Autumn Spots: Kyoto
With its many temples and maple trees, Kyoto's autumn leaf viewing spots are almost unparalleled. We've got you covered with some of the best and quietest spots to enjoy the incredible scenery!
This guide includes areas in Kyoto as well as the nearby Nara, Shiga, Mie and Takayama.
Where to Find Them
Enkoji Temple, Kyoto
How to get there:
By train: Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Kitayama Station (exit 4), take the 北8(North 8) City Bus to Ichijoji Shimizucho and walk for 9 minutes (turn right when exiting the bus)
Best time to visit: Late November to early December
Entry fee: ¥1,500 (from 10 November to 10 December - reservations open from 20 October and you can find details here)
The beautiful tendered gardens of Enkoji can be enjoyed to their fullest in fall. Just North of some of Kyoto's most popular attractions, this temple lets you enjoy the serene sights in peace, by limiting visitors during the busiest season
Every corner of this garden is something that could come straight out of a painting!
Shakuzenji, Kyoto
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 45 minutes from Kyoto Station
By train: Take the San-in Line from Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station (South Exit), take the 八田４０bus to Okujo Bus Stop and walk for 7 minutes
Best time to visit: Late November to mid December
This hidden spot in Kameoka, Kyoto may be small in size, but makes up for it with spectacular views of fiery maple leaves and golden Ginko trees lining the stairs up to the temple
Perfect for the true fall leaf enthusiasts, and those hoping to get the perfect shot away from the crowds!
Daigoji, Kyoto
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 20 minutes from Kyoto Station and parking is available
By bus: Take the 京都醍醐寺線３０１bus from Kyoto Station to Daigoji mae bus stop or 10 minutes walk from Daigoji Station (Exit 2).
Best time to visit: Mid November to mid December
Entry fee: ¥1,500 (from 15 October to 10 December)
UNESCO world heritage temple that is simply gorgeous during the fall
Walk through the gates to be greeted by towering momiji trees and make your way into the temple grounds to see the iconic red bridge and pagoda complete with autumn leaves reflecting in the pond
There is also a special night time illumination and details will be posted on their official website
Wakakusayama, Nara
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 20 minutes from Nara Station and parking is available
By bus: Take the local bus to either 東大寺大仏殿・春日大社前（バス） and walk for 10 minutes
Best time to visit: Early November to early December
Entry fee: ¥150 per person
Nara park in the fall is truly something special, from the heights of Wakakusayama Hill, catch a glimpse of all of Nara turning red and orange while spending time with the iconic deers
On the way over, stop at the Great Ginko Tree to the West of the park for a glimpse of the grazing deer under this impressive tree which is centuries old
The directions we have provided will bring you to the lower area of the hill which is a great picnic spot, but for the best views hike up to the top which will take around 30-40 minutes so wear comfy shoes!
Kyorinbo, Shiga
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 70 minutes from Kyoto Station area and parking is available
By bus: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Kyoto Station to Azuchi Station (North Exit) then take the Oiso/Kaneda Course bus from Azuchi-eki-kitaguchi to Ishidera-higashide and walk for 2 minutes
Best time to visit: 1 November to 15 December
Entry fee: ¥1,000 for day tickets and ¥1,000 for night time light up tickets (sold separately from day tickets)
Just next to Kyoto is Shiga, an often unfairly overlooked area that is perfect for autumn leaf viewing away from the crowds
Usually closed to the public, the beautiful Kyorinbo Temple opens its doors to the public for a limited time in spring and autumn
From the steps leading up to Kyorinbo, it already feels like you're in a fairytale, but it gets even better when you head inside where the bright green moss and fiery red leaves makes for a unique contrast that can't be found elsewhere
Nabana no Sato, Mie
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 35 minutes from Nagoya City and parking is available
By bus: Take the Nagoya Nagashimaonsen Kosoku Line near Nagoya Station directly to Nabana no Sato
Best time to visit: Mid November to early December
Entry fee: ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 for the autumn season (includes a voucher which can be used within the park)
Nabana no Sato flower park may be best known for its winter illuminations, but you can get two for the value of one with the expansive autumn foliage during the day and stunning light up in the evening
On clear days, the reflection of the lit up maple trees look like a dreamy other world
Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, Takayama
How to get there:
By car: Approx. 2 hours from Nagoya Station and parking is available
By bus: Take the [K2]Shokawa Line bus from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (near Takayama Station) to Kashiwamokko and walk for 11 minutes
Best time to visit: Mid November to early December
Entry fee: ¥700
See the traditional thatched roofs of the Takayama region framed by the crimson red foliage of the surrounding maple trees
