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 2025.
Q.When is the best time to see autumn leaves this year?
A. September temperatures are expected to be significantly higher than average, with above-average temperatures forecast from October through November.
Autumn foliage season: Likely to be around average or later than average.
In mountainous areas, peak viewing is expected from early November to early December.
In lowland areas, peak viewing is expected from late November to mid-December.
-INDEX-
Things to keep in mind when visiting temples and shrines in Japan
【KYOTO】
〇Higashiyama Area
Famous place：Eikando(Zenrin-ji)
Little known good spot：Anrakuji
〇Arashiyama Area
Famous place：Daikaku-ji Temple
Famous place：Jojakko-ji
Little known good spot：Jizoin(Takedera/Bamboo Temple)
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 Garden
Famous place：Kobe Municipal Arboretum
Little known good spot：Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway
【Other Area】
Himeji：KOKO-EN
Nara：Hasedera temple
Things to keep in mind when visiting temples and shrines in Japan
When visiting temples and shrines, be sure to observe proper etiquette and manners. Here are some guidelines that apply to both temples and shrines.
1. Do not speak loudly.
Temples and shrines are sacred places, so please enjoy them quietly.
2. Do not eat or drink on the grounds.
This is strictly prohibited. Even outdoors, it may be considered a breach of etiquette, so please be careful.
3. Do not touch buildings, torii gates, or statues.
Leaning on torii gates or touching Buddhist statues is strictly prohibited. Treat these sacred objects with respect.
4. Confirm photography rules.
Photography is prohibited in many areas, so check signs and notices before taking photos.
5. Do not walk in the middle of the approach.
The middle of the approach is the path for the gods, so walk on the side.
In addition, the methods of worship differ between temples and shrines. At shrines, it is common to worship with two bows, two claps, and one bow, but at temples, clapping is not done. Observe etiquette and manners, and enjoy visiting temples and shrines.
【KYOTO・Higashiyama Area】
Famous place：Eikando(Zenrin-ji)
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to late November
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 [MAP]
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.
Opening hours
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Gate closes at 5:00 p.m.)
Closed
Open all-year-round
Admission
Adults: 600 yen, Elementary, middle and high school students: 400 yen
*1,000yen during the Autumn Temple Treasure Exhibition period
Little known good spot：Anrakuji
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to late November
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.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
21, Shishigatani Goshonodan-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, [MAP]
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus(203) from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at Shinnyodo-mae. It's a 15-minute walk from there.
Website
Opening hours
10:00-16:00
Closed
Available only on special open days.
Admission
500 yen (Free for junior high school students and under)
【KYOTO・Arashiyama Area】
Famous place：Daikaku-ji Temple
🍁Usual viewing time: late November – early December
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.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
4, Saga Osawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto [MAP]
Access
30-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Opening hours
9:00-17:00 (reception desk closes at 16:30)
Closed
Open daily *Not open on some days due to temple events.
Admission
【Hall Area】
Adult: 500 yen
Elementary, middle and high school students: 300 yen
【Osawa-no-ike Pond Area】
Adult: 300 yen
Elementary, middle and high school students: 100 yen
Famous place：Jojakko-ji
🍁Usual viewing time: late November – early December
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 [MAP]
Access
35-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Website
Opening hours
9:00-17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)
Closed
Open daily
Admission
500yen
Little known good spot：Jizoin (Takedera/Bamboo Temple)
🍁Usual viewing time: late November – early December
Jizoin (Takedera/Bamboo Temple) is a Zen temple with beautiful bamboo groves, as its name suggests, and is a well-known spot for autumn leaves among 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 [MAP]
Access
13-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Kamikatsura Station
Opening hours
9:00-16:00 (gates close at 16:30)
Closed
Mondays and Thursdays, August 1, August 14-15
*Open on Mondays and Thursdays that are public holidays, January 1-3, April 20-June 30, and October 1-December 10.
Admission
Adults: 500 yen
Elementary, middle and high school students: 300 yen
【KYOTO・Other Area】
Famous place：Rurikoin
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to late November
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 will be released in spring, summer, and autumn. Please enjoy the wide-open view of the autumn leaves as they spread across your field of vision.
Special viewing period: October 1 (Wed) to December 14 (Sun), 2025
*From Saturday, November 8 to Sunday, December 7, advance reservations will be accepted by lottery. Please check the official website for details.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
55, Kamitakano Higashiyama, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto [MAP]
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.
Opening hours
10:00 - 17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
Admission
Adult 2,000 yen
Child 1,000 yen
Free for elementary school students and preschool children.
Little known good spot：Komyo-ji
🍁Usual viewing time: late November – early December
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.
Nishiyama is one of Kyoto’s best but not well-known sightseeing spots. If you want to enjoy Kyoto without the crowds, or if you want to visit a spot that is not yet known, check out the article below.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
26-1, Ao Saijonouchi, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto [MAP]
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
Opening hours
9:00-16:00
Closed
Open daily
Admission
Free (Adults1,000yen, Junior high and high school students 500yen from November 15 (Sat) to December 7 (Sun), 2025)
【OSAKA】
Famous place：Minoh Waterfall
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to early December
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.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2-2, Minokoen, Minoh-shi, Osaka [MAP]
Access
40-minute walk from Hankyu Minoh Line Minoh Station
Little known good spot：Katsuo-ji
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to early December
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.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
2914-1, Aomatani, Minoh-shi, Osaka [MAP]
Access
10-minute by cab from Hankyu Minoh Line Minoh Station
Or transfer to Hankyu Bus from Minoh-Kayano Station of Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line and get off at “Katsuo-ji” stop.
Opening hours
Weekdays, Sundays,holidays 8:00-17:00(Last admission at 16:30)
Saturday 8:00-18:00(Last admission at 17:30)
Closed
Open daily
Admission
Adults: 500 yen
Elementary and middle school students: 400 yen
Preschooler: 100 yen
Under 2 years old: Free
【KOBE】
Famous place：Sorakuen Garden
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to early December
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?
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
5-3-1, Nakayamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
5-minute walk from Hanshin Main Line Motomachi Station
Opening hours
9:00-17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed
Every Thursday (if the day falls on a holiday, the park will be open, but closed the following day)
December 29 - January 3
Admission
Adults (15 years and older) : 300 yen
Child (elementary and middle school students): 150 yen
Famous place：Kobe Municipal Arboretum
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
©KOBE TOURISM BUREAU
🍁Usual viewing time: late October – early November
The park is divided into different regions of the world, such as North America and Europe, and different types of trees, so that visitors can learn about the diverse beauty of autumn leaves. The area around Hase Pond is a particularly beautiful spot for viewing the autumn colors in a water mirror. Let’s take a stroll through the vast park and enjoy the world tour of autumn leaves!
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
1-2, Nagao, Yamada-cho Kamitanigami, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo [MAP]
Access
From Kobe kosoku Line Shinkaichi Station,
transfer over to the Kobe Electric Railway and go to Kita-Suzurandai Station.
It's a 10-minute a free shuttle bus from there.
Opening hours
9:00 - 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed
Every Wednesday(If it is a holiday, the next day closed.)
December 29 - January 3
Admission
Adults (15 years and older) : 300 yen
Child (elementary and middle school students): 150 yen
Little known good spot：Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden
🍁Usual viewing time: late October – early November
Located at an altitude of 865 meters, the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden reaches its autumn foliage season earlier than the city. Trees like maples and beeches typically begin to change color from mid-October, with the peak season lasting until mid-November. Taking advantage of the climate, which is similar to southern Hokkaido, the garden cultivates alpine plants, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn colors of a wide variety of rare plants.
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
4512-150, Kita Rokko, Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
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 Alpine Botanical Garden stop.
Opening hours
10:00-17:00 (Registration closes at 16:30)
Closed
Thursdays in March and April, and Thursdays from June 20 to July 11
Admission
Adults ( middle school students and older ): 900 yen
4 years old to elementary school students: 450 yen
Little known good spot：Rokko-Arima Ropeway
🍁Usual viewing time: late October – early November
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.
Don’t forget to visit Rokko Mountain, where “KOBE ROKKO MEETS ART 2025 beyond” will be held from August 23 (Sat) to November 30 (Sun), 2025, and Arima Onsen to enjoy art, hot springs, and gourmet food!
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LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
Kitarokko Rokkosan-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
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
Opening hours
【Autumn (9/1-11/30)】
[Weekdays] 9:30-17:30
[Weekends & Holidays] 9:30-19:10【Winter (12/1-3/19)】
[All day] 9:30-17:10
Closed
Open daily (service is suspended for about 3 weeks in winter due to periodic inspections, and may be suspended due to strong winds, etc.)
Admission
【One-way】
Adult (over 12 years old) 1400 yen
Child (over 6 years old and under 12 years old) 700 yen
【Other Area】
Himeji：KOKO-EN
🍁Usual viewing time: mid-November to late November
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 Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday, December 7, 2025. 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. During this period, the park is open until 20:00.(Last admission is at 19:30)
LOCATION INFORMATION
Address
68, Honmachi, Himeji-shi, Hyogo [MAP]
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)
Opening hours
9:00 - 17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Closed
December 29 and 30
Admission
Adults (18 years and older): 310 yen
Children (elementary, middle and high school students): 150 yen
Nara：Hasedera temple
🍁Usual viewing time: late November – mid December
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 [MAP]
Access
15-minute walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line Hasedera Station
Opening hours
8:30-17:00 (April-September)/9:00-17:00 (October-November and March)/9:00-16:30 (December-February)
Closed
Open daily
Admission
Adults: 500 yen
Middle and high school students: 500 yen
Elementary school students: 250 yen
Autumn in Japan is very vivid. The temperature has dropped, making it comfortable to be out. 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.
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