Japan's Autumn Foliage Hunt: 15 Must-Visit Kyoto Maple Spots

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

 

In autumn, the vibrant and brilliant maple leaves slowly paint Japan red from north to south. Starting in November, historic Kyoto takes on a fiery hue as the maple leaves gradually turn, adding a deep sense of autumn to its serene temples and shrines. Nowadays, people can also immerse themselves in the historical charm and breathtaking autumn scenery, imagining the elegant "momijigari" (maple viewing banquets) once held by nobles to admire the layered beauty of the foliage, experiencing the autumnal charm of this ancient capital.

Kiyomizu-dera is located within the Higashiyama area of Eastern Kyoto, built in 798 AD during the Heian period. It is a historic structure named after the clear spring (Otowa no Taki) found within the temple grounds. Having survived several 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 Niōmon Gate. The gate is built in the “kirizuma” style, the most traditional roof 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 Keichō era) as a place for Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to spend her later years in Buddhist practice after his death. The temple complex includes national treasure-level structures such as the Kaisando Hall, Reimeiden Shrine, Semboku-tei, and Shigure-tei. Kodai-ji is also one of Kyoto’s renowned spots for cherry blossoms and maple foliage, especially popular for its evening light-up events, a much-anticipated seasonal attraction for visitors.

 

[Info]

Address: 526 Koyama-cho, Kodaiji-agaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-561-9966

Hours: 9:00–17:00

Eikan-do is famed for its autumn maple leaves and is often referred to as "Momiji no Eikan-do" (Eikan-do of Maple Leaves). The temple’s main hall houses a famous statue of Amitabha Buddha, particularly notable because the Buddha’s face is not looking forward but turned left and backward — known as the “Amitabha Looking Back.”

 

[Info]

Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Phone: 075-761-0007

Hours: 9:00–17:00

Nanzen-ji covers a sizable area, including the Hojo Garden, Hojo (Abbot’s Quarters), Sanmon Gate, Suirokaku (Aqueduct), and Nanzen-in. The massive Sanmon Gate, built in 1627, features an old yet majestic design, and its rooftop offers panoramic views of the surrounding Kyoto landscape. The Hojo Garden, known as the “Tiger Cubs Crossing,” is a prime example of an early Edo-period karesansui (dry landscape) garden, created by Kobori Enshu during the Keichō 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 her young to a pure land. The Hojo building itself is divided into the “Daihojo” (Great Abbot’s Quarters) and “Sho-hojo” (Small Abbot’s Quarters), with the latter located behind the Seiryo-den. It is a small study hall relocated from Fushimi Castle, featuring vividly colored “fusuma-e” (sliding door paintings), among which the masterpiece “Tiger Drinking Water” by Kano Tanyu is especially renowned.

 

[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