Never in my life have I seen a place as magical as Kyoto in the fall.

I wish I could bottle up the experience forever because there’s no feeling in the world that can compare. In fact, of all the trips I’ve taken over the years, this one tops my list. It’s that good.

Read on to learn about the 10 BEST places to visit in Kyoto this fall.

Best time to visit Kyoto for fall color

To catch fall color at peak time, strive to visit mid-November to early December. We visited Kyoto from November 11th to 14th and were too early for peak fall color. 

November temperatures are comfortable for hiking, the skies are clear and chance of rainfall are minimal.

During my next fall trip, I plan to visit mid to late November.

Travel Video | Fall in Japan

Fall in Kyoto | Top 10 Places for Fall Foliage in Kyoto

#1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

• Kiyomizu-dera is open daily 6am to 6pm 
• Admission: 400 yen ($3.65) per adult
• Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

Can we take a moment to enjoy (and revel) in the fall color on the hillside to the left of the temple? I mean, wow! Kyoto, who are you trying so hard to impress?

The name Kiyomizu-dera translates to “pure water temple.” Fitting, considering it was built on Otawa Waterfall. Today, the waterfall is divided into three streams and visitors may use cups to drink from the water.

Each stream provides a unique benefit – longevity in life, success in school and a fortunate love life. But be mindful!

Drinking from all three is considered greedy. And no, you can’t bring your water bottle in hopes of stocking up on extra luck in the love department.

If you’re after fall color in Kyoto, no trip is complete without a visit to this temple.

Kiiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

#2. Hokan-ji Temple

Am I allowed to have a favorite pagoda? If so, this would be the one. Talk about iconic – thanks Instagram. We visited for sunrise and were greeted by a flock of photographers eager for “the shot.” Hard to blame them, it’s such a beautiful place.

Later in the evening we randomly passed this street again it was so full of people we could barely get by! Per usual, go as early as you can, I recommend visiting during sunrise.

En route to the pagoda, we passed through many cute gardens bursting with fall color. There’s nothing like the smell of autumn in the air.

• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December
• Address: Japan, 〒605-0862 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 清水八坂上町388

#3. Eikando Temple

• Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm
• Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan
• Admission: 1,000 yen ($9) per adult during fall foliage season
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

Of all the temples on our list, I was most excited to visit Eikando Temple. I mean, look at those colors! Our visit occurred midday so we found ourselves mixed with the crowds but were too distracted by the sweeping fall colors to notice.

If you only have time to visit one Temple during your time in Kyoto, this is the one you can’t miss – seriously!

The gardens are so impressive that we spent 2 hours exploring without realizing it. Mid-stroll, we decided to hike to Tahoto Pagoda (visible in the photo above) for sweeping views of hillsides peppered with fall color.

It was so, so beautiful. I still can’t get this place out of my mind.

Kyoto in Fall #4 | Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Hours: Open 24/7
• Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December
• Admission: Free

Fushimi Inari Shrine is considered the most important shrine (out of thousands) dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari.

Well aware of how busy this famous place gets, we decided to start our morning here. We arrived around 7am and ran into a small handful of people, but no crowds!

Visitors can hike through thousands of vermillion torii gates to summit the sacred Mount Inari. The whole trek takes 2-3 hours. During our visit it started to rain unexpectedly and we got soaked – ha. Can’t win them all.

All told, Fushimi Inari Shrine was the most memorable shrine we visited during our time in Kyoto.

Did you know?

You might be curious about the inscriptions on the torii gates. Well, generous donors have their names and dates of donations inscribed on the gates they donate. Donations start at $3,6oo for small gates and over $10,000 for large gates.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fall Color in Kyoto #5 | Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Hours: Daily 24/7 (come early!)
• Address: Japan, 〒605-0028 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Bunkicho,
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December
• Admission: Free

We started the morning at Arishiyama Bamboo Forest because we were fully aware of how popular this spot is. Instragram, is that you again?

We arrived around 7am and had plenty of time to take photos without crowds. However, within 30-45 minutes the forest was flooded with visitors!

We felt like such pros leaving the bamboo forest while most were just arriving. Per usual, come as early as possible, preferably around sunrise.

Fall Color in Kyoto #6 | Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

• Hours: Daily from 8:30am to 5pm
• Admission: for the garden is 500 yen ($4.50) per adult.
  • Add an extra 300 yen ($2.75) for entrance to the temple buildings
• Address: Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho,
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

After the bamboo forest, we decided to visit Tenryu-ji Temple. We arrived as soon as the temple opened and squeezed in some quiet time before crowds arrived. While strolling the gardens, we found ourselves tempted by the temple buildings and decided to tour inside.

Upon entering the temple building, we were asked to remove our shoes. We explored the main temple building for a while before walking the covered path to the other smaller building. I really enjoyed the gardens at this temple.

As you can see in the photo above, the fall color in Kyoto is incredible!

Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kyoto in Autumn #7 | Hozugawa River

In an effort to escape the crowds at the popular temples nearby, we decided to stroll down the Hozugawa river to work up an appetite for lunch. We didn’t run into many folks during our stroll, which leads me to assume this activity is not well known.

Regardless, it was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Next time around, we will have a little picnic here. But the best part is the fall color poking thru in the photo above. Can you imagine what this river looks like a peak fall foliage?

• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December
• Address: Shimonakajima-2 Hozucho, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0005, Japan

Kyoto in Autumn #8 | Nanzen-ji Temple

• Hours: Daily from 8:45am to 5pm
• Admission: Visitors are allowed to enjoy the central temple grounds free of charge, but admission is required for the surrounding sub-temples.
• Address: Japan, 〒606-8435 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Fukuchicho, ８６
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

Nanzen-Ji Temple is considered one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The grounds include several sub-temples — the most famous being Hojo rock garden.

But let me tell you – if you’re looking for the best fall color in Kyoto – look no further!

The fall color here was incredible! We decided to visit the Nanzen-jn pond and were taken aback by the peacefulness of the garden.

Fall Color in Kyoto #9 | Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)  

• Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm
• Admission: 400 yen ($3.65) per adult
• Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

The Golden Pavilion is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto. It’s a three-story building with the top two stories covered in gold.

A strolling garden surrounds the pavilion, allowing visitors to take in the glory from several angles.

Kinkaku-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kyoto in Fall #10 | Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)

• Hours: 8:30am to 5pm daily
• Admission: 500 yen ($4.57) per adult
• Address: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8402, Japan
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

Unlike the Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion is not covered in silver. But although it lacks the flare of the other, the gardens are much more interesting!

If you’re looking for fall color in Kyoto, you can’t miss the gardens here.

Ginkaku-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bonus: Stroll down Shirakawa Dori

We came across Shirakawa dori while en route to sake tasting. This picture-perfect street (not to mention the river!) is exactly how I pictured Kyoto.

Shirakawa is often considered the prettiest street in Kyoto, so I suggest enjoying a lovely evening in this part of town. Maybe grab dinner at one of the nice restaurants along the river? Now that’s a memory in the making.

A word on regrets: I regret not making the time to see Daigo Ji Temple in Kyoto because it looks downright stunning.  Oh well, all the more reason to return.

Where to eat in Kyoto

You know I’d never leave you high and dry. Here’s some great restaurants to try in Kyoto.

• Pontocho Alley: A lively alley filled to the brim with restaurants and bars as far as the eye can see.
• Kichi Kichi: This restaurant is famous for omurice, a dish of fried rice wrapped in egg. We wanted to try this place so bad, but the line was around the block all 4 nights. You can make reservations online a month in advance.
• Sushitetsu: Hands down, our favorite sushi restaurant from the trip. The first time we arrived 10 minutes after they opened and the restaurant was completely empty so we were reluctant to go inside. However, during our second visit we arrived at 8pm and had to wait an hour and a half to be seated. Timing is everything.
• Komefuku Tempura: If you like tempura, you will love this place. Don’t leave without trying the shrimp.
• Marugame Noodles: Best and cheapest udon noodles ever! Oh my, just writing about this place is making my mouth water. We liked the noodles so much we visited two times in four days and tried to squeeze in a third visit. But hey, two bowls of noodles for $10 is hard to beat.

Good to know: Kyoto is a large city

Contrary to popular belief — with a population of 1.5 million — Kyoto is a large city. I think many visitors see photos of the historic Gion district and assume most of Kyoto is stuck in simpler times – but that is not so! Kyoto is an industrial city that covers a lot of ground.  I share this for two reasons:

Temples and shrines are spread far apart

• Prior to our visit, we assumed that most temples and shrines were clustered together. That couldn’t have been further from the truth and it often took 20-30 minutes to travel between temples/shrines.

Prioritize

• Create a daily list of the top 3 things you want to see and start your mornings there to avoid crowds as much as possible. The temples and shrines in Kyoto are so beautiful and peaceful and sadly crowds detract from the experience. Do yourself a favor and don’t hit snooze, you’ll thank yourself later!

Visiting Kyoto in Autumn? Expect crowds

If you visit Kyoto for fall foliage – expect crowds. As mentioned earlier, I urge you to prioritize what you want to see and go as early as possible (around sunrise) to avoid pushing your way through crowds at popular spots.

Case in Point: We arrived at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at 7am and had enough time to take photos without crowds. However, by 7:45 the place was full of people. The 45-minute difference in crowds was enough to justify the early wake up.

Where to stay in Kyoto in the fall

• We spent 4 nights at Hotel Sunroute Kyoto and it far exceeded our expectations. The hotel is very clean, reasonably priced (even during high tourist season) and centrally located. It feels more like a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) than a hotel. I can’t recommend it enough!

Getting around Kyoto

• Public transportation is the way to go but you will still end up walking a lot.
• The metro/train will take you close to your destination but you’ll still need to walk between 15 – 20 minutes to reach the temples/shrines.
• Buses are available to take you from one temple to the next, but we opted to walk instead because we were too nervous to figure out the bus routes. I know, I know. But we enjoy the strolls.

Fun fact: During our 9 days in Japan, we walked over 78 miles! Send help.

P.S. If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, make sure to read: An American’s Guide to Japan: 20 Things to Know for First Time Visitors.

There’s a difference between temples and shrines

Last but not least, I’d like to share the difference between temples and shrines because it was helpful during our trip.

In hopes of not oversimplifying, temples are Buddhist and shrines are Shinto. In our experience, most temples and shrines are free and those that charge only ask a nominal fee ($3-$5 per person).

I’m sure it goes without saying, but make sure to dress conservatively/appropriately when visiting temples and shrines.

Temples

Temples have large incense burners and house buddhist statues. Monks live and train at temples and it is not uncommon to see them wandering the grounds, especially early in the morning.

Did you know that Buddhism did not originate in Japan? It was introduced from China and India and is now an integral part of the Japanese culture.

Shrines

Shrines welcome visitors with sacred torii gates. Unlike buddhism, Shintoism originated in ancient Japan and shares the belief that there are thousands of different gods in the world.

Shrines are exceptionally sacred because it is believed that Japanese gods live within the objects housed in shrines. As such, some shrines will post signs prohibiting photography inside. It’s vital to abide by these rules.

I hope you enjoyed this list of the top 10 things to see in Kyoto in the fall.

Kyoto Fall Festivals

Jidai Matsuri (October 22nd)

In Japanese, “Jidai Matsuri” translates to “Festival of Ages” and this celebration is just that. The parade route travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine and holds a special place in the heart of Kyoto locals because it commemorates the day Kyoto was founded.

Parade participants dons apparel from every period of Japanese history, along with historical figures. The lively festival lasts for 2 hours and is considered of the the three great festivals in Kyoto. You can’t miss it!

Gion Odori (November 1st – 10th)

An annual tradition that feels as old as time. Join in the celebration as mesmerizing geishas perform a traditional dance for the public. It’s very hard to catch a Geisha in Kyoto, so this festival is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Tickets are required can be purchased at Kyoto City Tourist Association and travel agencies. This experience is worth every penny, really!

Higashiyama Temple Illumination 

Higashiyama Ward is the historic and traditional area of Kyoto. During the Higashiyama Temple Illumination festival, the streets are illuminated by dreamy lanterns that completely change the feel of Kyoto.

As if though Kyoto isn’t magical enough already! This illumination festival takes it to the next level. Many of the most renowned temples participate in the event — including Chion-In Temple, Kodai-Ji Temple and Kitomizu-dera Temple.

Autumn in Kyoto (Post Summary)

In sum, these are the 10 best places to experience fall in Kyoto are:

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2. Hokan-Ji Temple
3. Eikando Temple
4. Fushimi Inari Shrine
5. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
6. Tenryuji Temple & Gardens
7. Hozugawa River
8. Nanzen-Ji Temple
9. Kinkaku-Ji Temple
10. Ginkaku-Ji Temple

Further Reading:

• Complete Guide to Japan (with expense report, stunning photos & video)
• How Pocket Wifi Saved Me $120
• 20 Things to Know for First Time Visitors to Japan

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Sayonara my friends,

Antonina