10 Best Spots to Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Kyoto in Autumn!

1. When is autumn in Kyoto?
2. Map of the best places to see in Kyoto in autumn
3. Central area
   • Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
4. East area
   • Ginkaku-ji Temple
   • Honenin Temple
   • Nanzen-ji Temple
   • Kiyomizudera Temple
   • Bishamondo Temple
5. West area
   • Togetsukyo Bridge
6. South area
   • Fushimi Inari Shrine
   • Tofuku-ji Temple
7. North area
   • Kuramadera Temple
8. Summary

The best time to view the autumn leaves in Kyoto is usually from mid-November to early December.
Although there are slight variations depending on the region and the climatic conditions of the year, the autumn foliage gradually begins at higher elevations and spreads throughout the city.
When the leaves are at their peak, the city of Kyoto becomes colored in red and yellow, and visitors are enchanted by the beautiful autumn scenery.
In particular, as the mornings and evenings become cooler, the vivid autumn colors become more vibrant and the contrast becomes even more striking.
Autumn in Kyoto is characterized not only by its autumn foliage, but also by the fusion of historical architecture with nature, providing an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Ginkaku-ji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, and its garden is even more beautiful during the season of autumn leaves.
From the observatory, visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast of the garden and the mountains in the distance, both tinted with autumn leaves.
Ginkaku-ji Temple is said to be a symbol of wabi-sabi, a uniquely Japanese aesthetic.
Combined with the autumn scenery, visitors can enjoy a unique sense of tranquility and beauty.
Ginkaku-ji Temple Official Website

Nanzen-ji Temple is one of the five temples of Kyoto with a high level of prestige.
The autumn foliage at Nanzen-ji is particularly beautiful, with the contrast between the magnificent Sanmon gate and the autumn leaves.
From the top of the Sanmon gate, the view of the spreading autumn leaves and the cityscape of Kyoto is as beautiful as if it were a painting.
The temple also has a brick aqueduct archway called “Suirokaku” within its precincts, and the harmony between this structure and the autumn leaves is very impressive.
The vast grounds of Nanzenji Temple allow visitors to enjoy the autumn leaves in a relaxing atmosphere.
For more about Nanzen-ji Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-see spot for tourists visiting Kyoto.
During the fall foliage season, the “Kiyomizu-no-butai” (stage of Kiyomizu) in the main hall offers a panoramic view of the autumn foliage, and the beauty of the scenery is beyond description.
Especially, the illumination of the stage from evening to night is not to be missed.
The contrast between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the autumn leaves floating in the silence of the night is mysterious and attracts many tourists.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple in autumn is a superb spot with a truly Japanese atmosphere, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of history and nature.
For more information on Kiyomizu-dera Temple, have a look at our ninja blog article Kiyomizudera Temple: Kyoto's best tourist spot for sceneries
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Official Website

Togetsukyo Bridge, located in the Arashiyama area, is one of Kyoto's most famous landscapes.
This bridge spans the Katsura River, with the autumn leaves of Arashiyama in the background.
During the fall foliage season, the trees along the riverbanks turn colorful and their reflections on the river surface create a fantastically beautiful scene.
Visiting during daylight hours, or even at dusk or early in the morning, offers a photogenic sight.
The bridge is also illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Walking on the bridge gives visitors the feeling of being in a timeless landscape, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
For more about Togetsukyo Bridge

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, and is famous for its Senbon Torii (one thousand torii gates).
During the fall foliage season, the vermilion of the torii gates and the autumn leaves harmonize beautifully, creating a uniquely beautiful sight.
Especially in the early morning and evening, the crowds are smaller and you can enjoy the torii gates and autumn leaves at a leisurely pace.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is also located on Mount Inari, and so from the top of the mountain you can look over the cityscape of Kyoto, which is tinged with autumn leaves.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a symbolic place of Japanese culture, and you can fully enjoy its charm along with the autumn leaves.
Please be mindful when visiting this place.
For more information, read our ninja blog article Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine  - a beautiful Kyoto power spot with 1,000 torii gates
Fushimi Inari Shrine Official Website

Tofuku-ji Temple is particularly famous for its autumn foliage.
Its vast garden is planted with many maple trees, which turn bright red and orange in autumn.
The view of the autumn leaves from Tsutenkyo Bridge is especially breathtaking, looking like a sea of autumn leaves.
Also, since crowds are expected, it is recommended to visit early in the morning if you want to enjoy beautiful autumn leaves in a relatively quiet atmosphere.
The stone garden and moss garden at Tofuku-ji Temple are also highlights of the temple, making it a place where visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves while admiring the beauty of a Japanese garden.
Tofuku-ji Official Website

Kuramadera Temple is located on Mount Kurama in the northern part of Kyoto City and is known as a power spot.
The road to Kuramadera is a little long, but the mountain paths and grounds along the way are tinted with autumn leaves in fall, creating a very beautiful scene.
In particular, the approach to the temple is like a tunnel of colored leaves, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Because the temple is located in the mountains, the air is clean and fresh, making it a spot where visitors can feel Kyoto in autumn while being surrounded by nature.
There is also the Kurama Fire Festival held annually on 22 October, which is always extravagant in its fiery sight.
More about the festival can be found on our ninja blog article Find out Kyoto’s Kurama Fire Festival with a history of 1,000 years
For more information on Kuramadera Temple