Dec. 08, 2017 UPDATE
Perfect guide for autumn leaves in Kyoto
Part 1

Classic autumn leaves spot under 30-minutes train ride away from Kyoto Station!

There are so many sightseeing spots in Kyoto that it can sometimes be hard to decide where to go to. But worry not, for we are going to tell you about the best places to see autumn leaves! This time we have places that are conveniently located under 30-minutes train ride away from Kyoto Station. Of course because these spots are so conveniently located they do get quite congested, but still, they’re worth going to!
Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji Temple
You can’t leave out Tofuku-ji when talking of autumn leaves in Kyoto. The view to the valley of autumn leaves from the Tsuten-kyo Bridge is absolutely brilliant, and the temple has no less than four gardens. And because there are no cherry trees at the temple, but 2000 maple trees, the autumn leaves here are even more spectacular than at other temples.

During peak autumn leaves season the Tsuten-kyo Bridge gets really crowded so photography from the bridge is not allowed, but it’s still worth to go there to get to see this once-in-a-lifetime scene. If you want to walk around the temple in a relatively relaxed manner, we recommend you go there early and line up for the tickets before the temple opens.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle of November to the first part of December.
Eikan-do Temple
Eikan-do Temple
Eikan-do is so famous for its autumn foliage it’s actually often called “Eikan-do of the autumn leaves.” From the highest point of the temple, Tahoto Pagoda, you get to see the 3000 maple trees of the temple and a great view of Kyoto City. Remember also to see the red autumn leaves which surround Hojo Pond. The beauty of the pond was also made into a Japanese poem in the Heian period.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle to the end of November.
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is popular all year round, and it’s of course beautiful during the autumn leaves season. The scene you get to see from the stage of Kiyomizu is panoramic, but don’t forget the view you get from Okunoin, the place where you get to see the stage of Kiyomizu together with Three-Storied Pagoda, and the autumn leaves surrounding them. The main hall of Kiyomizu Temple is under renovations works, so the scene you get from the stage may not be as good, but it’s still worth going to the temple. The temple can get quite crowded, but it opens at 6 a.m. so if you go early you won’t be troubled by too many people.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle of November to the first part of December.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple with its huge premises is filled with autumn leaves in autumn. The huge Sanmon Gate and the maple trees lining the path on both sides look absolutely great. You can also climb to the second floor of the Sanmon Gate if you pay a little fee, and you can take pictures from there. From up there, you get to see the autumn leaves of Nanzen-ji and the beautiful Higashiyama area below you. At the temple you can also find the Suirokaku aqueduct made of brick, which with its western look goes surprisingly well with the temple buildings. Eikan-do is also close, and going to both of these temples is one of the classic autumn leaves routes in Kyoto.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle to the end of November.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama
Talking of autumn leaves in Kyoto, you also can’t leave out Arashiyama, the place where the Heian period court nobles used to enjoy the red, orange, and yellow leaves, which to the present day look stunning together with the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Arashiyama can get crowded in Autumn, but there are many places from where you can view the almost painting-like scene of the leaves and Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle of November to the first part of December.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple
If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves in Arashiyama, you need to go to Tenryu-ji Temple. The temple uses the mountains of Arashiyama in its garden as “borrowed scenery,” incorporating them into the garden design in an incredibly beautiful way. The pond of the garden is surrounded by autumn leaves and is the only part of the garden that is said to be in its original shape, like it was 700 years ago when the temple was first built. There are many places on the temple premises where you get to see autumn leaves, and you are sure to leave the temple satisfied.

Best time for the autumn leaves: Middle of November to the first part of December.
These are all great places to view autumn leaves, no matter whether it’s your first time to come to Kyoto, or you have been here for countless times already. They do get very crowded, but many of them open their doors early, so try to get there on a weekday just as they open!
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