Autumn in Kyoto!: 8 Must-Visit Spots for Maple Splendor

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team

As the season deepens into late autumn, maple trees are quietly turning crimson, painting Japan in waves of poetic red from north to south. This vibrant hue perfectly complements Kyoto’s classic, romantic atmosphere, while splashes of red also bring a touch of autumn to the tranquil paths of ancient temples. Strolling through them, you can listen to the moving poetry of Kyoto’s autumn.

Koshoji Temple
Koshoji Temple was established during the Kamakura period by Kumagai Naozane, a disciple of Honen Shonin, when he converted to Buddhism. After Honen’s death, his cremation took place here, and his remains are enshrined in the temple’s shrine. As a result, it holds a lofty status in Japanese Buddhism and is now the head temple of the Nishiyama Pure Land sect, a branch of Japanese Buddhism. Koshoji is also known as the “Maple Temple,” and its late autumn foliage is its most captivating feature. Many painters set up their brushes among the low shrubs or quietly observe the sunlight filtering through the red leaves, casting ever-changing shadows on the sand garden—a true masterpiece of late autumn scenery.

【info】

【info】
Address: 27, Chogamachi, Nison-inmonzen, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Phone: 075-861-0687
Hours: 9:00–16:30

Nanzenji Temple
Nanzenji Temple is a structure from Japan’s Kamakura period, notable for its grand and imposing style, exuding a simple yet vibrant Zen atmosphere. Along the path from Nanzenji Temple Road to the mountain gate, there are almost exclusively shops flying the yudofu (tofu hot pot) banner. In autumn, you can find a teahouse with a garden, enjoy the famous yudofu cuisine, and admire the maple trees swaying gracefully in the sunlight.

The massive Sanmon Gate, built in 1627, features an old-fashioned yet majestic design. From its rooftop, you can enjoy a distant view of the scenic surroundings of Kyoto. The Hojo Garden’s “Tiger’s Crossing” is a representative example of a karesansui (dry landscape) garden from the early Edo period, created by Kobori Enshu during the Keicho era. The garden uses white sand to represent the ocean, with rocks and flowers symbolizing a heavenly paradise. Two large rocks in the sand sea represent a tiger and its cub, depicting the image of a mother tiger leading her young to a pure land. The Hojo building consists of two parts: the large Hojo and the small Hojo. The small Hojo, located behind the Seiryo Hall, is a small study originally moved from Fushimi Castle. Its “fusuma paintings” (sliding door panels) are colorful, with the most famous being the masterpiece “Tiger Drinking Water” by Kano Tanyu.