Kyoto Autumn Leaves: Top 15 — Classics, Hidden Gems & Day Trips (Kyoto Pref.)

Q: When is peak foliage in central Kyoto?

Typically late November to early December. Higher/northern areas color earlier; the city center slightly later.

Q: How do I avoid the crowds?

Go at opening or the last hour. Combine one classic and one hidden gem.

Q: Which places offer night illumination?

Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando, Tofuku-ji and others. Dates change yearly; check official sites. Tripods are usually banned.

Q: What should I wear/pack?

Light down jacket, comfy shoes, gloves, power bank. Extra layers for rivers/gorges.

Q: Any photo etiquette tips?

Respect off-limits areas and pathways; confirm selfie stick/tripod rules at each site.

We curated the “can’t-miss classics,” “quiet hideaways,” and “worth-the-ride” spots. Each card includes a one-liner, Highlights, From Kyoto, and a Pro Tip.

Peak color in central Kyoto usually falls around late November to early December. Higher or northern areas turn a bit earlier. To dodge crowds, aim for early morning or the last hour before closing.

📍 5 Classics 🫣 5 Hidden Gems 🚌 5 Day Trips (within Kyoto Pref.) 🌃 Watch for night illuminations

1) Kiyomizu-dera (Higashiyama)

Kyoto’s poster child. One frame from the stage captures the whole season.

Highlights. Main stage, three-story pagoda, Joju-in garden, limited night illumination.

From Kyoto. Keihan “Kiyomizu-Gojo” + 20 min walk / City Bus “Gojo-zaka”.

Pro Tip. Arrive around 8–9am to keep people out of frame. Tripods are not allowed during night events.

Kiyomizu-dera (Higashiyama, Kyoto)

2) Eikando Zenrin-ji (Nanzen-ji Area)

Nicknamed “Temple of Maple Leaves.” The pond and pagoda silhouette are simply painterly.

Highlights. Hojo Pond, Miei-do Hall, pagoda, mirror-like reflections during night illumination.

From Kyoto. Subway Tozai Line “Keage” + 15 min walk.

Pro Tip. Backlit glow near sunset is gorgeous. Expect capacity control at peak times.

Eikando (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

3) Tofuku-ji (Tsuten-kyo Bridge)

A valley carpeted in crimson. The view from Tsuten-kyo is unmatched.

Highlights. Tsuten-kyo Bridge, Kaisan-do, the maple valley of Sentokukan.

From Kyoto. JR/Keihan “Tofuku-ji” + 10 min walk.

Pro Tip. Enter around 9–10am to trim queue time. A 70–200mm lens works well for compression shots.

Tofuku-ji (Higashiyama, Kyoto)

4) Nanzen-ji (Aqueduct)

Brick arches vs. blazing maples — the definition of photogenic.

Highlights. Aqueduct, Sanmon Gate, Hojo gardens.

From Kyoto. Subway Tozai Line “Keage” + 10 min walk.

Pro Tip. Morning is backlit, midday becomes front-lit. Vertical frames help cut crowds under the arches.

Nanzen-ji (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

5) Arashiyama & Tenryu-ji (Togetsukyo)

Katsura River + Mt. Ogura in full color. Temples, boat rides, and street snacks in one loop.

Highlights. Tenryu-ji temple and garden, Arashiyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, Randen line strolls.

From Kyoto. JR “Saga-Arashiyama” / Randen “Arashiyama”.

Pro Tip. River mist at dawn is magic. Do bamboo grove midday, then return to the bridge for sunset.

Arashiyama & Togetsukyo (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto)

6) Honen-in (Philosopher’s Path)

Moss, white sand mounds, and a “framed” maple view at the gate. Serenity first.

Highlights. Thatched gate, byakusa-dan sand mounds, wabi-sabi grounds.

From Kyoto. City Bus “Jodo-ji” + 5 min walk.

Pro Tip. Big contrast between inside/outside the gate — try −0.3 to −0.7 EV for deeper color.

Honen-in (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

7) Shinnyo-do (Shinsei Gokuraku-ji)

Next to Eikando yet far quieter. Deep reds around the three-story pagoda.

Highlights. Main hall, pagoda, maple-lined approach.

From Kyoto. ~20 min walk from “Keage” or use City Bus.

Pro Tip. Weekday mornings shine. Go wide to frame pagoda + canopy.

Shinnyo-do (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

8) Konpuku-ji (Ichijoji)

Haiku master Basho’s connection lives on. Rustic grounds meet blazing hues.

Highlights. Basho Hermitage, maples behind the main hall.

From Kyoto. Eizan “Ichijoji” + 15 min walk.

Pro Tip. Slight overcast is ideal — soft light flatters the textures.

Konpuku-ji (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

9) Genko-an (Takagamine)

The “Window of Confusion” and the “Window of Enlightenment” in dialogue with autumn color.

Highlights. Round window, square window, dry garden.

From Kyoto. Subway “Kitaoji” + City Bus.

Pro Tip. Tripods not allowed; share the window view kindly. Raise ISO for steady handheld shots.

Genko-an (Kita Ward, Kyoto)

10) Koetsu-ji (Takagamine)

A moss garden and a maple tunnel along the approach — straight out of a scroll painting.

Highlights. Front gate → maple approach → main hall, tea houses.

From Kyoto. City Bus “Takagamine Genkoan-mae”.

Pro Tip. Approach is front-lit in the morning. Be patient for people-free moments.

Koetsu-ji (Kita Ward, Kyoto)

11) Byodo-in, Uji (Uji City)

Phoenix Hall by the Uji River — pair with matcha tastings for the perfect mini-escape.

Highlights. Phoenix Hall, Hoshokan Museum, river stroll.

From Kyoto. JR “Uji” 10 min walk / Keihan “Uji” 10 min walk.

Pro Tip. Water-mirror reflections work best on calm mornings. Warm up with fresh matcha on the approach street.

Byodo-in (Uji City)

12) Hozukyo Gorge (Kameoka ↔ Arashiyama)

See the canyon in three ways: scenic railway, boat downriver, and trail viewpoints.

Highlights. Sagano Romantic Train, Hozu River boat ride, overlook points.

From Kyoto. JR “Kameoka” → boat ride / or Sagano Train “Torokko Kameoka”.

Pro Tip. It gets chilly on the river — bring layers and a dry bag. Peak season requires reservations.

Hozukyo Gorge (Kameoka ↔ Kyoto)

13) Miyama Thatched Village (Nantan)

A slow countryside scene where thatched roofs meet autumn color.

Highlights. Cluster of thatched houses, Yura River, local comfort food.

From Kyoto. JR “Sonobe” → Nantan City bus to Kayabuki-no-Sato / ~1.5h by car.

Pro Tip. Best light is in the morning from the east. Afternoons are more backlit and contrasty.

Miyama Thatched Village (Nantan City)

14) Amanohashidate (Miyazu)

One of Japan’s three great views — a pine-covered sandbar with autumn hills around it.

Highlights. Viewland, Kasamatsu Park, Chion-ji temple.

From Kyoto. Limited Express “Hashidate” to “Amanohashidate” (~2h).

Pro Tip. It’s all about the panorama — south side tends to be better in the morning, north side in the afternoon.

Amanohashidate (Miyazu City)

15) Ine Funaya Boat Houses (Ine Town)

Timber boat houses against autumn hills — a coastal town with cinematic light.

Highlights. Boat house district, bay cruise, hilltop view from “Funaya-no-Sato”.

From Kyoto. Via Amanohashidate, ~1h by bus / ~2.5h by car from Kyoto.

Pro Tip. Side-light (morning/evening) brings out the wood texture. Sea breeze = carry a lens cloth.

Ine Funaya Boat Houses (Ine Town)

FAQ

When is peak foliage in central Kyoto?

Typically late November to early December. Higher/northern areas (e.g., Takao, Takagamine) turn a bit earlier; city center lags a little.

How do I avoid the crowds?

Opening hour (8–9am) or the final hour before closing. Mix one classic with a hidden gem on the same day.

Which places offer night illumination?

Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando, Tofuku-ji and others hold limited evening events. Dates change yearly — always check official sites. Tripods are usually not allowed.

What should I wear/pack?

Mornings/evenings get chilly. Bring a light down jacket + comfy shoes, gloves, and a power bank. Layer up for rivers/gorges.

Any photo etiquette tips?

Respect off-limits areas and keep pathways clear. Many temple grounds are private property. Confirm rules for selfie sticks/tripods at each site.