The Best Places In Kyoto To See Fall Foliage

Kyoto is awash with good foliage spots. Almost every temple, shrine and garden has a few maple trees and other colorful trees scattered about. But, if you want to see some really eye-scorching color, it pays to head to one of Kyoto’s famed fall foliage spots – just don’t think that you’ll have it to yourself, as the Japanese love the fall foliage as much as they love the cherry blossoms (go early on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds).

Tofuku-ji Temple: The ravine on the north side of the compound here, spanned by three different bridges, is carpeted with maples that turn bright crimson in November. The view from the Hojo Garden here is superb in autumn.

Nanzen-ji Temple: The bright maples near the San-mon gate look beautiful above a carpet of moss.

Ginkaku-ji Temple: This is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful gardens and there are plenty of maples here.

Honen-in Temple: The sight of the moss-covered thatched-roof gate here surrounded by crimson maple trees is one of Kyoto’s most iconic fall sights.

Takao: The mountain village of Takao has been one of Kyoto’s most famous foliage destinations for years and with good reason: the mountainsides are festooned with maples.

Okochi-Sanso Villa: This is one of Kyoto’s best gardens and it’s particularly lovely in autumn.