Autumn Spots: Kyoto (and Surrounding Areas)
In this guide, we're covering Kyoto and surrounding areas! With its many temples and maple trees, Kyoto's autumn leaf viewing spots are almost unparalleled. A few of our favourites can be found in this guide.
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).
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
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
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
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
