Chasing Maple Leaves in Arashiyama, Kyoto – Breathtaking Scenery at Every Turn

Text and photos by Huang Shiyuan

Kyoto. An ancient capital with a history of over a thousand years, where shrines and temples abound, and summer festivals and geisha are iconic features. Kyoto is also a popular destination for maple leaf viewing in Japan’s Kansai region. After mid-November each year, crowds flock to Kyoto to admire the stunning natural artworks painted by the season.

Kyoto boasts many renowned maple leaf spots, and Arashiyama is one of them. Some visitors take the Sagano Romantic Train to enjoy the romantic red foliage along the way. However, during our trip to Kyoto for maple leaf viewing, we walked from near Kannon-in Temple in Saga Toriimoto all the way to Togetsukyo Bridge, passing by Tenryu-ji Temple, Nison-in Temple, Jōjakkō-ji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, the beautiful bamboo grove, and more.<>

▲ Saga Toriimoto is farther from Togetsukyo Bridge, with fewer crowds, offering a more tranquil atmosphere.

Saga Toriimoto is farther from Togetsukyo Bridge and closer to the mountainside, where red and yellow maple leaves are right before your eyes. Although the mountains aren’t entirely red yet, the green forests are dotted with patches of red and yellow, complemented by traditional Japanese architecture that exudes historical charm. It’s like a painting. With fewer people around, the area feels serene, and strolling along the small streets makes time seem to slow down.

At that time, the maple leaves at Tenryu-ji Temple hadn’t turned red yet, and the courtyard was still lush with greenery, with only a few scattered maple leaves on the grass. In contrast, the approach to Nison-in Temple had many leaves already tinged with autumn hues, though sadly, we didn’t get to see a sea of fiery red leaves at this so-called “maple leaf racetrack.” By the time we reached Togetsukyo Bridge, the crowd grew larger, and the bridge itself was packed with people. However, in the distance, the autumn colors were already painting the mountain peaks, where green was no longer the sole color—hills adorned with hues of yellow and red looked even more beautiful.

▲ Fallen maple leaves on the ground are also beautiful.<>

Nighttime maple leaf viewing, much like night cherry blossom viewing, takes on a special beauty and romance under the glow of lights. Unfortunately, places in Kyoto that offer night maple leaf viewing prohibit tripods, making it challenging for visitors with regular digital cameras to capture stunning photos.

Five years ago, I went to Kyoto in search of red leaves, and the scenery remains unforgettable to this day. Given the chance, I would definitely go again.

▲ Crowds on Togetsukyo Bridge.
 

▲ Maple red on the mountain peaks by Togetsukyo Bridge.

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