Top 5 Autumn Color Spots in Kyoto and Kansai
Matthew Baxter
Just like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in the Kansai region have some great spots for viewing the colorful autumn leaves. Here are the best!
Unless otherwise noted, the best time is usually Mid November to early December.
1. Kiyomizudera Temple (清水寺)
In our opinion the best place in Kyoto for autumn colors, his temple becomes a huge autumn color paradise.
2. Arashiyama (嵐山)
The forested area of Arashiyama is great for autumn leaves and is a nice place for a stroll around some temples and into the hills.
3. Koyasan (高野山)
This Buddhist mountain retreat has a host of hiking and walking options to view the autumn leaves, as well as around some of the main temples.
When: Late October to mid November
4. Nanzen-ji Temple (南禅寺)
Another good temple for autumn leaves, and walkable from Kiyomizudera Temple with a map from the Kyoto station Tourist Information Center.
5. Ginkaku-ji Temple (銀閣寺)
One of the most famous temples in Japan, there are plenty of maple trees in the temple’s gardens.
Learn more about Japan’s autumn leaves in our autumn colors guide.
