[2024] When is the best time to see the autumn leaves in Kyoto? Information on autumn illuminations and hidden spots

Enjoy the changing scenery between day and night. A beautiful illuminated autumn foliage spot

There are many famous spots for viewing autumn leaves all over Kyoto, but the leaves are not only beautiful during the day, but also at night when they are lit up. Here we will introduce carefully selected spots where you can enjoy autumn leaves twice, during the day and at night. Compare the different beauty of the leaves during the day and at night.

The deep crimson autumn leaves of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine are etched in my memory

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and is affectionately known as "Tenjin-sama." Since its founding, he has been worshipped as the god of learning and performing arts, and is visited by many worshippers from all over the country, not just locals, seeking blessings from him.

The main hall, which is designated as a national treasure, was built by Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and remains an example of magnificent Momoyama architecture to this day.

It is popular as one of Kyoto's best plum blossom viewing spots, but the autumn foliage is also spectacular.

The annual nighttime illumination will take place from November 9 to December 8, 2024. The Momiji Garden, which is open to the public at the historic site of Odoi, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, will be transformed into a mysterious atmosphere. The approximately 350 colorful autumn leaves will be illuminated by a faint light, captivating visitors.

The highlight is the combination of the colorful autumn leaves that cover the Kamiya River that runs through Momiji Garden and the vermilion-painted Uguisu Bridge. The glossy autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the Kamiya River, creating a beautiful autumn landscape that fills the entire field of vision.

After enjoying the autumn leaves, you can enjoy some hot tea and sweets at a tea shop. Take a break and reminisce about your fun autumn leaf viewing.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

The combination of the national treasure, the five-story pagoda, and the autumn leaves at Toji Temple is a sight to behold

Toji Temple (Kyoogokokuji Temple), located near Kyoto Station, is the oldest esoteric Buddhist temple in Japan and is also registered as a World Heritage Site.

The most eye-catching feature of Toji Temple is its five-story pagoda, which stands at about 55 meters.
The five-story pagoda, which is the tallest surviving wooden structure in Japan and has been designated a national treasure, was rebuilt by the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu.

During the special autumn opening held every year when the leaves change color, the first floor of the five-story pagoda is opened to the public, allowing visitors to see the interior, which is usually closed to the public.

This symbolic five-story pagoda of Kyoto shines even more when it is lit up at night. Surrounded by about 200 trees dyed red and yellow, the pagoda stands out against the night sky, making it even more beautiful.

Anywhere you look at Toji Temple in autumn is as beautiful as a painting, but try including the gourd pond in front of the five-story pagoda in your photo. The crimson-hued leaves and the five-story pagoda will be reflected in the pond, creating a scene that seems like another world.

During the autumn illuminations, there may be a line before the gates open, so it is better to enter at a different time.

Toji Temple

Autumn leaves and the scenery reflected on the water surface. At night, the colorful lights are captivating.

Another recommended autumn foliage illumination near Kyoto Station will be held at Shosei-en Garden. Shosei-en Garden is located in an exclave precinct about a five-minute walk from Higashi Honganji Temple, affectionately known to locals as "Ohigashi-san." The garden was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, in 1641, and was designed by Ishikawa Jozan, a military commander who was also well-versed in the tea ceremony and garden design. In 1936, it was designated a national place of scenic beauty as a Buddhist temple garden filled with literary tastes.

In 2024, Shosei-en Garden will be open for night-time viewing. The garden will be lit up with colorful lights, highlighting the colorful maples and ginkgo trees in the garden. The beautiful combination of the garden scenery reflected in the 5,000m2 pond, Ingetsu-chi, is stunning. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic atmosphere.

Shosei-en Garden (in the Higashi Honganji Temple detached grounds)

Discover the elaborate illuminations at Kodaiji Temple

If you visit Kyoto, you'll want to visit Gion, which still retains its charming streetscape. Gion is relatively compact compared to other areas, so you can walk around to several autumn foliage viewing spots.

Among them, Kodaiji Temple is popular for its unique lighting. It was built in 1606. The temple grounds were built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi's wife, Nene, to commemorate his soul, and the temple grounds have a dignified and elegant atmosphere.

Every year, Kodaiji Temple lights up the entire temple grounds, including the historic site and scenic spot, Kodaiji Garden, in an elaborate way.

The Kodaiji garden, designed by feudal lord and tea master Kobori Enshu, has many points of interest, including the use of items and materials related to Hideyoshi Nene in the buildings.

There are two ponds in the Kodaiji garden, Engetsu-ike and Garyu-ike. The trees surrounding Garyu-ike are especially beautiful as they turn red and yellow. The autumn leaves reflected on the still water are truly mystical. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

The other garden, the Hashintei garden in front of the Hojo, is a dry landscape garden made up of standing sand and ripples in the sand. It has a delicate and artistic impression befitting the Hojo, which was rebuilt in 1912, and projection mapping is held here on autumn nights.

In 2024, special autumn night viewings are scheduled for October 25th to December 15th.

Come to Kodaiji Temple, where you can enjoy two completely different illuminations, each with its own charm.

Kodaiji Temple

Ride the Sagano Scenic Train through a tunnel of autumn leaves

Kyoto's autumn foliage isn't just limited to temples and shrines. If you're heading to Arashiyama, another way to enjoy it is to take a sightseeing train and travel through the ocean of autumn leaves.

Hozukyo Gorge, one of Kyoto's most scenic spots in Arashiyama, is enveloped in a world of gradations of orange, yellow, and red in autumn.

The Sagano Scenic Train is a retro tourist train that uses the old JR Sanin Main Line. It runs through the Hozukyo Gorge from Saga-Arashiyama to Kameoka.

Along the 7.3km one-way journey, there are many scenic spots such as the natural beauty of Hozukyo, tunnels, and bridges. Please also enjoy the train announcements that include unique stories.

During the evening illumination, about 1,000 autumn leaves are lit up by about 900 lights, making them stand out in the dark night. A mysterious world different from the daytime spreads out before you, with a glittering tunnel of autumn leaves and leaves reflecting upside down on the water's surface.

The train slows down when passing scenic spots, making it perfect for taking photos.

From October 12th to December 29th, 2024, the autumn leaves are scheduled to be lit up and illuminated, and trains after 4:30 p.m. will operate as the "Light Fantasy Train."

Please note that tickets tend to sell out easily during the autumn foliage season. Tickets can be purchased one month prior to travel at some JR West ticket offices and travel agencies in the Keihanshin area, so we recommend purchasing your ticket early.

Sagano Scenic Train (Saga Scenic Train Station)

A must-see for any Kyoto trip: a panoramic view of the autumn-hued valley at the World Heritage site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the temple that attracts the most tourists in Kyoto.
It began in the Nara period when the monk Enchin carved a statue of Kannon and built a small hermitage on this site of Mount Otowa, where pure water springs out. It was later converted into a temple thanks to a donation from the first Shogun of the Japanese Empire, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro.

A recommended way to enjoy autumn leaves is to view the Kinunkei Valley in front of the main hall, where about 1,000 maples stand, from various angles. First, pass through the Niomon Gate and look up at the magnificent three-story pagoda before heading to the main hall. The stage, built to jut out from the cliff, is famous as the "Kiyomizu Stage." Below you will be able to see a view reminiscent of a sea of red clouds.

After visiting the main hall, go through the Shakado and Amidado halls without descending the stone steps to the Okunoin, a photo spot overlooking the stage and autumn leaves. Don't miss the Taisanji Koyasu Pagoda at the southern end of the temple grounds, where you can see both the main hall and the three-story pagoda rising from the crimson clouds.

After the Koyasu Pagoda, quench your thirst with the pure waters of Otowa Falls, which is the origin of the temple. This golden water of Kannon is believed to be the Enmei water of longevity.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens at 6am, so we recommend visiting right after it opens. During the best time to see the autumn leaves, the sunrise is around 6:30am. If you can see the contrast between the sunrise from the direction of Mt. Otowa and the autumn leaves, you'll be able to spend the day feeling refreshed.

At night, the temple is lit up every year, creating a mysterious and profound world. The stage of Kiyomizu shines golden, creating an elegant atmosphere.

This year it is scheduled to take place from November 18th to 30th.

Kiyomizu Temple

Confront the colorful autumn leaves at "Eikando Temple of Maples," a temple mentioned in the Kokinshu anthology

Located near the Philosopher's Path, Eikando Temple is one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, and has been praised since the Heian period as "Eikando Temple of Maple Leaves." The autumn scenery with the towering pagoda at the foot of the mountain has attracted people throughout the ages. The "rock wall maple leaves," which are also mentioned in the Kokinshu, can still be seen today on the east side of the temple grounds.

The temple grounds are home to around 3,000 trees of autumn foliage, so wherever you look you'll be confronted with autumn foliage. As you stroll around, you can enjoy the contrast between Eikando and the autumn leaves, including the various buildings and the autumn leaves, the gardens and the Hojoji Pond and the autumn leaves. On windless days, the autumn leaves reflected in the Hojoji Pond look like a water mirror, creating a fantastic sight.

Don't forget to pay your respects to the principal image, "Looking Back Amida," enshrined in the brilliantly colored Amida Hall. Long ago, when the monk Eikan, after whom Eikando is named, was practicing his asceticism, Amida Buddha descended from the altar and led Eikan in his asceticism. An anecdote has been passed down that when Eikan stood there in shock, Amida called out to him, "Eikan, you're late." In this rare sight of the statue looking back, his expression is filled with compassion. Close your eyes and place your hands together and your mind will soon be calmed.

The illuminations are also popular and are scheduled to take place from November 11th to December 8th in 2024.

*The viewing route during the autumn foliage season is one-way.

Eikando Temple

The breathtaking beauty of the crimson-hued valley at Tofukuji Temple

Tofukuji Temple, located about a 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the JR Nara Line or Keihan Line, is also famous as a spot to view autumn leaves.

Tofukuji Temple was built in the Kamakura period by the regent Kujo Michiie, taking its name from Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple in Nara, and flourished as one of the Five Mountains of Kyoto during the Muromachi period. The oldest Sanmon Gate (a national treasure) in the Zen sect and the towering Dai-ga-ran (temple) are imposing.

The best view spots are the two bridges called Gaunkyo and Tsutenkyo, which span the Sengyokukan valley, where about 2,000 autumn leaves grow. The panoramic view of the red and yellow autumn leaves that fills the entire field of vision is truly spectacular. When you cross the bridges, you will feel as if you are walking on crimson clouds. Under Tsutenkyo, you can stroll through the valley, listening to the sound of the babbling stream.

During the peak viewing period from mid-November, there are usually so many people that they line up before the gates open, but compared to the scale of the valley, the crowds don't bother you at all. The best time to visit is around noon, when the blue of the sky stands out. For safety reasons, photography is prohibited on the bridge, so be sure to take a good look at the scenery. You can take photos in the valley, so be sure to take some photos of the beautiful autumn leaves here.

During the autumn foliage season, nighttime viewing is usually held and the temple grounds are lit up. In 2024, this will be available from November 16th to December 1st, and reservations are required.

After enjoying the spectacular view from the valley, be sure to stop by the Honbo Garden. Designed by Mirei Shigemori, a Showa-era landscape gardener who remains popular to this day, the Hojo is surrounded on all four sides by four gardens with different themes.

This famous garden embodies the "eternal modernism" that Mirei continued to pursue, with the eastern garden depicting the Big Dipper with pillar stones, the southern garden with its sand ripples and stonework reminiscent of the ocean, the western garden with its square-cut azaleas, and the northern garden with its checkered pattern of moss and stones. You can also see some modest autumn leaves in the northern garden, so why not take a trip there?

Tofukuji Temple

A hidden spot to enjoy autumn leaves without the crowds

Even in famous autumn foliage viewing spots, there are hidden gems and hidden ways to enjoy them. From here, we will introduce you to times when you can avoid crowds and surprisingly little-known special spots. We will guide you to famous autumn foliage viewing spots where you can enjoy them in a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere.

Travel back in time to the Heian period. Daikakuji Temple, beloved by the emperors

Daikakuji Temple, the former head temple of the Saga Imperial Palace, is located in the Kitasaga area, about a 20-minute walk further north in the Arashiyama area. This temple is located in the northwest of Kyoto City, so the best time to see the autumn leaves is a little later. It is also a little far from the city center, so it is the perfect spot to enjoy autumn leaves while avoiding the crowds.

This is the head temple of the Daikakuji school of Shingon Buddhism, whose founder was Kobo Daishi Kukai. Its history is very old, dating back more than 1,200 years ago to the early Heian period. It was opened as a villa for Emperor Saga, and politics were conducted here during the Kamakura period. After it was converted into a temple, it remained a monzeki temple, with the emperor or members of the imperial family serving as chief priests for successive generations until the beginning of the Meiji period.

The grounds of Daikakuji Temple are made up of two areas: the hall area and the Osawa Pond area, and the Osawa Pond area is lit up for a limited time during the autumn foliage season. The sight of the autumn leaves at their peak and the vermilion-painted tower known as the Heart Sutra Pagoda reflected in the Osawa Pond is like something out of a Heian picture scroll.

The autumn leaves of Kitasaga have been loved for 1200 years. Please enjoy the elegant scenery that Emperor Saga would have loved.

Former Saga Imperial Palace Daikakuji Temple

A carpet of bright red autumn leaves at Bishamondo Temple's entrance, where you can feel the beauty of transience

Yamashina, which has long been a popular destination as the eastern gateway to Kyoto, is dotted with many hidden spots for viewing autumn leaves. One of these is Bishamon-do Temple, which enshrines Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, as its principal image. In autumn, the temple grounds are decorated with vibrant autumn leaves.

Bishamon-do Monzeki was built by the monk Gyoki at the request of Emperor Mommu. This is also an old temple with over 1,300 years of history, and is affectionately known to locals as "Bishamon-san."

Many maple trees are planted within the temple grounds, and they turn a vibrant color from mid- to late November. There are many things to see, such as the strolling garden Bansuien and Bishamon-do Tendo, but when it comes to autumn leaves at Bishamon-do Monzeki, the fallen maples are a familiar sight from commercials and posters. The stone steps leading to the Chokushimon Gate are completely covered in bright red autumn leaves, creating a fantastical space that will make you want to take photos.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid to late November, but the best time to see the leaves fall is after the peak. The autumn leaf tunnels on both sides of the approach to the shrine turn into a carpet of autumn leaves. The stone steps are so covered in autumn leaves that they are almost invisible, creating a spectacular sight.

Bishamondo Temple boasts a unique beauty. Why not take your time and immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty?

Bishamon-do Temple Site

Purify your mind and body by blending into nature in the ancient scenic spot of Arashiyama

Loved by emperors and aristocrats since ancient times, the scenic Arashiyama area is Kyoto's best spot for viewing autumn leaves.
The scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge, which symbolizes Arashiyama, and the mountain ranges of Arashiyama and Ogurayama is picturesque in any season. Its beauty is particularly striking in autumn, when a gradation of colors spreads across the landscape, perfectly fitting the term "autumn beauty."

During the Kamakura period, Emperor Kameyama, who was enjoying a boat ride, admired the scenery and wrote a poem saying, "It resembles the crossing of a clear moon." This is the origin of the name Togetsukyo Bridge. Even anecdotes like this one exude the elegance of Arashiyama.

The Arashiyama area, with its mountain ranges to the west, can get a little dark once the sun goes behind the mountains. That's why we recommend visiting in the morning. Unlike temples, you don't have to worry about opening times, so get up early and head to Togetsukyo Bridge. The wind blowing through the Oi River is clear, and the water's surface sparkles in the morning light, creating a refreshing feeling that will make you want to take a deep breath.

Even in the always-bustling Arashiyama area, there is a hidden gem that only a few in the know will know about. If you walk upstream along the river from the north end of Togetsukyo Bridge (the north side of the bridge), the hustle and bustle gradually fades away and you are enveloped in silence. There are no modern buildings such as buildings or shops on the opposite bank, and hardly any cars pass by. The view of the jade-green river and the mountains covered in autumn colors from here could be said to be the very scenery that fascinated people in the past.

Another good option is a two-hour boat ride down the Hozugawa River, starting from Kameoka on the outskirts of Kyoto. The thrilling boat trip ends just before Togetsukyo Bridge. The view of the bridge from the boat is also quite picturesque.

There are also rickshaws waiting around Togetsukyo Bridge, so why not try using one to rest your feet? It's also a great way to view the autumn leaves from a different perspective than when walking.

Arashiyama

At the charming Shisendo Temple, you can quietly gaze upon the autumn leaves that stand out against the white sand.

If you go east from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Railway and walk up the hill for about 15 minutes, you will arrive at Shisendo (Jozanji), a famous temple in the northern part of Kyoto. It is a hermitage built by Ishikawa Jozan, a military commander and man of letters who served Tokugawa Ieyasu, as his final residence after retirement.

In the center of the Shoin study, which stands beyond the Sanmon gate, is the Shisen no Ma, which displays portraits of the 36 Chinese poets by the Edo period painter Kano Tan'yu, which is why the temple is called Shisen-do.

A row of rounded azaleas border the neat rock garden in front of the study, making the autumn leaves on the mountainside stand out vividly. The most beautiful spot is in front of the tokonoma alcove, the seat of honor. The scenery framed by the lintels and pillars is like a painting. As you sit quietly in the soft shadows cast by the eaves, you can hear the sound of the bamboo being played by the deer scare bell and the chirps of the birds, and before you know it, your senses are being enriched.

After enjoying the view from the Shoin, take a stroll through the garden, which was designed by Takeyama himself. This tasteful garden is filled with seasonal flowers and plants, and in autumn you can enjoy autumn chrysanthemums and silver grass.

You can visit the temple at your leisure on weekdays, but it tends to get crowded on weekends. If you visit right after the gates open or before they close, you can stroll around at a relatively leisurely pace.

Shisendo

Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, where new and old art and autumn leaves come together

Kenninji Temple is located just a minute's walk south from Shijo-dori, the main street of the Gion entertainment district, along the stone-paved Hanamikoji alley, which exudes a Kyoto atmosphere. Once you pass through the north gate and step into the temple grounds, the gaiety of the entertainment district changes completely, and you are greeted by a tranquil atmosphere.

This is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded by Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, who introduced the culture of Zen and tea to Japan. It is also famous for owning the dynamic "Wind Gods and Thunder Gods Screen" (National Treasure), painted in the early Edo period by the rare artist Tawaraya Sotatsu (currently on loan to the Kyoto National Museum, and a high-resolution replica is on display inside the temple).

You can encounter old and new art throughout the temple grounds, including the dignified dry landscape garden unique to Zen temples that uses white sand and moss to represent the world of Buddha, the sliding door paintings by Momoyama art master Kaiho Yusho and others, and the impressive painting of two dragons that covers the entire ceiling of the lecture hall.

Although there are not many autumn leaves, there is a unique and elegant way to enjoy them here: in the Choon Garden, which is directly in front of the temple on all four sides and connects the Small and Large Shoin Studies with a corridor.

In the moss-covered Shion Garden, a triad of Buddha statues is placed, and several maple trees stand majestically, changing their appearance from moment to moment. In the small study, there is a sliding door painting called "Funade" painted by dye artist Toba Mika using the stencil dyeing technique. When you look at the small study from the large study across the garden, the colored maples and "Funade" appear to overlap, creating a unique beauty.

According to the temple staff, "You can visit the temple at a relatively leisurely pace around lunchtime on weekdays or around 4 p.m. before the temple closes." The best time to see the temple is usually from late November to early December, and the fallen maples are very picturesque.

After appreciating the autumn leaves and art at Kenninji Temple, we recommend enjoying a Kyoto kaiseki dinner in Gion. This will surely make your trip even more memorable.

Kenninji Temple

The best part of traveling to Kyoto in the fall is being able to experience the various expressions of autumn leaves, such as the beautiful scenery of shrines and temples and autumn leaves, and elegant illuminations. It's fun to be greedy and visit several places, but it's also fun to visit the same place and enjoy the changes between day and night. Check out the spots that interest you as the autumn leaves season approaches.

*Some content was updated on September 20, 2024.

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