【Autumn Leaves Special】Kyoto — More Than Just Maple Leaves!(Part 1)

It’s that time of year again for autumn foliage, and earlier we at Fever Travel introduced you to the hidden autumn leaf spots in Hokkaido and Aomori, Japan.This time, we’ve prepared some great places to enjoy the autumn leaves in Kyoto!

Located in the Kansai region, Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century and remained the capital for over a thousand years.It boasts many temples and shrines that took years to build, among which 17 historic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are also popular attractions familiar to many.

Photo by hk43
Kiyomizu-dera is the oldest temple in Kyoto and one of its most popular tourist spots.

However, as travel photography enthusiasts,our journey won’t stop at just Kiyomizu-dera. This time, Fever Travel will take you on a stroll through Kyoto to discover its hidden autumn leaf gems.

Venturing deep into Arashiyama — Adashino Nenbutsu-ji

Photo source: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji official website

Arashiyama is located in the western suburbs of Kyoto and was one of the favorite leisure spots for ancient Japanese nobility. When people talk about Arashiyama, they might think of popular sights like Togetsukyo Bridge or the Sagano Romantic Train, but actually, deep within the Saga Arashiyama area lies Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Built against the mountainside, the temple features 1,200 Rakan statues, which take on a unique charm when framed by red maple leaves in autumn.

Listed as a World Heritage Site — Daigo-ji Temple

Photo by pangonon

Daigo-ji Temple is located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, and serves as the head temple of the Daigo branch of the Shingon sect. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. While cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves are not the only attractions of Daigo-ji, the temple offers a uniquely captivating experience even in winter.

The Choice of Kings — Tofuku-ji Temple

A quick online search for Tofuku-ji will often lead you to descriptions like “Number One Spot for Autumn Leaves” or “Top Choice for Kyoto Maple Viewing.” But how good is it really? Tofuku-ji is the head temple of the Tofuku-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. It was commissioned in 1236 by Kujo Michiie, a politician from the Kamakura period. Its Sanmon Gate (Main Gate) is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and is the oldest surviving Zen gate structure in the country. Every autumn, this place becomes a hotspot for autumn leaf viewing.

Photo by Miracles

Want to see if this “Number One in Kyoto for Maple Leaves” claim holds up? It’s simple — just check out the posts shared by users on our Fever Travel travel channel. And besides Tofuku-ji, we’ve also prepared 34 Kyoto tourist attractions for you, making it convenient for your next trip planning.

Other Recommended Autumn Leaf Spots
Eikan-do Temple
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Nanzen-ji Temple
Mount Kurama
Enkaku-an Temple

Related Reading

【Pro Tips】Preparing for Your Autumn Leaf Trip — Kyoto Edition

【Pro Tips】One-Day Autumn Leaf Tour in Saga-Arashiyama (Route, Photo Album, Video)