Fall Vibes Across the Ancient Capital! 13 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto.

Located in Kyoto's Sakyo district, Kifune Shrine sits along the Kifune River at the foot of Mount Kibune. It enshrines the Takao Kami, a deity overseeing water, and is considered the main shrine out of approximately 2,000 water deity shrines nationwide. The shrine grounds are divided into three separate areas: the Main Shrine, Inner Shrine, and Yui Shrine. Pure, refreshing water constantly springs from a stone wall in front of the Main Shrine, revered as sacred water. Being situated to the north in Kyoto, it's one of the cooler areas of the city, leading to an early autumn foliage viewing. During peak foliage season, the entirety of Kifune Shrine takes on a sea of vibrant colors. While the scenery during the day is undoubtedly beautiful, Kifune Shrine is particularly renowned for its illuminated autumn leaves after sunset. The illuminated stone steps and red lanterns of "Kasuga Tourou" juxtaposed against the autumn foliage create a magical atmosphere that you can only find here.

This walking path and acclaimed tourist spot stretches from the renowned Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) to Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine for 2km along a canal near Kyoto University. It got its name "The Philosopher's Path" because Nishida Kitaro, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University in the early 20th century, was known to meditate and walk this path every morning.
During the peak of the autumn foliage, the maple trees alongside the canal turn a deep crimson, allowing visitors to stroll along a scenic path adorned with fall colors. Once here you’ll find an easy walk will bring you to Ginkakuji and Eikando, both of which offer beautiful views of autumn leaves. Enjoy a walk along the maple-lined Philosopher's Path and visit these iconic autumn spots.

This bridge, which is said to have been constructed in the first half of the 9th century during the Heian period, has been washed away many times but has always been rebuilt. The name Togetsukyo (Moon-Crossing Bridge) is said to have been given because Emperor Kameyama during the Kamakura period saw the moon moving across the sky as if it were crossing the bridge.
Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai, and many other ukiyo-e artists have featured this bridge in their artwork, making it a representative landscape of Arashiyama.
While the bridge offers beautiful views throughout the seasons, the autumn scene of Arashiyama behind Togetsukyo, painted in reds and yellows, is especially magnificent.
Surrounding the Togetsukyo Bridge are other popular fall foliage spots, such as Tenryu-ji Temple. It's no exaggeration to say it's a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Kyoto during the fall.

Founded in the mid-Heian period around 947, this ancient shrine boasts a history of over 1,000 years. It venerates Sugawara no Michizane and serves as the head shrine among approximately 12,000 Tenmangu and Tenjin shrines nationwide. A number of notable points await inside, including a main hall designated as a national treasure and the Mikage Gate, a nationally designated important cultural property.
The western side of the shrine grounds is home to Momiji Garden, where some 350 maple trees are planted. When the leaves reach their peak color in autumn, the entire area transforms into a breathtaking landscape awash in deep crimson. After sunset, the area is illuminated, offering visitors a chance to stroll through a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Eikando is known as the head temple of the Jodo sect's Seizan Zenrin-ji school.
Often referred to as "the Eikando of Maples", it's recognized as one of Kyoto's premier spots for autumn foliage.
Every year, around mid-November, about 3,000 maple trees, including Japanese and Trident maples, start to show their vibrant autumn colors, painting the temple grounds in rich hues.
The historic and magnificent temple buildings, such as the Tahoto Pagoda located halfway up the mountain, beautifully complement the vivid fall leaves.
Even the temple's focal point, the large Hojo Pond, is surrounded by maples. Catch a glimpse as the autumn leaves reflect on the water's surface, creating a surreal and enchanting view.

As the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Tofuku-ji School, Tofuku-ji was founded by the regent Kujō Dōka, who invited the monk Shōichi Kokushi to be its founding priest. The construction began in 1236 and took 19 years, completing the full temple complex in 1255. This spot is also heralded as one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples.
The temple houses the death mask of its founding priest, Shōichi Kokushi, as well as Zen paintings by the artist Chōdenji (also known as Meicho), focusing primarily on the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Over 5,000 cultural treasures, including artworks and artifacts from the Heian and Kamakura periods, are preserved here.
With about 2,000 maple trees planted within its grounds, Tofuku-ji is one of Kyoto's premier spots for autumn foliage.
When the leaves are at their peak, the entire area transforms into a breathtaking scene. Particularly popular are the views from the three bridges - Tsuten-kyo Bridge, Gaun-kyo Bridge, and Engetsu-kyo Bridge - that span the valley Sengyokukan which runs east-west across the temple grounds.
The ethereal beauty of the illuminated foliage after sunset is also a must-see.

Before Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo, this area served as the imperial palace grounds and was surrounded by noble mansions.
In the Meiji era, it was developed into what is now known as the Kyoto Gyoen. Both the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the Imperial family.
The park is home to maple and ginkgo trees, offering sights of red and yellow foliage in across the grounds.
The colorful transformation of the garden will bring you front and center to the essence of traditional, authentic Japan.
The towering ginkgo tree, standing at about 23 meters, known as "Gingko of the Gyouka Cave Site," is a must-see. Its majestic stature and golden hues are bound to leave you in awe.

Founded in 778 and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Nestled midway up Mount Otawa, the temple complex spans over 130,000 square meters and houses more than 30 structures and monuments, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. In the fall, over 1,000 Japanese maple trees turn a vibrant red, and the temple is illuminated after sunset. The sight of the main hall's stage surrounded by brilliant red maple trees is truly breathtaking. Especially after sunset, the beauty resembles a paradisiacal Pure Land. The combination of the temple's iconic three-storied pagoda and the autumn foliage will undoubtedly make you appreciate the beauty of Japan.

Situated discreetly in Yase-Oohara, which has been cherished by nobles and warriors since the Heian period.
Normally private, the temple is specially opened to the public twice a year during spring and autumn.
The temple grounds are home to over 100 types of maple trees, making it one of the top spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto. The sight of the entire area painted in deep red during autumn is extraordinary.
Especially notable is the view of Ruri's Garden from the academy.
From the second-floor room, a panoramic view of the autumn leaves unfolds in a sight you are bound to never forget.
The reflection of the maple trees on the tabletop creates an illusory space, as if enveloped by the foliage. The phenomenon known as "floor maple" - where the meticulously polished lacquered corridor reflects the landscape - is also must-see.

Nijo-jo Castle, originally a detached palace, was completed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan after his victory in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Serving as a base in Kyoto, this historical heritage has a history of over 410 years and stands at the heart of the city. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".

Inside its vast grounds, visitors can find ginkgo and maple trees. The vibrant autumn leaves can be enjoyed in various settings - juxtaposed against the gardens, moats, and historic buildings. Particularly notable are the Ninomaru Garden, designated as a special place of scenic beauty, and the Seiryu-en, which combines Japanese and Western garden styles. Both offer breathtaking views where the gardens harmoniously blend with the colorful foliage.

Located at the foothills of Kyoto's Higashiyama, to the northeast of the renowned Yasaka Tower of Hokan-ji Temple, lies Kodai-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple of the Kennin-ji school. After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, his principal wife, Nene (known as Kita no Mandokoro), moved from Osaka to Kyoto and became a nun. In 1606, to mourn and commemorate Hideyoshi, she established one of the most celebrated temples in the Higashiyama area, Kodai-ji (officially named Kodai Shōju Zenji), which also served as her own grave site. In the northeast part of the temple grounds, elevated from the surrounding area, stands a spirit house dedicated to Nene and Hideyoshi. Its inner sanctuary, the Shumidan and Zushi, are adorned with what's known as Kodai-ji Maki-e decorations. The temple grounds also feature a teahouse with designs attributed to Sen no Rikyu and a garden landscaped by Kobori Enshu, among other highlights. However, what truly elevates Kodai-ji's reputation both in Japan and around the world is its breathtaking autumn foliage. The mesmerizing gradation created by approximately 1,000 maple trees is a sight to behold. The evening illuminations offer a serene and mystical view that's not to be missed.

Founded in 703, Bishamon-do is one of the five Tendai sect's Monzeki temples. Monzeki temples are prestigious temples where royalty or nobles serve as chief priests. It enshrines "Bishamonten," one of the Seven Lucky Gods and the god of wealth and fortune. Notable features include the beautiful vermilion main hall, fusuma paintings that seem to change as one changes their viewing angle, and the mysterious atmosphere of the Bansui-en garden. In autumn, the temple's maple trees turn red, complementing the vermilion main hall. The sight of fallen maple leaves scattered along the approach to the "Chokushi-mon" and the autumn colors surrounding the pond in the "Bansui-en" garden are must-sees.

Founded in 1346, Genko-an is a Soto Zen temple with official name, Takamyouyama Houjurin Genko-an. Originally established as a retirement residence for the Rinzai Zen monk, the 2nd generation of Daitoku-ji, Tettou Kokushi, it later became a Soto Zen temple after it was founded by a Soto Zen monk.
The temple reflects Zen thinking in its architecture and garden, and certain architectural features have been crafted for visitors to experience the essence of Zen. Visit here for a time in tranquility and quiet escape into the world of Zen.
Within the temple grounds, there are two distinct windows: a circular "Window of Enlightenment" and a square "Window of Delusion". These windows, and the views they frame, represent aspects of Zen philosophy and thinking.
In the fall, the maple trees planted beyond the windows change color, transforming the space into a serene and beautiful setting, unique to Zen temples.