Autumn leaves viewing spots 2025

11 Nov,2025 Last updated : 11 Nov,2025 machiya_master


A guide to enjoying the beautiful autumn in Kyoto 2025

Eastern Area

The Higashiyama Area is a classic sightseeing destination in Kyoto.
It is home to many famous temples and shrines such as Kiyomizu-dera, Chion-in, and Nanzen-ji.

For Kiyomizu-dera Temple, these Rinn Premium accommodations are recommended.

Rinn Premium Koki West/East
The travel time is about 25 minutes. 
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Rinn Premium Kunpu
The travel time is about 26 minutes. 
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Access from other facilities

Rinn Premium Yae The travel time is about 29 minutes.  +
Rinn Premium Hiun The travel time is about 30 minutes.  +
Rinn Premium Nijo-jo Kita The travel time is about 39 minutes. +

Kodai-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Kodai-ji Temple is renowned as one of Kyoto's premier autumn foliage viewing spots, boasting approximately 1,000 maple trees within its magnificent gardens. During the autumn illumination event, the vividly colored leaves reflected on Garyu Pond and Engetsu Pond create a truly breathtaking and mystical scene.
Illuminations: October 24 - December 14 (Features projection mapping)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Within the expansive temple precincts, approximately 1,000 maple trees burst into brilliant autumn colors. At Jojuin Garden, also known as the "Moon Garden," visitors can enjoy the spectacular "inverted autumn leaves" reflected vividly on its serene pond.
Special Night Viewing: November 22 - December 7

Eikan-do Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to late November
Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Eikan-do Temple is celebrated for its breathtaking autumn colors, so beautiful that it was immortalized as "Momiji no Eikan-do" (Eikan-do of Maples) in the ancient poetry collection, Kokin Wakashu. Approximately 3,000 maple trees adorn the circuit-style garden centered around a pond and structures like the Tahoto Pagoda.
Illuminations: November 15 - December 10

Murin-an 

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to late November

Address: 31 Nanzanji Kusakawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Murin-an offers a unique experience where entry requires advance reservations for specific time slots. Visitors can enjoy the splendid collaboration of vibrant red and yellow autumn leaves with this exquisite modern Japanese garden.
Special Autumn Night Opening (Twilight Garden Party): On specific dates (Reservations required).

Shoren-in Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 69-1 Awataguchi Sanjobo-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Shoren-in Temple boasts a beauty that's picture-perfect from every angle. Particularly recommended are the circuit-style garden with a pond, where vibrant autumn leaves reflect stunningly on the water's surface, and the "Kirishima Garden," attributed to Kobori Enshu, famous for its centuries-old Kirishima azaleas and maples.
Illuminations: November 7 - December 7 (First time in 5 years!)

Nanzen-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 86 Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Nanzen-ji Temple's extensive grounds are blanketed in vibrant autumn hues during the season, with approximately 200 maple trees. Visitors can enjoy the stunning foliage in various locations, such as along the main approach and around the iconic arch-shaped brick aqueduct (Suirokaku).
Special Early Morning Viewing: On specific dates (Limited to 30 people per session).

Chion-in Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 400 Hayashi-shita-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
At Chion-in Temple, the autumn foliage in Yuzen-en Garden and Hojo Garden is particularly magnificent. During the autumn illumination period, the Sanmon Gate, Mieido Hall, Yuzen-en Garden, and the Great Bell Tower are also lit up. Special guided tours led by a monk, covering all illuminated areas, are available on select evenings during this period (reservations required).
Autumn Illuminations: November 19 - December 7

Kennin-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: Komatsu-cho, Shijo Sagaru, Yamatooji-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Kennin-ji Temple is a highly recommended spot to enjoy vibrant autumn leaves amidst an authentic Kyoto atmosphere. The highlight is the Choon-tei Garden in the temple's inner courtyard. The brilliant red maples surrounding the Sanzon-ishi (three Buddha) stones and the exquisite harmony of cedar moss and autumn leaves are truly must-sees.
Special Viewings: On limited dates, including night and after-hours viewings. (Please check the official website for details).

Western Area

The Arashiyama area, centered around its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, features the picturesque Bamboo Grove and numerous historic temples and shrines.

For Togetsukyo Bridge, this Rinn Premium accommodation is recommended.

Rinn Premium Kunpu
The travel time is about 35 minutes. 
+

Access from other facilities

Rinn Premium Nijo-jo Kita The travel time is about 38 minutes. +
Rinn Premium Yae The travel time is about 42 minutes.  +
Rinn Premium Koki West/East The travel time is about 44 minutes.  +
Rinn Premium Hiun The travel time is about 47 minutes.  +

Togetsukyo Bridge

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: Saga Nakanoshima-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
The mountains surrounding Togetsukyo Bridge, including Arashiyama itself, burst into vibrant reds and yellows, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivates every visitor.
Event: Arashiyama Momiji Festival is scheduled for the second Sunday of November.

Jojakko-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 3 Ogurayama Ogura-cho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Regarded as one of Arashiyama's premier autumn foliage destinations. In autumn, the path stretching from the main gate through the Nio-mon Gate, Main Hall, and Tahoto Pagoda becomes a stunning tunnel of vibrant maple leaves.

Houkyoin Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 9-1 Saga Shakado Monzen Minami Nakamachi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
This temple is renowned for its stunning dry landscape garden, which is painted a brilliant scarlet by the autumn leaves. A straight stone-paved path extends from the entrance gate, forming a captivating tunnel of vibrant foliage on both sides, creating an atmosphere of profound beauty.

Nison-in Temple

Typically at peak foliage: late November to early December
27 Saga Nisonin Monzen Nagashin-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
The approach path, immediately past the main gate, is a highly popular spot known as "Momiji no Baba" (Horse Ground of Autumn Leaves). Another must-see is the magnificent autumn foliage viewed from beyond the Chokushimon Gate.

Ninna-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Witness the breathtaking sight of the five-storied pagoda enveloped by a tapestry of vibrant autumn leaves. Ninna-ji, ablaze in fiery reds and golden yellows, offers a fantastical, postcard-perfect beauty from every photographic angle.
Illuminations: Autumn Leaves "Sea of Clouds" Illumination (on designated dates)

Ryoan-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Late November to early December
Address: Ryoanji Goryo-shita-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
The autumn leaves along the approach path and around Kyoyo-chi Pond are major highlights. Visitors can also enjoy the unique collaboration of the famous rock garden with the vibrant autumn foliage.

Central & South Area

This area encompasses a rich array of Kyoto's iconic landmarks and popular spots, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo Shrine, Nishiki Market (known as "Kyoto's Kitchen"), Toji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is especially popular among international visitors.

For Nijo Castle, this Rinn Premium accommodation is recommended.

Rinn Premium Nijo-jo Kita
The travel time is about 12 minutes. 

Access from other facilities

Rinn Premium Koki West/East The travel time is about 15 minutes. +
Rinn Premium Kunpu The travel time is about 15 minutes.  +
Rinn Premium Yae The travel time is about 16 minutes. +
Rinn Premium Hiun The travel time is about 18 minutes. +

For Shimogamo Shrine, this Rinn Premium accommodation is recommended.

Rinn Premium Nijo-jo Kita
The travel time is about 28 minutes. 
+

Access from other facilities

Rinn Premium Yae The travel time is about 34 minutes. ++
Rinn Premium Koki West/East The travel time is about 36 minutes. ++
Rinn Premium Hiun The travel time is about 41 minutes. +
Rinn Premium Kunpu The travel time is about 46 minutes. +

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Typically at peak foliage: late November to early December
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Starting November 1st, the annual Momiji-en garden within the historic Odoi (earthen mound) is opened to the public. Visitors can enjoy approximately 350 stunning maple trees. The vibrantly colored leaves reflecting on the surface of the Kamiya River, along with the vermilion taikobashi (drum bridge) spanning it, create a spectacular scene.
Illumination: November 1 – December 7

Toji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: late November to early December
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City
The iconic five-story pagoda, a symbol of Kyoto, and the autumn leaves reflect beautifully on Hyotan-ike Pond, creating a truly breathtaking masterpiece. The reflection of the Kondo (Main Hall) on the pond is said to be a rare sight, visible only when various conditions, including the weather, align perfectly.
Autumn Foliage Illumination & Special Evening Visit to Kondo/Kodo Halls: November 1 – December 14

Byodoin Temple

Typically at peak foliage: late November to early December
Address: 116 Uji Renge, Uji City
The maple trees lining Ajiga-ike Pond burst into color, beautifully reflecting the Phoenix Hall onto the water's surface. The path along the Uji River, near Byodoin Temple, also offers magnificent views of the autumn foliage.
Special Autumn Evening Visit: Specific dates (Limited to 1,500 visitors per day, advance reservation required)

Daigo-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 22 Daigo Higashi-oji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
This temple boasts an expansive area of over 2 million tsubo (approx. 6.6 million square meters). Recommended spots include the maple tunnel along the approach path after passing through the Nio-mon Gate, and the area around Kannon-do Hall before the entrance to Kami-Daigo. Among them, the Sanboin Garden, designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, offers a superb harmony with the maple leaves.

Nijo Castle

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle features three distinct gardens within its grounds—Seiryu-en Garden, Honmaru Garden, and Ninomaru Garden (a Special Place of Scenic Beauty)—each offering a unique blend of autumn foliage and garden aesthetics.
Evening Admission (Nijo Castle Festival): October 31 – December 7

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Typically at peak foliage: Late November to Mid-December
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
Kyoto Gyoen is a vast garden with numerous autumn foliage viewing spots throughout its expansive grounds. It's highly recommended to relax on a bench and leisurely enjoy the scenery.

Shimogamo Shrine

Typically at peak foliage: Late November to Mid-December
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Formally known as Kamo Mioya Shrine. Beautiful autumn leaves, primarily maple trees, can be seen in Tadasu no Mori forest along the approach path. With many tall trees, it offers a magnificent and deeply natural spectacle.

Tofuku-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to early December
Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
This temple has a large area, and visitors can enjoy picturesque autumn foliage scenery no matter where they wander within its grounds.
Early Morning & Evening Illuminations: Tsutenkyo Bridge (Advance reservation required. Please check the official website for details.)

North Area

This area features shrines and temples harmonizing with the surrounding mountains and forests. Especially in autumn, their beautiful fall foliage adorns these sacred sites, captivating visitors.

For Kurama-dera Temple, this Rinn Premium accommodation is recommended.

Rinn Premium Yae
The travel time is about 1 hour and 18 minutes.
++

Access from other facilities

Rinn Premium Nijo-jo Kita The travel time is about 1hour and 19 minutes. ++
Rinn Premium Kunpu The travel time is about 1hour and 22 minutes. ++
Rinn Premium Hiun The travel time is about 1hour and 23 minutes. ++
Rinn Premium Koki West/East The travel time is about 1hour and 24 minutes. ++

Kurama-dera Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
Address: 1074 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Its autumn leaves typically turn color slightly earlier than in central Kyoto. The Nio-mon Gate and the stone steps are popular spots for viewing and taking picturesque, postcard-worthy photos.

Shisen-do Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
Address: 27 Ichijoji Monguchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Maple and other deciduous trees are arranged throughout the garden. The views while strolling through the garden are also enchanting.

Sanzen-in Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
Address: 540 Ohara Raigoin-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
The contrast between the majestic temple atmosphere and the vibrant red autumn leaves is splendid. Located in a mountainous area, its leaves start to change color relatively early.

Genkoan Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
47 Takagamine Kita Takagamine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
Genko-an's main hall features two famous windows: the circular 'Window of Enlightenment' and the square 'Window of Confusion,' each embodying Zen teachings. The autumn leaves viewed through these two windows are a must-see.
*Temporary suspension of viewing due to Buddhist memorial services may occur.

Josho-ji Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
Address: 1 Takagamine Kita Takagamine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
The autumn leaves around the vermilion-lacquered Sanmon (main gate) and Yoshino Gate are magnificent. It is famous as a temple associated with Yoshino Tayu, who excelled in various performing arts.
Ruriko-in Temple

Ruriko-in Temple

Typically at peak foliage: Mid-November to Late November
Address: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Visitors can enjoy the spectacular autumn leaves reflecting on polished surfaces, creating a stunning "reflection" effect. It boasts a vast area of 12,000 tsubo (approx. 39,600 square meters), incorporating Higashiyama as a borrowed landscape.
Special Viewing Period: October 1 - December 14
*Advance reservation required for certain periods.
Reservation-only Period: November 8 - December 7 requires reservations.
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Seasonal Highlights of Kyoto Early Autumn
29 Sep,2025