In 2025, Kyoto’s autumn foliage began slightly earlier than usual, but many of the city’s best leaf-viewing spots are still at their peak.
In late autumn, Kyoto offers not only vivid red and yellow foliage but also the stunning “fallen leaf carpets” that decorate temple paths and gardens. Even after the leaves fall, the city remains full of seasonal charm.
From iconic temples and serene gardens to the natural beauty of Arashiyama, the entire city is covered in warm autumn colors.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, here are 10 spots where you can still enjoy Kyoto’s autumn leaves right now.
10 Kyoto Autumn Foliage Spots You Can Still Enjoy Now
Hosen-in (Ohara Area)
A serene temple in Ohara, famous for its “framed garden,” where the main hall’s pillars create a natural picture frame.
Location: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Peak now
Highlights:
Brilliant maples blending with bamboo groves and mountains, the 700-year-old Goyo pine, and peaceful gardens enjoyed with matcha and sweets.
Travel Tip:
Ohara is about an hour from central Kyoto—less crowded but requires planning due to travel time.
Rurikoin (Yase Area)
One of Kyoto’s most photographed spots, known for its stunning reflections on lacquered floors and tables.
Location: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Peak now
Highlights:
Three distinct gardens, vivid reflections, and atmospheric photography opportunities.
Travel Tip:
Extremely popular. From Nov 8–Dec 7, 2025, advance reservation is required via the official website.
Genko-an (Takagamine)
A Zen temple known for the iconic “Window of Enlightenment” (round) and “Window of Delusion” (square).
Location: Kita-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Peak now
Highlights:
Autumn foliage viewed through the symbolic windows, moss gardens, and the historical “blood ceiling.”
Travel Tip:
Combine your visit with nearby Jōshō-ji Temple, another beautiful autumn spot.
Shokoku-ji (Imadegawa Area)
A major Zen temple near the city center, offering quiet autumn walks among historical structures.
Location: Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Peak now
Highlights:
Calm temple grounds, beautiful contrasts of architecture and foliage.
Travel Tip:
Easy access from central Kyoto and surprisingly uncrowded during autumn.
Kennin-ji (Gion Area)
Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple with expansive grounds perfect for autumn viewing.
Its foliage typically peaks later than other spots.
Location: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Early December
Highlights:
Temple gardens, sub-temples, and the impressive “Twin Dragons” ceiling painting.
Travel Tip:
Very close to Gion. Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds.
Imakumano Kannon-ji (Higashiyama)
A peaceful temple connected to the imperial family, known for its quiet atmosphere during autumn.
Location: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Best viewing: Peak now
Highlights:
Tranquil walks along tree-lined paths with brilliant autumn colors.
Travel Tip:
Walkable from the nearby Tofuku-ji and Sennyu-ji temples—perfect for a combined visit.
Nishi Hongan-ji (Kyoto Station Area)
Nishi Hongan-ji is the head temple of the Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha sect, located in Shimogyō Ward in central Kyoto. As the main temple of a network of nearly 10,000 affiliated temples across Japan, it holds significant cultural and historical importance. Its official name is Ryukokuzan Hongan-ji, but it is widely known as “Nishi Hongan-ji” to distinguish it from Higashi Hongan-ji, the head temple of the Shinshū Ōtani-ha sect.
Location: Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto
Best Time to Visit: Peak now
Highlights:
Nishi Hongan-ji is famous not for maple leaves but for its enormous ginkgo trees. When the leaves begin to fall, the entire temple grounds transform into a glowing “golden carpet,” creating a magical late-autumn scene that is especially photogenic.
Traveler Tips:
This temple is extremely convenient to visit—just a short walk or bus ride from Kyoto Station or the Shijō/Karasuma area—making it easy to include in any itinerary. Early risers can also join the temple’s morning service, held daily at 6:00 AM. Participating in this peaceful ceremony is a memorable way to start your day in Kyoto.
Joju-ji (Arashiyama Area)
Jōjū-ji is a tranquil Ōbaku Zen temple tucked away in the quiet hills of Nishikyō Ward, not far from the popular Arashiyama district. While the temple is usually closed to the public, it opens on limited dates during the fresh green season and autumn foliage season. Its serene, dignified atmosphere has earned it a reputation as one of Kyoto’s hidden gems.
Location: Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto
Best Time to Visit: Peak now
Highlights:
Known as a lesser-known but stunning autumn foliage spot, Jōjū-ji’s grounds transform into a vivid “tunnel of autumn leaves” when the maples turn bright red and yellow. In addition to the fall colors, the temple is also admired for its lush green maple leaves in spring and summer, offering a peaceful and refreshing landscape surrounded by silence.
Traveler Tips:
Because the temple is normally closed, it’s essential to check the dates for special openings. In 2025, the temple is open from November 22 to December 14.
Yusai-tei (Arashiyama Area)
Yūsai-tei is a dye art gallery and studio created by master dye artist Yusai Okuda, located along the scenic Ōi River in Arashiyama. Housed in a charming 150-year-old building, it originally served as the traditional ryokan Chidori and is said to be a place where novelist Yasunari Kawabata worked on his book The Sound of the Mountain.
Visitors can explore the gallery showcasing Okuda’s signature dyeing technique, Yume-kōro-zome, and even try hands-on dye workshops.
Location: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Best Time to Visit: Peak now
Highlights:
The round window, reflective “water mirror,” and the open terrace overlooking Arashiyama create unforgettable views—especially when the surrounding mountains blaze with autumn colors.
Traveler Tips:
During the autumn foliage season (November 10–December 10, 2025), advance reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead.
Yanagidani Kannon Yokoku-ji (Nagaokakyo)
Yanagidani Kannon Yōkoku-ji is an ancient temple located in the mountains of Nagaokakyō, just outside Kyoto. In recent years, it has gained widespread attention as the birthplace of hanachōzu—decorative flower basins—becoming a popular photography spot where seasonal flowers and temple scenery come together in striking displays.
Location: Nagaokakyō City
Best Time to Visit: Currently at peak
Highlights:
The temple grounds glow with vivid autumn colors, while its colorful flower basins and panoramic views from the upper areas make it a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts.
Traveler Tips:
The temple sits halfway up a mountain, and the nearest bus stop (Okukaiinji) requires about 40 minutes on foot. On the 17th of each month, however, a convenient shuttle bus runs from JR Nagaokakyō Station and Hankyu Nishiyama-Tennōzan Station—an excellent day to plan your visit.
Enjoy the charm of Kyoto in late autumn
Kyoto’s autumn season continues into late November and early December, with brilliant colors and beautiful fallen-leaf scenery.
These ten locations offer peaceful temple walks, vibrant foliage, and unique seasonal experiences.
For those who want to explore Kyoto on a deeper level, cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, Japanese sweets making, and private temple programs provide an immersive way to connect with the city’s traditions.
Pair your autumn leaf viewing with a cultural activity for a richer, more memorable visit to Kyoto.
👉 Learn more about BASE KYOTO’s cultural experiences:https://basekyoto.com/
👉We also share the latest Kyoto autumn foliage updates on Instagram:@base.kyoto
