyllic koyo experience, the Path of Philosophy can’t be beat.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: The best time to see the autumn leaves along the Philosopher’s Path is from late November to early December.

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: The area is known for its Sakura (cherry blossom trees) and Japanese maple trees.
• Scenery: The path runs along the Lake Biwa Canal and offers a serene setting, especially beautiful when the leaves change colors. You can walk from Nanzenji/Eikando to Honenin/Ginkakuji while enjoying the autumn foliage.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: The path is open year-round and accessible 24 hours a day.
• Admission Fee: Free of charge.
• Night Viewing: The area is closed to night viewing.

Amenities

• Parking: Available.
• Shops: Stands are present along the path.
• Toilets: Public toilets are available.

Contact Information

• Contact: The area is privately managed. Specific contact information is not provided.

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Main Line Kyoto Station.
• Nearest IC: Meishin Expressway Kyoto Higashi IC.
• Address: The path stretches from Nakaoji Bridge to Jodoji Bridge, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.

6. Jojakkoji Temple

Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama has over 200 maple trees covering its grounds in vibrant shades of red and orange during fall. The temple’s moss garden and bamboo pathways wind through blazing foliage, with the mountainous landscape visible beyond. With its halls, ponds, and astonishing colors, Jojakkoji is an exceptional yet serene spot to admire Kyoto’s autumn beauty.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: The best time to see autumn leaves at Jojakko-ji Temple is from mid-November to late November.

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: The temple is home to various types of maples including Japanese maple, Big maple, and Nomura maple.
• Scenery: The temple is located at the foot of Mt. Ogura, making it a picturesque spot for autumn foliage.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: The temple is open all year round, including holidays. The operational hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM.
• Admission Fee: ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for children.
• Night Viewing: The temple is closed for night viewing.

Amenities

• Parking: No parking is available during the autumn leaves season. The parking lot is reserved for taxis only.
• Shops: None available.
• Toilets: Toilets are available for visitors.

Contact Information

• Phone Number: 075-861-0435

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Sanin Main Line Saga Arashiyama Station
• Nearest IC: Meishin Expressway Kyoto Minami IC
• Address: 3 Kokuracho, Saga Kokurayama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City

7. Daikaku-ji

Daikakuji Temple sits beside the picturesque Osawa Pond, where visitors can admire the reflecting foliage in an iconic Kyoto scene. The temple’s Japanese garden creates a peaceful backdrop to enjoy the turning maples and gingko trees. For views of vivid fall colors mirrored on shimmering water, Daikakuji is one of Kyoto’s top spots.

Best Time to Visit

• Leaf Viewing Season: Mid-November to early December

What to Expect

• Types of Trees: Sakura, Maple
• Scenery: Osawa Pond is surrounded by alternating maple and cherry trees. The view from the wide veranda of Godaido, the main hall, is particularly beautiful.

Operational Details

• Opening Hours: All year round (closed on holidays), 9:00-17:00 (reception until 16:30)
• Admission Fee:
  • Daytime: ¥300 for adults, ¥100 for children
  • Nighttime: ¥900 for adults, ¥500 for elementary, junior high, and high school students
• Night Viewing: Allowed from 17:30-20:30 (reception until 20:00), available from 11/17 to 12/3

Amenities

• Parking: Available
• Shops: None
• Toilets: Available

Contact Information

• Phone: 075-871-0071

How to Get There

• Nearest Station: JR Sanin Main Line Saga Arashiyama Station
• Nearest IC: Meishin Expressway Kyoto Minami IC
• Address: 4, Saga Osawacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City