15 Best Spots to View Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

Article by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, compiled and reported by Chen Guanxin

 

In autumn, the vibrant and dazzling maple leaves gradually paint Japan red from north to south. Starting in November, the historic city of Kyoto takes on a fiery hue as the maple leaves turn, bringing a rich autumn atmosphere to its serene temples and shrines. Today, people can also immerse themselves in the historical charm and breathtaking autumn scenery, imagining the elegant "momijigari" (autumn leaf viewing) banquets held by nobles in the past to admire the layered beauty of the maple leaves, experiencing the autumnal charm of this ancient capital.

Kiyomizu-dera is located in the Higashiyama area of Eastern Kyoto, built in 798 AD during the Heian period. It is a historic structure known for its pure spring water (Otowa-no-taki), which gives the temple its name. Having survived multiple fires, the current Kiyomizu-dera was rebuilt in 1633 to resemble its original form. Walking along Kiyomizu-zaka toward the temple, you’ll first see its grand red Niomon Gate. The Niomon Gate features a “kirizuma” style roof, the most traditional architectural style in Japan.

 

[Info]

Address: 1 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-551-1234

Hours: 6:00–18:00

Kodai-ji was established in 1605 (the 10th year of the Keicho era) as a place for Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to spend her later years in meditation after his death. The temple houses national treasures such as the Kaisando Hall, Reido (Spirit Hall), Sento Pavilion, and Shigure Pavilion. Kodai-ji is also one of Kyoto’s famous spots for cherry blossom and maple leaf viewing, especially popular for its annual night illumination event, a much-anticipated highlight for visitors.

 

[Info]

Address: 526 Kamihigashiyama, Kodaiji-kudaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-561-9966

Hours: 9:00–17:00

Eikando is famed for its autumn maple leaves and is thus known as "Momiji no Eikando" (Eikando of Maple Leaves). The temple’s main hall houses a famous statue of Amida Nyorai, notable for the Buddha's face not looking forward but gazing left and backward, earning it the name "Amida Turning His Head."

 

[Info]

Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-761-0007

Hours: 9:00–17:00

Nanzen-ji covers a large area and includes several notable sites such as the Hojo Garden, Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters), Sanmon Gate, Suirokaku (Aqueduct), and Nanzen-in. The massive Sanmon Gate, built in 1627, features a rustic yet majestic design, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Kyoto landscape from its rooftop. The Hojo Garden’s "Tiger Cubs Crossing the River" is a prime example of an early Edo-period karesansui (dry landscape) garden, designed by Kobori Enshu during the Keicho period. The garden uses white sand to represent the ocean, with rocks and plants symbolizing a heavenly paradise. Two large rocks in the sand sea represent a mother tiger and her cub, depicting the scene of a tiger leading its young to a pure land. The Hojo building consists of a large and small section, with the smaller Hojo being a small study hall relocated from Fushimi Castle, situated behind the Seiryo-den. Its "fusuma-e" (sliding door paintings) are vividly colored, with the masterpiece "Tiger Drinking Water" by Kano Tanyu being the most famous.

 

[Info]

Address: Fukuji-cho, Nanzenji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-771-0365

Hours: 8:40–16:30 from December to February, 8:40–17:00 from March to November