Breathtaking Maple Madness in Kyoto and Lake Biwa

Text by Qidou Travel Network | Photos by Phoenix Travel

The autumn foliage in Japan is of an otherworldly beauty, especially in Kyoto, where the various shades of red leaves never fail to take your breath away. Not far from Kyoto lies Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa—the lifeblood of Kyoto. On the eastern shore of the lake is the town of Omihachiman, the historic hometown of the Omi merchants. With its white-walled storehouses, lattice windows, and canals, this charming old town will look familiar to fans of the Japanese drama "Oshin."

This year, Phoenix Travel has launched a unique itinerary through Kyoto and Lake Biwa that breaks away from typical Kyoto foliage routes. In addition to visiting famous Kyoto spots for autumn leaves, it extends to renowned attractions around Lake Biwa, offering you a fresh new experience of enjoying the fall colors in Kyoto.

Absolutely Stunning: Visit Three Famous Foliage Spots in One Trip

The tour includes one of Japan’s top 100 maple spots—Hōshō-ji Temple, the “King of Maple Leaves” at Tōfuku-ji, and the iconic green-and-red contrast at Daigo-ji’s Sanzen-in. A special highlight is Shiga Prefecture’s Hōshō-ji Temple, a thousand-year-old historic site with ancient cedar trees and a vibrant red leaf path. It truly deserves its title as one of Japan’s top 100 maple viewing spots. The area is rich in well-preserved historical relics, and during the peak foliage season, it becomes even more spectacular—earning it the nickname “Hundred Colors Temple.” Compared to the crowded Kyoto foliage spots, visiting here is much more relaxing, offering a serene and understated experience distinct from Kyoto’s bustling scenes.

▲ During the foliage season, Hōshō-ji is covered in a sea of vivid red, most famously along its red leaf path.

The “King of Maple Leaves”—Tōfuku-ji

For an unforgettable Kyoto foliage experience, Tōfuku-ji is definitely the top choice and is hailed as the King of Maple Leaves. While this temple sees fewer visitors in other seasons, autumn brings an overwhelming influx of foliage enthusiasts. Within its grounds are three famous bridges, the most spectacular being the Tsūtenkyō Bridge. Standing on the bridge, the sea of red leaves seems to blaze before your eyes—a phenomenon known as the “Heavenly Red Leaves.”

▲ During the foliage season, the view from Tōfuku-ji’s Tsūtenkyō Bridge shows the valley ablaze in stunning beauty.

▲ From the Tsūtenkyō Bridge, every step is a maple spectacle—but it also gets extremely crowded. At this point, the main hall fades into the background as the red leaves completely capture everyone’s attention.

The Playful Contrast of Green and Red at Sanzen-in, Daigo-ji

Located in northern Kyoto, Sanzen-in is a serene and elegant temple complex surrounded by a refined garden, exuding a secluded mountain retreat vibe. Once a hidden sanctuary for nobility, the path leading to the temple follows the Rurikawa Stream. As you explore its tranquil paths, whether it’s the pond-and-corridor style garden “Yūsei-en” or the “Ōjō Gokuraku-in” shaded by towering cedars, you’ll find an atmosphere that washes away worldly worries.

▲ The picturesque Sanzen-in is a renowned Kyoto foliage spot thanks to its distinctive gardens.

▲ The expansive ancient trees of Sanzen-in offer scenic beauty from every angle.

One of the most captivating sights at Sanzen-in is the red leaves atop mossy grounds, creating a stunning red-and-green carpet-like effect. However, it’s said that the temple occasionally clears away the fallen leaves to preserve the moss (^0^), so be sure to enjoy it while you can. There are also several small Jizō statues hidden among the moss, looking incredibly heartwarming.

▲ Don’t rush past the tiny Jizō statues nestled among the moss and trees—they’re easy to miss but worth a glance.

The Absolutely Classic Eikan-dō (Yōkan-ji)　

Also known as Zenrin-ji, Eikan-dō has long been famed for its classic autumn red scenes, earning it the nickname “Red Leaf Eikan-dō.” It’s one of Kyoto’s most celebrated maple viewing spots. The temple grounds are home to nearly 3,000 maple trees, which turn brilliant colors around late November—making it the best time to visit.

Perched on a hillside, Zenrin-ji’s architecture harmonizes beautifully with the terrain. Highlights include the Amida Hall, the Pagoda, the winding Ryūrō Corridor built along the slope, and the treasured Sangō Pine. The mountain’s fiery red foliage, the crimson temple towers, and the reflections of the red leaves in the pond create a dazzling spectacle.

▲ Thousands of maple trees paint Eikan-dō in vibrant autumn hues.

▲ Red Leaf Eikan-dō sits atop rolling hills, with its terraced halls and pagodas being its most distinctive feature.

One of Lake Biwa’s Eight Scenic Views—Omihachiman

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Omihachiman is often called the “Venice of Japan,” showcasing the lifestyle of the Omi merchants. Surrounded by canals, the castle town exudes an old-world water town charm. Hop on a traditional hand-rowed boat and glide through what feels like a scene from an Edo-period period drama for a journey back in time.

▲ The white-walled storehouses and old houses lining the canals form the most iconic views of Omihachiman.

Another must-visit highlight by Lake Biwa is the Ukimi-dō (Floating Temple). In Kyoto, this sacred Western Paradise site is also known as Ukimi-dō. Originally named Kaimonzan Mangetsu-ji, it’s famed for the “Kutsu Tsuru no Hashi” (Cranes Landing on the Water) view, where flocks of wild geese fly gracefully overhead, casting elegant shadows on the water’s surface. During the Edo period, it was selected as one of the Eight Views of Omi in ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

▲ Ukimi-dō, listed as one of the Eight Views of Omi for its “Cranes Landing on the Water” scenery.

More Related Information
▲Kyoto & Lake Biwa, Omihachiman, Foliage Spots: Sanzen-in & Tōfuku-ji – 5-Day Tour
https://goo.gl/m41gD1
● There is also an itinerary to Koshoji Temple. Second person gets a 3,000 discount in the online travel fair.
★ Famous maple spots: Top 100 Maple Sites – Hōshōji Temple, Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Eikan-do Temple
★ A pilgrimage through the water town of Omihachiman, including a boat ride on the waterways
★ One of the Eight Views of Omihachiman: Ukimi-do Hall
★ Special arrangement: Visit to La Collina in Omihachiman by Terunobu Fujimori (Shiga Prefecture) (includes afternoon tea & sweets)
★ World Heritage Site: Byodo-in Temple in Uji, and a Japanese tea ceremony experience
For more details, please contact:
Phoenix Tours 0800-089- 789
Websitewww.travel.com.tw
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