Kyoto Fall (2026) Travel Guide: Best Spots for Autumn Foliage

Last Updated on 22nd December 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Every fall, Kyoto blazes with a riot of reds, burnt oranges, yellows, and browns, making it one of Japan’s most stunning autumn destinations. The Japanese call the autumn leaves Koyō (紅葉), and the tradition of leaf-viewing, known as Momijigari (紅葉狩り), is so important that you’ll likely see people dressed in their best, capturing photos of the vibrant foliage to share with loved ones. Here’s your ultimate guide to Kyoto in the fall!

When can you see fall colours in Kyoto?

Fall colours in Kyoto typically come quite late, starting at the end of October, burning brightest in mid-November and lasting until around as long as mid-December. For reference, a lot of the fall photographs taken in this guide were taken around the 12th of December. So, you can see that there’s still a lot of colour late on in the year.

Another treasured season in Japan is the sakura season, when the pink, fluffy clouds of cherry and plum blossoms adorn the landscape. Kyoto’s cherry blossom season typically falls from late March to mid-April, and it is a whole other seasonal celebration worth checking out!

Is Kyoto cold in the Fall?

It can be. So, typically, as the months go on, the cooler temperatures set in. During September, the temperature continues to keep the warmth from summer and averages at highs of 29°C (84°F) and 20°C (68°F) lows.

From mid to late October, the colour of the leaves starts to change. By November, the temperatures average at highs of 17°C (62°F) and 7°C (44°F) lows, so it’s still very pleasant. But, to be safe, I recommend bringing layers out with you.

Autumn activities in Kyoto

Eikandō Temple

Eikandō Temple (officially known as Zenrin-ji), is one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots for autumn leaves. Every fall, over 3,000 maple trees paint the grounds in colours of red, orange and burning yellows.The temple, its walkways and the winding garden paths provide some of the most photogenic fall views in Kyoto!

Founded in 853 during the Heian Period, Eikandō was originally the villa of the court noble Michiie Fujiwara before being converted into a temple. Today, it belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, and its historic halls, serene gardens, and beautiful pond reflect the centuries of cultural and religious traditions.One of its most famous features is the Amida Hall, which is slightly angled so that the statue of Amida Buddha is face to face with visitors, which is a rarity in Japanese design.

Sadly, we didn’t have time to visit this year (hence there being no photograph), but it’s definitely top of my list for when we return!

Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto’s Golden Temple)

One of my favourite spots to see Kyoto’s fall foliage is the Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji. With its iconic golden exterior reflecting in the surrounding pond, the autumn leaves seem to glow even brighter, casting warm reds, oranges, and yellows throughout. The combination of shimmering architecture and vibrant foliage truly makes Kinkaku-ji an unforgettable autumn sight! Read my full guide on how to visit Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto’s Golden Temple) here.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is located on the wooded foothills of Mount Otowa, on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. As you can imagine, the wooded foothills become a glorious blaze of autumn foliage come the season. Indeed, no matter what time of the year, the view from this temple is simply breathtaking.

This cherished temple takes its name from the pure water which runs off of the nearby hills, with Kiyomizu translating to ‘clear water’, or ‘pure water’. So, Kiyomizu Temple, 清水寺, literally means ‘Pure Water Monastery.’ It is a historically significant Buddhist temple and was built to foster the worship of the Buddhist god Kannon (God of Mercy). You can read more on how to visit Kiyomizu-dera in my guide here.

Arashiyama & Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama is a magical district of Kyoto, and few places can capture the magic of the fall quite as well as here. The famous Togetsukyō Bridge stretches gracefully across the Katsura River, while a riot of autumnal fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows, create a stunning natural backdrop.

One of the main reasons people choose to visit this district is for its famed Bamboo Grove, sometimes referred to as Sagano Bamboo Forest. And, while the bamboo itself stays a luscious green, come the fall, the tall forest is framed by the beautiful yellow and orange maple trees that surround. I recommend getting here very early to visit, as the crowds can be quite overbearing, particularly in the fall and sakura seasons.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Situated at the top of the Arashiyama mountainside, a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys reside. This was easily one of my favourite visits in Kyoto, the views, the monkeys (!) and the stunning fall foliage, make it one of the top places to visit during fall in Kyoto.

The monkey park tends to be fairly quiet as most people aren’t willing to climb the steep hill to the top, making it feel somewhat of a hidden gem. It costs 800 yen for general admission, and then takes around 20 to 30 minutes to climb to the peak. Be sure to keep your distance from the monkeys; they are free-roaming, but not to be touched.

Stroll along Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path (哲学の道) is known as “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, and it comes to life during the fall season. This magical walk follows a pedestrianised stone-lined pathway for 2 km along the banks of a gently flowing canal. And, you’ll see an array of fall foliage burning all possible colours!

It is named after the philosophy professors from Kyoto University, as it’s said that Hajime Tanabe and Nishida Kitaro would take breaks from intense and draining sessions by taking short walks along the banks of the river here.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

You might not think of visiting a botanic garden outside of spring or summer, but skipping Kyoto’s Botanical Gardens in autumn would be a mistake. The grounds remain vibrant well into the fall season, with several maple trees setting the landscape ablaze in reds and oranges. One of my favourite details is the dried lotus flowers in the ponds, as they give the gardens a whimsical, almost Studio Ghibli-like atmosphere that feels uniquely magical in autumn.

The glasshouses are open as usual, so you can also visit the cacti and collection of tropical plants, safely tucked away in the warmth.

Attend a festival

Autumn in Kyoto isn’t just about the foliage, after all, it’s also festival season! Several festivals take place throughout the season; I’ll list just some of the best below:

Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) –  The Jidai Matsuri, or “Festival of the Ages,” is an annual festival held on the 22nd of October to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. It is held by the Heian Shrine, and a procession of over 2,000 performers takes place in the form of a parade.

Arashiyama Momiji Festival – As its name suggests, this festival coincides with the peak time for viewing autumn foliage. It is traditionally held on the second Sunday of November, but it can vary from year to year. The festival sees a riverboat celebration, costumed musicians, and elaborate dances, all to welcome and celebrate another colourful season.

Kurama Fire Festival – Just outside of Kyoto, in the village of Kurama, a Shinto festival takes place on the 22nd of October. A torch procession comes to life, with locals carrying flaming pine torches, and portable shrines are carried through the village. The festival usually goes on from dusk, late into the night.

Nijō Castle

Nijo Castle is an expansive complex comprising fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, and gardens, among other additional buildings. In the grounds, you’ll find some particularly beautiful maple trees which are especially visible in the Ninomaru Garden.

Take a Tea Ceremony

There’s nothing more magical than sipping a bowl of traditional matcha in a temple garden, surrounded by the vivid colours of Kyoto’s autumn leaves. You’ll typically be given a small sweet alongside your matcha, this traditional Japanese sweet is called wagashi, and it is typically served to balance the bitterness of the matcha tea.

Visit Nishiki Market “Kyoto’s Kitchen”

No matter the season, a visit to Nishiki Market should be at the top of every traveller’s list when exploring Kyoto. From mouthwatering local delicacies to culinary shops selling everything from speciality knives to unique porcelain, this popular destination has been nicknamed ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen‘ or ‘Japan’s Pantry‘ as a result!

One thing that’s special about visiting in the fall is that you’ll it brings an array of seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts, persimmons, sweet potatoes, and Kyoto’s famous pickles. You can read more about what to try on my guide on how to visit Nishiki Market.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Thanks to its sheer popularity, Kyoto has plenty of places to stay to suit a variety of needs and budgets. I would personally recommend staying near (ish) to Nishiki Market, this way you can enjoy the quiet streets that surround while also be within walking distance of main attractions and transport.

Hotel Tavinos Kyoto: We stayed in this hotel while in Kyoto and loved it so much that we also stayed there in our following trip to Kyoto! We found it to be clean and comfortable. The rooms were a little on the small side, but since we were out exploring most of the time, it didn’t really impact on our stay. Check prices and availability here.

IMU HOTEL KYOTO: This is another hotel I’ve stayed in, and I cannot recommend it enough! The rooms are basic, but have everything you need, plus the hotel is budget-friendly. It’s a 5-minute walk from the main high street in Kyoto, and 10-minutes from Nishiki Market. The hotel offer breakfast for a fee, but you can get a free sake tasting each day! Check prices and availability here.

Ryokan Mugen: If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay in Kyoto, then you’ll want to book yourself into this traditional Ryokan. Amenities include a bar onsite, and a courtyard with a rock garden. Some rooms have tatami mats. Check prices and availability here.

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