Top 15 places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

1. Eikan-do

3. Konkai Komyo-ji

Nicknamed “Kurodani” by locals, this temple captivates visitors with its garden in autumn. It offers a superb view of the city, framed by vibrant maple trees.

ADDRESS: 21 Kurodanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8331

4. Nanzen-ji Tenju-an

Part of the large Nanzen-ji complex, Tenju-an is famous for its gardens. In autumn, they are adorned with purple hues, offering a striking contrast to the green moss of the surrounding area. Visitors also enjoy the reflections of the leaves and the main pavilion in the garden pond.

ADDRESS: 〒606-8435 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Fukuchicho, 86−８

5. Ruriko-in

A hidden gem in northern Kyoto, Ruriko-in offers an unconventional spectacle during autumn with the reflection of momiji leaves on a large black lacquered table. The play of light transforms the site into a veritable painting! It's a scene that attracts crowds and sometimes requires a bit of waiting before you can access it.

ADDRESS: 55 Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0067

6. Enko-ji

Enko-ji is famous for its maple garden. In autumn, the contrast between the white gravel, green moss, and red leaves creates a scene that sticks with all who see it. From the heights, you can also admire the Kyoto cityscape.

ADDRESS: 13 Ichijoji Kotanicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8147

8. Tofuku-ji

Here is the “Rolls-Royce” of Japanese maple trees! Every fall, Tofuku-ji attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire its Tsutenkyo footbridge, suspended above a valley of momiji. The contrast between the wooden structure and the sea of glowing red leaves below makes it one of Kyoto's most iconic landscapes!

ADDRESS: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981

9. Enri-an

In the heart of Arashiyama, Enri-an is a little-known gem, open to the public only in the fall. Far from the tourist trails, this small temple with its contemplative atmosphere reveals a garden of silent beauty, where each maple tree seems to converse with the surrounding moss and stones.

ADRESSE: 2 Saganisonin Monzen Zenkoji Yamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8427

11. Jisso-in 

North of Kyoto, Jisso-in charms visitors with its “mirror table,” reflecting the maple trees in its garden. Less well known than Ruriko-in but just as photogenic, it offers a peaceful experience, where the silence of the place invites contemplation.

ADDRESS: 121 Iwakura Aguracho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0017

13. Genko-an

This small temple north of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is famous for its pavilion with enigmatic windows: the round window, symbolizing harmony, and the square window, representing human life. Through them, visitors can admire an impressive maple garden in autumn.

ADDRESS: 〒603-8468 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Takagamine Kitatakaminecho, ４７−47

14. Bishamon-do Monzeki

Located in the hills above Kyoto, Bishamon-do is a temple worth visiting in late fall, when fallen leaves form a bright red carpet on the steps of the shrine. It's like a final farewell to the momiji season before winter arrives.

ADDRESS: 18 Anshuinariyamacho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, 607-8003

Our recommendation: A bike ride or a trip aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway, a small retro train that runs along the Hozu Gorge among the flaming maple trees.

ADDRESS: 〒616-8373 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Kuramamichicho

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