Japan in autumn colors. Here are some of the best places in Kansai to see the autumn leaves, by area, from once-in-a-lifetime viewing spots to hidden gems. Please refer to the fall tourism in 2022.
【KYOTO】
〇Higashiyama Area
Famous place：Eikando
Little known good spot：Anrakuji
〇Arashiyama Area
Famous place：Jojakko-ji
Little known good spot：Takenotera-Jizoin
〇Other Area
Famous place：Rurikoin
Little known good spot：Komyo-ji
【OSAKA】
Famous place：Minoh Waterfall
Little known good spot：Katsuo-ji
【KOBE】
Famous place：Sorakuen
Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway
【Other Area】
Himeji：KOKO-EN
Nara：Hase temple
【KYOTO・Higashiyama Area】
Famous place：Eikando
Eikando is the best place in Higashiyama to view the autumn leaves. About 3,000 maple trees cover the entire precincts of the temple. The sight of the tallest pagoda, Dabotou, enveloped by the autumn leaves is a fantastic sight.
Japanese maples are planted around the Housho Pond, and the reflection of the Japanese maples and the Gokuraku Bridge in the water is a must-see.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
48, Eikando-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 13-minute walk from there.
Website
Little known good spot：Anrakuji
Normally closed to the public, this special temple is open to the public only during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Within walking distance is the Philosopher’s Path, which is tinted in autumn, so a walk along this path is recommended.
Highlights include the scattered autumn leaves that turn the stone steps of the temple gate bright red and the beautiful garden with Nyoigatake in the background.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
21, Shishigatani Goshonodan-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto,
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus(203) from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at Shinnyodo-mae. It's a ６-minute walk from there.
Website
【KYOTO・Arashiyama Area】
Famous place：Jojakko-ji
This temple is located on Mt. Ogura, known for the Ogura Hyakunin Isshitsu. In autumn, the approach from the entrance gate to the Niomon Gate is covered in autumn leaves, creating a tunnel of foliage.
The autumn leaves surrounding the 12-meter tall Dabotou (pagoda), which is located at the top of the stone steps, is a must-see. The precincts of the temple and the area around the pagoda also offer a panoramic view of Kyoto City.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
3, Sagaogurayama Ogura-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
35-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Website
Little known good spot：Takenotera-Jizoin
It is a well-known autumn foliage viewing spot for those in the know. The trees change color later than other places in Kyoto, and the autumn leaves can be enjoyed until mid-December. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves, the contrast between the green of the bamboo and the changing colors of the autumn leaves is magnificent.
The heart-shaped window, Inome-mado, in the Hojo is also open to the public. The autumn leaves cut by the window are breathtakingly beautiful.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
23, Yamadakitano-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
13-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Kamikatsura Station
【KYOTO・Other Area】
Famous place：Rurikoin
Ruriko-in Temple is a popular spot in Rakuhoku Yase, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves reflecting on the lacquered desk on the second floor is a sight to behold. Anyone can take pictures of this spectacular view by holding up a camera at the desk.
It is open to the public only twice a year, in spring and fall. Please enjoy the wide-open view of the autumn leaves as they spread across your field of vision.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
55, Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
From Hankyu Kyoto Line Karasuma Station,
transfer over to the Kyoto Municipal Subway and go to Kokusai Kaikan Station.
Take the Kyoto Bus (for Ohara,Kodeishi) and get off at the Yaseekimae stop.
It's a 5-minute walk from there.
Little known good spot：Komyo-ji
Sohonzan Komyoji Temple is located at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City. Visitors can see the rich expression of nature in each of the four seasons. Every year from mid-November to early December, a special entrance to the temple is held for the autumn foliage. The maple approach to the temple, with its impressive lineup of about 250 old maple trees, is a superb photo spot.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
26-1, Ao Saijonouchi, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto
Access
Take the Hankyu bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Nagaoka-tenjin Station and alight at Asahigaoka home-mae. It's a short walk away.
Website
【OSAKA】
Famous place：Minoh Waterfall
Minoh Great Falls is one of the best places in Osaka to view the autumn leaves. The contrast between the waterfall and the autumn leaves in the vast Minoh Park is spectacular. You can enjoy the autumn leaves everywhere along the 2.6 km route from Hankyu Minoh Station to the falls.
If you come to Minoh, you must try the famous “Momiji no Tempura” (maple leaf tempura). It is a slightly sweet and crunchy snack made by carefully frying real maple leaves one by one. You can buy it at a store on Takimichi.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-2, Minokoen, Mino-shi, Osaka
Access
40-minute walk from Hankyu Minoh Line Minoh Station
Little known good spot：Katsuo-ji
Known since ancient times as a temple of good fortune, the precincts of Minoh’s Katsuo-ji Temple are decorated with brilliant autumn leaves in November. The tunnel of autumn leaves covering the approach to the temple is especially spectacular. The contrast between the green mountains in the background and the autumn leaves is like a painting.
Katsuo-ji Temple is also known as the temple of “Kachi-Dharma”. Small Dharma dolls are laid everywhere, including on the stairs and stone walls. Please enjoy the adorable Dharma and beautiful nature.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2914-1, Aomatani, Minoo, Osaka
Access
10-minute by cab from Hankyu Minoh Line Minoh Station
【KOBE】
Famous place：Sorakuen
Sorakuen Garden is the only Japanese garden in Kobe City’s urban parks. It is a kaiyu-style garden with a pond, with stepping stones and stone bridges across which visitors can view streams and waterfalls. The garden is famous for azaleas in spring, and in autumn the garden is decorated with autumn leaves.
Important cultural properties such as the boathouse and the former Hassam residence, which were relocated for preservation, are also highlights. Why not enjoy an authentic Japanese garden and fall foliage viewing in the city of Kobe?
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
5-3-1, Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
Access
5-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway
The Rokko Arima Ropeway connects the top of Mt. Rokko and Arima Onsen in about 12 minutes. Visitors can enjoy the changing autumn leaves depending on the elevation. The view of the autumn foliage from the gondola’s large foot-high windows is spectacular.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
4512-336, Kitarokko, Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
Access
Take the Kobe City Bus from Hanshin Main Line Mikage Station
and get off at the Rokko Cable Shita stop.
Ride the Rokko Cable Car to the top.
Take the Rokko Sanjo Bus and get off at the Rokko-Arima Ropeway Rokko Sancho Station stop.
Website
【Other Area】
Himeji：KOKO-EN
There are nine gardens of different styles with Himeji Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage site, in the background. Because of the atmosphere of the Edo period, the gardens are often used for filming movies and TV dramas.
In the fall, the Autumn Foliage Festival is held from mid-November to early December. (November 18 – December 4, 2022) The best time to visit is during the “Momiji-kai” (autumn foliage viewing), when the leaves are illuminated for a fantastic view. You can enjoy a fantastic view that is different from that of daytime.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
68, Honmachi, Himeji-shi, Hyogo
Access
15-minute walk from Sanyo Electric Railway Line Sanyo-Himeji Station
(Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by direct express train from Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station)
Nara：Hase temple
Hasedera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is known as the “Temple of Flowers”. The temple is open twice a year, in spring and fall, for a limited time for special visits. A must-see spot is the floor of the hall of worship. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the “Yuka-momiji” (floor maple leaves) that turn bright red.
The view of the autumn leaves from the stage in front of the main hall is not to be missed. The five-story pagoda surrounded by autumn leaves is a magnificent sight. Be sure to visit Hasedera Temple, where the entire mountain is decorated with autumn leaves.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
731-1, Hase, Sakurai-shi, Nara
Access
15-minute walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line Hasedera Station
Autumn in Japan is very vivid. There are so many places to see the autumn leaves that it is impossible to visit them all at once. Please find your favorite spot and enjoy the autumn foliage as you wish.
