【Go as many time as I want】 Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
As I have traveled all over the world, I think that Kyoto is a city that cherishes the four seasons so much and there is only one city that cherishes spring, summer, autumn and winter.
After cooling down on the riverbed in the hot and humid summer, the autumn leaves that dye the city red are waiting.
Kyoto is full of famous spots for autumn colors.
If you search for “#Kyoto #Autumnleaves” on the internet, you will get a bunch of information.
But don’t you wonder where to go from that information and what is really beautiful?
From the bunch of information, I will introduce the famous spots of autumn leaves that I want to visit as many times as I want.
Please use it as a reference for visiting the autumn leaves this season.
【Shinnyo-do】
Red carpet spreads
My favorite spot for autumn leaves is Shinnyo-do.
This is said to be a “secret spot” it’s because tourists gather at the nearby Eikan-do Temple and Nanzenji Temple, which are famous for it.
When you look up at the three-storied pagoda, you can see the bright red world that spreads out in front of you.
The bright red autumn leaves illuminated by the sun appear to shine brilliantly.
In December, scattered autumn leaves create a red carpet all over the backyard.
People will not set foot, so you will be able to enjoy the sight for a long time.
After all, it’s “free” so it’s my best spot for autumn leaves that makes me want to come again and again.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station： Bus stop「Kinrin-shako mae 」and walk 8 mins
- Business hours：9:00～16:00
- Entrance fee：Free
- Official Web Site（Japanese only）：真如堂 真正極楽寺
【Tofuku-ji】
Chose autumn leaves instead of cherry blossoms
The catch phrase of Tofukuji Temple, which was promoted by JR Tokai in a commercial, was “600 years ago, I cut out all the cherry blossoms. It is a temple that chose autumn instead of spring.
” A spectacular sight suitable for it comes into your eyes.
First of all, Tsuten Bridge is surrounded by autumn leaves that you can see for free. Actually, the scenery from here is often used for commercials and magazines. You can see beautiful autumn leaves without paying the admission fee.
However, I definitely want you to pay the admission fee and go inside. Because, the scenery seen from this Tsuten Bridge is like being in the sea of clouds of autumn colors.
A scene befitting the name of “the temple that chose autumn” spreads out. Many tourists visit every year, but it’s still worth seeing. It is a sight that you must see once in a lifetime.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station：Tofuku-ji Station by Keihan Line
- Business hours：8:30～16:00：拝観時間
- Entrance fee：500yen (garden entrance only)：拝観料金
- Official Web Site（Japanese only）：東福寺
【Kiyomizu-dera】
Floating in the red sea
A strong ray that extends straight from the temple to the night sky.
It gave me chills when I saw it for the first time.
I was about to go home, but when I turned around in a hurry and headed toward the light, it extended from Kiyomizu-dera. This ray of blue light is said to represent Kannon-sama’s mercy.
Kiyomizu-dera holds special night visits three times a year in spring, summer, and autumn. Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most impressive and spectacular temples that are lit up during the Autumn season.
The bright red colored leaves seen from the stage of Kiyomizu are awesome but also the colored leaves seen in the main hall are also speechless. It’s like Kiyomizu-dera floating in the bright red sea. It is truly a masterpiece.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station：Bus stop『Kiyomizu-michi』and walk 10 mins
- Business hours：6:00～18:00（【Nov18-Nov30】6:00～21:00 ※Day and night replacement）
- Entrance fee：400yen
- Official Web Site：Kiyomizu-dera Temple
【Nishi Hongan-ji】
A 400-year-old ginkgo tree that shines golden
It is not only the autumn leaves that are dyed.
One of the world heritage sites, Nishi Hongan-ji, has a 400-year-old ginkgo tree.
There is a legend that when Hongan-ji was on fire in the Edo period, water was blown out to save the temple from the tree.
Its size and vitality are overwhelmingly powerful. It is a luxury to watch while drinking hot coffee at dawn when the ginkgo leaves shine golden.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station：Bus stop『Nishi Hongan-ji』
- Business hours：5:30～17:00
- Entrance fee：Free
- Official Web Site：Nishi Hongwanji
【Bishamon-do】
Like a snowstorm in Autumn color
Bishamon-do is located in the Yamashina area, a little outside of the city.
Bright autumn leaves continue along the approach.
Everyone at the temple and those who come to worship will walk off the approach to keep this miracle scene, so you will be able to take pictures to your heart’s content.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of the autumn leaves flying in the wind quietly falling to the ground. Please enjoy the sounds that you can hear because it is a quiet temple away from the city.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station：Yamashina Station by JR Line
- Business hours：9:00～17:00
- Entrance fee：500yen
- Official Web Site（Japanese only）：毘沙門堂
【Komyo-ji】
Red tunnel created by autumn leaves
A tunnel of autumn leaves at Komyo-ji, which is darker than The Philosopher’s Walk.
It will appear late after the worship is over. There are hundreds of 150-year-old autumn leaves on the approach road, and the stone pavement is filled with red even after the autumn leaves have fallen.
There aren’t many tourists, probably because the temple is outside of Kyoto. Please enjoy the crimson tunnel slowly step by step.
Access・Open Hours
- Nearest station：Nagaokakyo Station by JR Line and take a bus, Bus stop『Asahigaoka Home mae』
- Business hours：9:00～16:00
- Entrance fee：1,000yen
- Official Web Site for Autumn leaves season（Japanese Only）：光明寺(紅葉期案内)
There are so many famous spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto
There are so many famous spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto that we cannot introduce them all here.
However, in Kyoto, where the entire city is a World Heritage Site, you may come across your own “famous place” if you just forget the time and walk with your favorite drinks and books without having to go to the famous place. Enjoy the Autumn in Kyoto this year!
