Kyoto in Autumn: A Mesmerizing Experience
Autumn in Kyoto is nothing short of exquisite. This ancient city, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, making it a priceless destination for travelers. As the leaves change, the city offers a mix of famous spots bustling with tourists and hidden gems cherished by locals.
Why Kyoto in Autumn is Extraordinary
Kyoto, often regarded as the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage, becomes even more enchanting during the fall foliage season. The city’s temples, gardens, and traditional streets are adorned with shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a fantastic visual treat. The peak of this stunning transformation usually starts from mid-November and lasts until late November. However, the exact timing can vary based on the year’s climate and specific locations within the city.
Contents（もくじ）
Ruriko-in temple
As the season turns, Kyoto’s Rurikoin Temple becomes a haven for those seeking the sublime beauty of autumn. The view from the second floor of the Shoin, where the leaves and their reflections create a scene so beautiful it’s often referred to as the “phantom foliage,” is particularly breathtaking. The temple’s light-up events in the evenings further enhance the beauty of the autumn leaves, offering an unforgettable experience.
Quoted from Muryoju-san Komyo-ji Temple
Location:13 Shugakuin Rurikoin-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City (Open in Google Map) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) Admission Fee:
Adults: 2,000 yen
Children (with student ID, middle school and above): 1,000 yen
Elementary and preschool children: FreeAccess: Approximately 45 minutes from Kyoto Station by train, bus, and on foot. Parking: Not available. Official Website: Muryoju Mountain Komyo-ji Kyoto Main Hall Rurikoin Special Events: Light-up viewings and special admissions are available.(Click here for more details.)
Shozan Resort Garden
Image provided：京都旅屋
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect hidden spot to enjoy the autumn leaves in tranquility. Known as a beautiful resort in “Kyoto” created by “Shozan,” famous for dyeing and weaving. In particular, the large “Kitayama cedar” trees have a history of 350 to 500 years. Do not miss it.
Quoted fromShozan Resort Kyoto
Address: 47 Kinugasa Kagamiishi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City (Open in Google Map） Dates: November 10, 2023 (Friday) to December 3, 2023 (Sunday) Hours: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:30 PM) Admission: 700 yen per person Access: From Subway Kitaoji Station: Take City Bus Route North 1 to ‘Dotenmae-cho’ and walk for 5 minutes
:From Kyoto Station Bus Stop: Take City Bus Route 6 to ‘Dotenmae-cho’ and walk for 5 minutes
:About 10 minutes by car from Subway Kitaoji Station
:About 20 minutes by car from Keihan Sanjo Station
:About 25 minutes by car from Shijo KawaramachiParking: Free parking available Official Website: Shozan Resort Kyoto
Eikando Zenrin-ji
This location, also known as “Eikando,” famed for its maple trees, allows visitors to enjoy a variety of autumn foliage, including Iroha Maple, Oo-momiji, and Nomura Maple. Light-up events are also held, offering a chance to experience a fantastical landscape. Please note that a special admission fee of 600 yen is required for middle school students and older.
Quoted fromEikando
Location: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan（Open in Google Map） Dates: November 3, 2023 (Friday) – December 3, 2023 (Sunday) Hours:
Temple Treasures Exhibition: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closes at 5:00 PM)
Light-Up: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Closes at 9:00 PM) (Note: The Temple Treasures Exhibition and Light-Up are not continuous; visitors cannot stay for both without re-entering.)Admission Fees:
Temple Treasures Exhibition: Adults: 1,000 yen, Elementary/Junior High/High School Students: 400 yen
Light-Up: Middle school students and older: 600 yenAccess
1. From JR Kyoto Station, take City Bus No. 5 to “Nanzenji Eikando-michi” stop, then a 3-minute walk.
2. From “Kyoto” on the Subway Karasuma Line, transfer to the Subway Tozai Line bound for Rokujizo at “Karasuma Oike,” get off at “Keage,” then a 15-minute walk.
3. From “Sanjo” on the Keihan Railway, take City Bus No. 5 to “Nanzenji Eikando-michi” stop, then a 3-minute walk.
4. From “Jingu-Marutamachi” on the Keihan Railway, take City Bus No. 204 or 93 to “Higashitennocho” stop, then an 8-minute walk.Parking: Available (Okazaki Park Parking Lot) Website:Eikando Special Events: Light-up viewings available
Genkoan temple
Image provided：源光庵
The main hall of Rurikoin Temple, with a history of approximately 670 years, features two distinctive windows known as the “Window of Enlightenment” and the “Window of Confusion.” The view of the garden’s autumn foliage through these windows is particularly beautiful, attracting many tourists and photographers eager to witness this spectacular scene. It will surely be an exceptional experience where you can calm your mind and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Quoted fromGenkoan temple
Location: 47 Takagamine Kitatakagamine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8468, Japan (Open in Google Map) Schedule: No regular holidays (However, temporary closure of the temple may occur on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays due to religious services) Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) Admission Fees:
Adults: 400 yen (middle school students and older) *500 yen in November
Children: 200 yen (elementary school students)Access
:From Kitaoji Station on the Subway Karasuma Line, take the bus (North 1) bound for Gentaku.
:From Shijo Omiya, take the bus (No. 6) bound for Gentaku
:Get off at Takagamine Genkoan-maeParking: Available (capacity for about 15 standard cars) *Parking for standard cars may not be available in November. Website: Kyoto Genkoan Special Events: No light-up or special viewings.
Torokko Ressha Romantic Train
Image provided：嵯峨野観光鉄道株式会社
This train ride allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Hozugawa River while savoring the beauty of the autumn leaves and viewing illuminations. Especially from the even-numbered seats on the right side (A and D) facing the direction of travel, you can enjoy extended views of the Hozugawa River and the autumn foliage to the fullest. Please enjoy the sense of unity with nature during your ride. However, be aware that you must reserve your seat in advance, or you may not be able to board the train.
Quoted fromSagano Scenic Railway
Location: Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan(Open in Google Map) Dates: From October 14, 2023 (Saturday) to December 29, 2023 (Friday) Hours: Light-up time from 4:30 PM until the last train Admission Fee: One-way – Adults: 880 yen, Children: 440 yen *Reservation recommended Access: Right next to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station Parking: Not available Website:Sagano Scenic Railway Special Events: Light-up and illuminations
That’s a wrap! As a Kyoto native, I’ve shared with you my top 5 recommended spots for experiencing the mesmerizing fall foliage in 2023. The awe-inspiring beauty of autumn leaves, which is a rare sight throughout the year, can become a memorable backdrop for cherished moments with your loved ones.
I’m passionate about showcasing the glorious beauty of Kyoto, and I’ll continue to introduce many more unique tourist spots that offer incredible experiences. These are places that only someone with a deep connection to Kyoto, like myself, can truly bring to light. So, stay tuned for more of my personal recommendations, and I hope they’ll help you make the most of your visit to this gorgeous city.
