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

I wish I could bottle 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.

For those asking about lodging: We spent 4 nights at this EXCELLENT hotel while visiting Kyoto for fall color and it 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!

---

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 late November (from the 15th onward).

If you find that you missed the fall color during your visit, fret not. You’re still bound to have a memorable trip. Here’s a roundup of the 15 BEST things to do in Kyoto.

---

Travel Video | Fall in Japan

---

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

---

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 have to be picky about the number of temples you can see while visiting Kyoto in the fall, 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.

---

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

Kyoto has no shortage of breathtaking temples, but the one that stole the cake (for us) was Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Founded in 778 AD, the prime location atop a hill offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views of the stunning city below.

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.

You’ll enter the temple through a main hall, make sure to admire the building because it’s an architectural feat. The entire hall was built without nails!

Spend your time slowly walking through the beautiful temple (there’s so many paths to choose from), this is one of the most interesting things to do in Kyoto in the fall (or any seasons, really).

---

Tenryu-ji Temple & Gardens

• 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

One of the most popular attractions in Kyoto during fall foliage season, I’m tempted to say that Tenryu-ji Temple is a sight for sore eyes. But, in a city as beautiful as Kyoto, sore eyes are not easy to come by.

Located a stone’s thrown from the super-popular Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji is a peaceful Zen temple best known for its stunning gardens.

Built in 1339 (imagine!), Tenryu-ji is considered the most important temple in the Arashiyama district (it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The buildings have been lost to fires over the years and were subsequently rebuilt. Most of the current buildings date back to the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

However, while the buildings fell victim to fires, the gardens remained largely unscathed. Flanked by the arresting Arashiyama mountains, the garden was thoughtfully curated around a central pond peppered with stunning pine trees (ablaze with breathtaking colors in the fall).

The striking gardens earn Tenryu-ji Temple a spot on this list of the best places to see fall color in Kyoto. You’ll remember this gem for years to come.

---

Hozugawa River

There’s a high concentration of great things to do in the Arashiyama district. From the Bamboo forest to a plethora of stunning temples, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The biggest challenge is keeping your cool amidst busy crowds. If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by hordes of people, I suggest heading toward the Hozugawa River.

On a whim, we decided to stroll down the Hozugawa River to work up an appetite for lunch and found ourselves pleasantly surprise.

We didn’t run into many folks during our stroll, which leads me to assume this is not one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto (oddly enough).

Regardless, it was a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon. We watched various boats and gondolas roll by, which was a nice change of pace while visiting Kyoto during fall foliage season.

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

---

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
• Best time to visit for fall color: Late November – early December

Dating back to the 13th century, 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.

First built as a retirement villa for the Emperor Kameyama, the building was later converted in a temple but most of the buildings were destroyed during the civil wars.

Spend some time admiring the impressive architecture before meandering the paths in search of solitude at the various gardens, especially if you’re on the hunt for the best fall foliage in Kyoto.

My favorite garden was the Hojo (rock garden), which was uncrowded during our visit. I was completely taken aback by the beauty of the garden and the solitude we were able to find.

Highly recommend finding your own slice of peaceful respite was visiting the Nanzen-Ji Temple.

---

Kinkaku-ji Temple (The 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

Kinkakuji Temple is better known (by Americans) as the Golden Pavillion. Aptly named, the top two floors of the pavilion are actually covered in gold leaf and sits on a peaceful pond.

Some folks consider this over temple a bit over-hyped, but honestly — how often do you get the chance to see an entire building painted gold? As such, I’d argue that seeing this masterpiece is one of the best things to do in Kyoto.

Built originally in 1398 as a retirement villa for a shogun, the pavilion became a Zen temple in 1408. Brace for crowds, knowing that Kinkakuji Temple is popular for a reason.

During Kyoto’s fall foliage season, the garden transforms into a forest of bright reds, oranges and yellow. It’s a sight to behold, which is why this is one of the best spots in Kyoto for fall color.

You can learn more about this popular Kyoto attraction by reading this helpful article.

---

Tofuku-ji Temple

Founded in 1236, Tofuku-ji Temple is beautiful year-round, but this place truly shines in autumn when the gardens come alive with some of the best fall colors in Kyoto.

People travel from all over the world to visit Tokyo in the fall season, and chances are high that Tofuku-ji Temple is exactly the place they want to see.

The gardens are filled to the brim with healthy maple trees eager to impress visitors and locals alike during the month of November.

---

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

Built as a retirement villa in 1482 by the grandson of the man responsible for the Gold Pavilion, Ginkakuji Temple was modeled after the Golden Pavilion.

Just like the Golden Pavilion, the villa was transformed into a Zen temple upon the shogun’s death in 1490.

However, unlike the Golden Pavilion, the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple) is not covered in silver. However, what it lacks in luster, it makes up for with stunning gardens that display some of the best fall color in Kyoto.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 during fall foliage season

• We spent 4 nights at this EXCELLENT hotel while visiting Kyoto for fall color and it 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.

---

Autumn in Kyoto (Post Summary)

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

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2. Eikando Temple
3. Tenryuji Temple & Gardens
4. Hozugawa River
5. Nanzen-Ji Temple
6. Kinkaku-Ji Temple
7. Ginkaku-Ji Temple
8. Tofuku-ji Temple
9. Jidai Matsuri Festival
10. Gion Odori Fall Festival in Kyoto
11. Higashiyama Temple Illumination

---

Map of places to see when visiting Kyoto in the fall

---

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

Fall color in Kyoto, Autumn in Kyoto, best fall color, things to do in Kyoto in fall, fall in Kyoto, Fall in Kyoto, Kyoto in fall, things to do in Kyoto in fall, fall in Kyoto, Fall in Kyoto, Kyoto in fall, things to do in Kyoto in fall, fall in Kyoto, Fall in Kyoto, Kyoto in fall, things to do in Kyoto in fall, fall in Kyoto, Autumn in Kyoto, things to do in the fall in Kyoto Japan, fall in Kyoto, Autumn in Kyoto, best spots for fall color Kyoto, Kyoto Fall color, fall leaves, autumn color Kyoto, things to do in the fall in Kyoto, fall color in Kyoto.

Sayonara my friends,

Antonina

---