As autumn embraces Kyoto, the ancient city undergoes a breathtaking transformation, where hues of crimson, gold, and amber paint a mesmerizing canvas. If you’re planning to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s fall foliage in 2023, here’s a curated list of the top 10 spots:
1. Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofuku-ji is one of the major temples in Kyoto and is especially popular during the autumn season when the temple grounds become a haven of vibrant fall colors. The temple’s expansive grounds, beautiful gardens, and impressive structures make it a must-visit spot in Kyoto.
Tofuku-ji Temple Information
- Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Kyoto City Bus routes 208 and 202 will get you close to Tofuku-ji. Alight at “Tofukuji” bus stop.
- By Train: The easiest way to reach Tofuku-ji is by train. It’s just a short walk from Tofukuji Station, which is serviced by the JR Nara Line and the Keihan Main Line.
- Opening Hours:
- Generally, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm depending on the season, but these hours can vary especially during special events or seasons like the autumn leaf viewing. It’s always advisable to check the official website or local sources before your visit.
- Cost:
- Entrance to the temple grounds is free. However, to access the Hojo Garden and the Tsuten-kyo Bridge, there’s an admission fee, which generally ranges from 400 yen to 800 yen depending on the season.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- About 1 to 2 hours.
- Official Website: https://tofukuji.jp/
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Perched on a hill, this UNESCO World Heritage site provides a sweeping view of Kyoto blanketed in autumn colors. The wooden terrace is a favored spot for witnessing the brilliant transformation below.
Kiyomizu-dera Information
- Address: 294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: From Kyoto Station, you can take Kyoto City Bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi stop, from where it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the temple.
- By Train: The nearest train station is Kiyomizu-Gojo Station along the Keihan Railway Line. It’s a 20-minute walk from there.
- Opening Hours:
- Generally, Kiyomizu-dera opens from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but the hours can extend to 6:30 PM during certain seasons. There are also special night openings during the spring and autumn illumination seasons.
- Cost:
- The general admission fee is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. During the special illumination seasons in spring and fall, the entrance fee is 600 yen for adults.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- It’s recommended to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple grounds and the surrounding area, especially if it’s your first visit.
- Official Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
3. Eikando Temple
Eikando, also known as Zenrin-ji, is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage, particularly the evening illuminations. The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped with ponds, stone paths, and a pagoda that offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple’s history, stunning architecture, and scenic beauty make it a must-visit spot, especially during the autumn season.
Eikando Temple Information
- Address: 48 Eikandōchō, Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, 606-8445, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: You can take Kyoto City Bus routes 5, 32, 46, 100, or 203. Alight at the “Nanzenji Eikando-michi” bus stop, and it’s a short walk to the temple.
- Opening Hours:
- Typically, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. During the special illumination events in spring and autumn, the temple extends its hours into the evening, usually until about 9:00 pm.
- Cost:
- The general admission fee is around 600 yen for adults. However, during the autumn illumination season, the cost is usually higher, around 1,000 yen.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- About 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Official Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html
4. Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple
While Arashiyama is famed for its bamboo grove, in fall, the area around Tenryu-ji Temple becomes an artist’s palette of reds, yellows, and oranges. Don’t miss the boat ride on the Hozu River, enveloped by autumnal beauty.
Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant temples in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Its stunning garden, which remains unchanged since its inception, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, including the majestic Arashiyama mountains.
Arashiyama Information
- Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan. (Please note, the Bamboo Grove is a natural area and doesn’t have a specific street address like buildings or establishments. This address is for the general Arashiyama area.)
- How to Get There:
- By Train: The easiest way is to take the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Bamboo Grove. Alternatively, you can use the Keifuku Arashiyama Line which stops at Arashiyama Station, very close to the bamboo grove and Tenryuji Temple.
- By Bus: Kyoto City Bus numbers 28, 61, 71, 72, and 73 all stop in Arashiyama.
- Opening Hours:
- The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an open outdoor area and can be visited any time. However, for the best experience (and to avoid crowds), early morning or late afternoon is recommended.
- Cost:
- There’s no entrance fee to walk through the Bamboo Grove. It’s open to the public.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- To fully enjoy the Bamboo Grove and the surrounding area, plan for at least an hour. However, since Arashiyama has a lot more to offer, such as Tenryuji Temple and the Togetsukyo Bridge, you might want to allocate half a day or more if you’re planning to explore the whole district.
Tenryu-ji Temple Information
- Address: 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: You can take Kyoto City Bus routes 11, 28, or 93. Alight at “Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae” bus stop, which is conveniently located near the temple’s main entrance.
- Opening Hours:
- Temple Grounds: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Last entry at 5:00 pm)
- Hojo (Main Hall) and Drawings: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm)
- Cost:
- Temple Grounds: 500 yen (adults), 300 yen (high school students), 100 yen (junior high and elementary school students)
- Hojo (Main Hall) and Drawings: An additional 300 yen.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Official Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/en/
5. Nanzen-ji Temple
This Zen temple complex, surrounded by stone walls and aqueducts, becomes a picturesque tableau with its lush gardens adorned in fall colors.
Nanzen-ji, nestled at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. The temple grounds are expansive and house multiple sub-temples, a majestic Sanmon entrance gate, an aqueduct, and beautiful gardens.
Nanzen-ji Temple Information
- Address: Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: You can take Kyoto City Bus routes 5, 100, or 110. Alight at “Nanzenji Eikando-michi” bus stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple’s main entrance.
- Opening Hours:
- Generally, 8:40 am to 5:00 pm (Hours can vary depending on the specific building or season, so always check in advance).
- Cost:
- Admission to Nanzen-ji’s grounds is free.
- Entering the Hojo (Main Hall) and rock garden costs 500 yen for adults. Fees for other sub-temples and attractions within Nanzen-ji can vary.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Official Website: https://nanzenji.or.jp/
6. Maruyama Park
Kyoto’s oldest public park, located in the Gion District, is a hub for picnics and leisurely strolls. The central pond surrounded by vibrant maples is a serene spot for reflection.
Maruyama Park Information
- Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Many buses run through the central city of Kyoto and stop at Gion, which is very close to Maruyama Park. From Kyoto Station, you can take the Kyoto City Bus number 100 or 206.
- By Train: The closest train station is Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
- Opening Hours:
- Maruyama Park is a public park, so it’s always open. However, for specific attractions or events within the park, it’s good to check their individual times.
- Cost:
- Entering the park is free. However, individual events or attractions within the park might have their own fees.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- Visitors typically spend 1 to 3 hours in the park, especially during the cherry blossom season when it’s delightful to do hanami (cherry blossom viewing). If you’re there for an evening illumination during sakura season or enjoying a meal at a yatai (food stall), you might stay longer.
7. Daigo-ji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Daigo-ji is historically linked to the cherry blossom viewing tradition. However, its vast grounds are equally captivating in the autumn, especially the Sanbo-in area.
Daigo-ji Temple Information
- Address: 22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Kyoto City Bus route 22 can be taken to reach near Daigo-ji, but the frequency might be limited. Alighting at the “Daigoji” bus stop will put you in proximity to the temple’s entrance.
- Alternatively, the Tozai subway line can be taken to Daigo Station, followed by a 10-15 minute walk.
- Opening Hours:
- Generally, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Last entry at 4:30 pm). Hours can vary depending on the season or specific events.
- Cost:
- 600 yen (Adults) for the lower grounds.
- 400 yen (Adults) for the Sanboin.
- 300 yen (Adults) for the Kami Daigo (upper grounds).
- Combination tickets for all areas are also available at a discounted rate.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Official Website: https://www.daigoji.or.jp/
8. Philosopher’s Path
This stone path running along a canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, offers a tranquil experience. In autumn, the path is strewn with leaves, creating a colorful carpet underfoot.
Philosopher’s Path Information
- Address: The path runs between Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: From Kyoto Station, you can take the Kyoto City Bus number 5, 17, or 100 to Ginkaku-ji. Start your walk from there.
- By Train: The nearest train station is Keage Station on the Tozai Line of the Kyoto City Subway. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the southern end of the path.
- Opening Hours:
- The Philosopher’s Path is a public path, so it’s always open. However, the shops and cafes along the route have their own individual opening hours.
- Cost:
- It’s free to walk along the Philosopher’s Path. However, if you plan to visit temples or eateries along the way, they might have their own fees.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- The path itself takes about 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other without stopping. However, with stops at cafes, shops, and temples along the way, many visitors spend 2-3 hours or even longer.
9. Kodai-ji Temple
Apart from its stone garden and bamboo grove, Kodai-ji transforms into a spectacle during fall. The nighttime illumination highlights the vibrant leaves, setting them against the dark, serene surroundings.
Kodai-ji Temple Information
- Address: 526 Shimogawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0825, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: The nearest bus stop is “Higashiyama Yasui” which is serviced by several bus lines. From there, it’s just a short walk to the temple.
- By Train: The closest train station is Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line or Kawaramachi Station. It’s a bit of a walk (approximately 15-20 minutes) but it takes you through the historic Gion district which is worth exploring.
- Opening Hours:
- Kodai-ji Temple is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasionally, there are special evening illuminations in spring and autumn when the temple might be open until as late as 9:30 PM.
- Cost:
- The general admission fee for Kodai-ji Temple is 600 yen for adults. There are discounts available for children.
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- To explore the temple grounds, interiors, and gardens thoroughly, visitors typically spend between 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Official Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html
10. Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoan-ji is renowned for its “kare-sansui” (dry landscape) rock garden, considered one of the most notable examples of the Zen garden style. The temple and its gardens are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Ryoan-ji Temple Information
- Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan.
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Kyoto City Buses 50 and 59 stop at “Ryoanji-mae,” which is just a short walk from the temple entrance.
- By Train: The Keifuku Kitano Line has a stop named “Ryoanji Station,” which is about a 10-minute walk from the temple.
- Opening Hours:
- March to November: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- December to February: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Cost:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Junior High and High School students: 300 yen
- Elementary School students: 200 yen
- Recommended Visit Duration:
- About 1 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the temple and its famous rock garden.
- Official Website: http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/
Conclusion
Autumn in Kyoto is a fleeting yet unforgettable experience. Each spot, steeped in history and natural beauty, offers a unique perspective of the season. Whether you’re looking for reflective solitude or a grand panorama of colors, Kyoto in the fall will leave you spellbound. Make sure you check the peak foliage forecasts for 2023 and time your visits accordingly. Safe travels!
