How to Experience The Best Fall Foliage in & around Kyoto
Autumn in Kyoto is one of Japan’s most magical seasons.
If “gardens, temples and mountains draped in bold reds, oranges and golds” sounds like the kind of thing you might enjoy? Yeah, you should definitely get over here for fall one of these years..
And if one of those years is this year, we’re here to help! For travellers who want to experience fall foliage in Kyoto or on a day trip from your Kyoto hotel base, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.
In this article we’ll talk about when to visit, the best spots in Kyoto itself as well as day trip options so your autumn Japan itinerary is full of beauty and ease.
When Is the Right Time to Visit Kyoto for Good Autumn Foliage?
It’s hard to say when is the “best” time to experience “peak” autumn colors in Kyoto or anywhere in Japan for that matter).
Every year is a bit different, both in the starting date and duration of colors in the Kyoto area.
Defining “peak” fall foliage is also more of an art than a science; one person’s “peak” might be ‘too soon’ or ‘too late’ for someone else.
You may have heard that October is a good time to visit Japan for fall colors. Not sure where you heard that (ChatGPT?) or who said it (content creator copy & paste?), but that’s not great information.
In recent times, in the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto & surrounding areas) and in much of central and western Japan, the autumn colors have been starting in November and continuing into December. In fact, in Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto the past few years we’ve seen oranges and reds through Xmas time and even New Year’s.
That’s not to say that this year will necessarily be the same. The timing each year depends on temperature, daylight, rainfall and elevation.
Based on forecasts for 2025 and patterns from recent years these are useful windows.
The foliage season usually begins in Kyoto in early-mid November. Minor color changes may be visible in late October at higher elevations.
“Peak” autumn colour is generally in late November through early December.
The forecast for 2025 suggests for Kyoto that red leaves will be best from about November 25 to December 5. But honestly? These “initial” forecasts are just that, preliminary estimates, and are subject to change with weather (rain and wind or lack thereof can be huge factors).
Yellow leaves (especially from ginkgo trees) may peak just before red leaves depending on the location.
If you can travel during this window and stay flexible about weather, you will maximize the chance of seeing both red and yellow foliage at their best.
Where Are the Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Kyoto?
These are top-tier spots in the city for autumn colours. Some are famous and will have crowds. Others are quieter. For each I note ideal times to arrive, plus what makes them special.
Top Kyoto Locations
Tōfuku-ji Temple (Tsutenkyo Bridge area)
Tōfuku-ji is famous for its long wooden bridge (Tsutenkyo) and the many maple trees around it. When leaves are in peak red this spot glows. Morning or early afternoon is best to avoid the worst crowds.Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Perched on a hillside over Gion, Kiyomizu-dera gives wide views across Kyoto along with close up shots of maples and ginkgo. The temple veranda and surrounding slopes make it a must. For photos, catch the light in the morning or late afternoon. Illumination events may be held when leaves are coloured. This place gets crowded in the midday especially!Arashiyama & Sagano area
The combination of river scenery, mountain slopes and temples in Arashiyama make it an autumn favourite. If you include the Sagano Romantic Train or the viewpoint over the gorge you get both dynamic natural colour and tranquil temple gardens. Arrive early (no, seriously, really early, as the bamboo grove & surrounding areas are packed from mid-morning onward).Nanzen-ji and Tenju-an
These temples are less crowded early in the foliage period but offer beautiful contrast between evergreen trees, moss, koi ponds and deciduous trees. The path around the aqueduct in Nanzen-ji offers a gentle walk.Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji
A classic escape even within Kyoto. About 3,000 maple trees. The pond reflections and wooden architecture make for beautiful photo compositions. Evening light or twilight illumination adds charm.Rurikō-in
A quieter but striking temple in the hills above Kyoto. Its garden, veranda views and seasonal opening make it especially good for those who prefer a more peaceful moment.
What Are Good Day Trips from Kyoto for Autumn Colours?
If you have extra days or want to escape the Kyoto crowds, here are places reachable as day trips. They often offer different colour timing and more nature-oriented settings.
Recommended Day Trips from Kyoto
Nara - Fall in the Former Capital
Less than an hour from Kyoto. Nara Deer Park, Yoshikien Garden, and temples like Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha all show autumn colour. Because of elevation differences and less heat retention than Kyoto basin you may get a slightly earlier peak in some spots.
Ohara - Earlier On in Autumn
A mountainous rural area north of Kyoto. Temples like Sanzen-in and Hōjō enjoy vibrant maples. The road up through Ohara tends to colour a little earlier than low land Kyoto. Perfect for pair-up with a visit to Rurikō-in or Kurama.
Kurama & Kibune - Autumn in the Hills Above Kyoto
Further north from Ohara. Scenic hiking trails, lush forests, small shrines, mountain streams… with autumn colour. If you enjoy natural settings and don’t mind walking this adds a softer contrast to city temples.
Uji - Want Some Matcha with Your Fall Colors?
Famous for its tea and quiet riverside views. Seasonal colours along the riverbanks, temples and gardens. Less crowded than central Kyoto but still easy to reach by train. Good for an afternoon or half-day trip.
Mount Hiei / Enryaku-ji
Up above Kyoto, cooler higher elevation so colour often lingers. Viewpoints from the mountain plus temple gardens make this a strong candidate. Early to peak November for the higher parts, possibly through early December for lower slopes.
How About Some Sample Itinerary Ideas for Fall in Kyoto?
Here are sample itineraries depending on how many days you have. They help combine city and day-trip spots so you get diversity and avoid overlap.
Three Day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Tōfuku-ji and then walk Tsutenkyo Bridge
Lunch: Near Kyoto Station or in Kawaramachi-Karaduma
Afternoon: Kiyomizu-dera and surrounding Higashiyama (Kodai-ji, Yasaka Shrine)
Evening: Illumination at a temple if available (Kiyomizu or Kodai-ji)
Day 2
Morning: Arashiyama early (Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji)
Lunch: Arashiyama area (vegetarian Buddhist temple food here is great!)
Afternoon: Nanzen-ji & Eikan-dō
Evening: Dinner in Ponto-cho or Gion to enjoy local cuisine and atmosphere
Day 3
Full day: Choose one day trip (Ohara + Kurama, or Uji + Mount Hiei)
Evening: Return to Kyoto, relax, maybe enjoy one more temple light-up
Five Day Itinerary for Autumn in Kyoto
Staying longer with Kyoto as your base lets you experience a slower, deeper and more meaningful version of Japan.
If you have five days use this to spread out and allow for buffer days in case of weather delays.
Day 1: Arrival, get settled, light walking in Higashiyama
Day 2: Tōfuku-ji + Fushimi Inari or other city temple cluster
Day 3: Arashiyama + Sagano / train ride + river views
Day 4: Day trip to Ohara + Kurama
Day 5: Day trip to Uji or Mount Hiei; ensure you have late afternoon time for photos / mellow moments
Do You Have Any Tips for Timing, Crowds & Getting the Best Kyoto Autumn Experience?
We sure do! Happy to help make your autumn foliage trip more rewarding, and noting that you will want to plan carefully. Here are tips that matter for travellers thinking about hiring an itinerary planner or going DIY.
Arrive early at popular temples
Many of the top spots fill up by mid-morning. If possible start your autumn colour viewing at sunrise or soon after.Use forecast maps & check live foliage reports
Even forecasts updated weekly help. If you see that colour is delayed or advanced, shift your visits accordingly.Stay near key areas
Staying in central Kyoto or in neighborhoods close to western or eastern temple‐hills lets you reduce transit time and make the most of light.Schedule in some slightly less hectic weekdays
If your schedule allows, weekdays are a tad bit quieter. Not that much these days with the international travel boom in Japan, but every little bit helps. The end of November to early December also tend to have cooler weather which slows leaf drop so colour holds longer.Evening illuminations add a different atmosphere
Many temples offer light-ups of foliage in autumn. These are more atmospheric, less crowded at night than the height of daylight hours though queues and entrance charges may apply.
What’s the Best Way to Go About Your Kyoto Fall Travel Planning?
If you are serious about catching Kyoto autumn colours you should think of your itinerary in terms of both region and timing. Here is how using a travel planning service helps and what to ask when you engage one.
Why Hire a Japan Itinerary Planner?
You get updated foliage forecasts and can adjust your travel dates to match colour peaks and reduce risk of missing key spots.
A planner can recommend lodging in areas that are less busy but still convenient so you avoid wasting time in transit.
They can build your schedule to avoid travel bottlenecks, like trying to squeeze in too many temples in one day or fighting with light timing.
Planners can secure reservations for special access or illumination events which sell out fast.
What to Ask / Check?
When choosing a planner or planning yourself ask:
Do they monitor the annual foliage forecast and update clients if timings shift?
Can they include buffer days or flexible elements in the itinerary?
What is their local knowledge of less crowded temples, gardens or vantage points?
Do they offer “fall foliage photo-friendly schedule” times (early morning, golden hour, etc)?
Why Work with Japan Travel Pros to Plan & Execute Your Kyoto Autumn Travel Itinerary?
At Japan Travel Pros, we live in the Kansai region and are practically Kyoto locals. We know the ins and outs of this fantastic city and vibrant region, and can help plan strategies and diversions for your Kyoto trip.
All the questions above? Our answer is a resounding, “YES” of course.
To find out more, schedule your free consultation using the calendar below.
