Autumn leaves in Japan are very beautiful. There are many places to see autumn leaves along the Hankyu and Hanshin lines.
Here are some of the best places to enjoy the autumn colors of Kyoto by area. Please use them as a reference for your autumn leaf hunting.
＜KYOTO Higashiyama Area＞
Nanzen-ji Temple
The most prestigious Zen temple. The brick Suido-kaku is a popular photo spot. Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen in the inner garden and along the temple path.
INFORMATION
Address
Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
From Hankyu Kyoto Line Karasuma Station,
transfer over to the Kyoto Municipal Subway
and go to Keage Station. It's a 10-minute walk from there.
HONEN-IN
Enjoy the autumn foliage at a temple that stands quietly at the foot of Higashiyama.
INFORMATION
Address
30, Shishigatani Goshonodan-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at Minamidacho. It's a 5-minute walk from there.
Okazaki Shrine
A rare shrine dedicated to rabbits. Stone statues of rabbits are placed everywhere in the precincts. Try the cute rabbit fortune.
INFORMATION
Address
51, Okazaki Higashitenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at OkazakiJinja-mae. It's a short walk away.
Konkai Komyo-ji Temple
Enjoy the autumn scenery in the small precincts overlooking Kyoto City.
INFORMATION
Address
121, Kurodani-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at Okazaki-michi. It's a 10-minute walk from there.
＜Rakuchu Area＞
Kitano-tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is famous for its plum blossoms and autumn leaves. In late autumn, enjoy the scenery while sipping matcha green tea in the teahouse.
INFORMATION
Address
Bakuro-cho Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Omiya Station
and alight at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. It's a short walk away.
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, was built in 888. The autumn leaves seen here and there in the vast precincts are magnificent.
INFORMATION
Address
33, Omuro-dairi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
From Hankyu Kyoto Line Omiya Station,
transfer over to the Randen and go to Omuro Ninnaji Station.
It's a 5-minute walk from there.
＜KYOTO Arashiyama Area>
Rankyo
The sight of boats sailing down the river, flanked by vividly colored mountains, adds to the autumnal atmosphere. Let’s enjoy the scenery of Arashiyama in autumn while listening to the murmuring of the river.
INFORMATION
Access
15-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Daikaku-ji Temple
The combination of the beautiful colors of the pagoda and the fiery maple leaves is gorgeous. Osawa Pond to the east is also a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves. The reflection of the autumn scenery on the surface of the water is fantastic.
INFORMATION
Address
4, Saga Osawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
30-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Tenryu-ji Temple
The autumn leaves framing the Sogenchi Garden, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and the scenery of Arashiyama combine to create a spectacular sight.
INFORMATION
Address
68, Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
15-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Jojakko-ji Temple
It is said that the legendary “Ogura Hyakunin Isshu” (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets) and its collection of poems were written at Jojakkoji Temple. In late autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the autumn leaves scattered along the sides of the stone steps leading to the main hall.
INFORMATION
Address
3, Sagaogurayama Ogura-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
25-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
＜KYOTO Other Area＞
Yoshimine-dera Temple
This is one of Nishiyama’s most famous places for viewing autumn leaves. Standing on top of a small hill in the precincts of the temple, you can enjoy the beauty of the bright red maples and the scenery of Kyoto.
INFORMATION
Address
Oharano-koshio-machi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Hankyu bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Higashi-muko Station
and alight at Yoshiminedera. It's a 8-minute walk from there.
There are so many places to see the autumn leaves in Kyoto that it is impossible to visit them all at once, but I hope you will enjoy visiting them in your own way by gradually shifting the time of year and the time of day.
