Kyoto Autumn Travel Guide 2025: Best Foliage Spots, Festivals & Tips

Kyoto is a classic destination in Japan with a rich blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, cultural experiences, and gourmet food. Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors. You won't want to miss the charm of the autumn foliage season in Japan during your Kyoto tours.

Autumn in Japan officially begins in September and ends in November. Autumn leaves viewing has been popular for centuries among the Japanese. Late November is the peak time to appreciate vivid autumn leaves.

This travel guide explains inspiring ideas, including Kyoto's autumn highlights, the best time to visit Kyoto, must-visit spots, workable suggestions, and advice for a short Kyoto tour.

Why Visit Kyoto in Autumn?

Magical Foliage & Perfect Weather

Kyoto autumn is a blaze of color. Kōyō (autumn foliage viewing) is an essential culture in Japan. You can find plenty of stunning fall foliage spots in Kyoto, such as the most iconic Arashiyama and Nijo Castle.

You can also visit UNESCO-listed temples and shrines surrounded by gradient red, orange, and golden leaves, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Shimogamo Shrine.

For visitors, Kyoto autumn is a time to enjoy the mild weather, with a temperature ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). It is a delightful time for walking tours.

Cultural Festivals & Night Illuminations

For a Japan culture lover, the autumn foliage season is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience to take part in Momiji Matsuri (maple festivals) in Kyoto, such as the Arashiyama Momiji Festival and the Sanzen-in Maple Festival.

There are exclusive autumn events, such as Jidai Matsuri and decorative illuminations at Eikando, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Kodai-ji Temple.

What's Kyoto's Weather Like in Autumn?

Kyoto's autumn appears from September to November. Kyoto has comfortable weather and mild temperatures in autumn. The heat of summer gradually dissipates and becomes cool with chilly mornings and nights.

The average temperature in Kyoto in September ranges from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) while that in November is from 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F).

September is one of the peak months of typhoon season in Japan. There are around 2–3 typhoons that hit Japan's main islands in peak season, which may bring heavy rain and storms. The typhoon season comes to an end in October. You can enjoy more sunny days in November. Checking the weather forecast and avoiding the typhoon can make your trip smoother.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto in Autumn 2025

Choosing the best time for fall colors in Kyoto can provide you with a better experience. The peak autumn foliage season offers the best autumn views, but what follows is higher prices and a larger crowd. Fortunately, the autumn leaf season in Kyoto usually lasts for around half a month. You can experience a different kind of charm during the early and late stages of the autumn leaves season.

Peak Seasons & Weather Insights

From mid-November to early December, autumn in Kyoto reaches an incredible peak. Autumn leaves at Tofuku-ji and Arashiyama are in full swing.

The temperature in Kyoto in late November usually ranges from 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F), with more sunny days.

Lesser-Known Autumn Windows

To avoid the crowd, it is wise to plan your Kyoto tour around the edges of the autumn foliage season.

For example, visit in October for early autumn leaves at high-altitude mountainous areas, like Kitayama Mountain trails. If you come to Kyoto late in December, head to snow-kissed temples, such as Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Top 6 Kyoto Autumn Experiences

Kyoto is an ideal place to discover ancient Japan, especially with beautiful foliage in autumn. From visiting centuries-old temples to rich cultural immersion, you can enjoy interesting things to do in Kyoto in autumn.

1. Foliage Viewing at Iconic Temples

As the origin of Japanese culture, Kyoto boasts a group of ancient temples and shrines, which integrate history and nature.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a historic temple with a history of over 1200 years. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for its Stage of Kiyomizu, which provides panoramic city views. In autumn, you can see a stunning sea of Kyoto autumn leaves from the Stage of Kiyomizu, especially on the illuminated nights.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) is a renowned landmark in Kyoto. The upper two floors of this temple are decorated with gold leaf. Under the sunlight, the shimmering architecture contrasts sharply with the red leaves, creating an ideal photography spot.

Tofukuji Temple is one of the best Kyoto attractions for autumn hues. There is an iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge, where you can take in the vibrant maple trees that unfold in front of your eyes.

2. Arashiyama & Hidden Gems

Arashiyama is not only known for its stunning natural scenery but also for its historical temples, shrines. Arashiyama in autumn offers the best fall foliage in Kyoto.

Sagano Romantic Train can take you 25 minutes to travel through colorful autumn forests. After the scenic ride, you can take a boat trip back to Arashiyama. If you want a peaceful atmosphere, you can get up early and enjoy morning walks amid golden foliage.

As a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple, Hogon-in Temple attracts many visitors. It has a "Lion's Roar" garden with reflection ponds, where you can appreciate a view of autumn leaves and Arashiyama. Reservations are required if you visit at night. And you can expect nighttime illuminations.

Okochi Sanso Garden is close to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, offering a hidden gem. You can look out over fiery maple valleys.

3. Philosopher's Path Canal Walk

If you embark on a Kyoto city tour in autumn, consider visiting Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku no michi). The Philosopher's Path is a famous walking trail beside a canal, with a total length of nearly 2 kilometers. It is named after Nishida Kitaro, a renowned Japanese philosopher who often meditated while walking along the path.

Starting from Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), the Philosopher's Path is dotted with Honenin Temple and Otoyo Shrine along the way, and ends at the Eikando Temple. Kyoto fall foliage makes the Philosopher's Path more delightful. If you want to have a break while strolling, you can also find restaurants and cafes nearby.

4. Autumn Food Delights

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot), one of the most representative delicacies in Kyoto, is a must-eat food when visiting Kyoto. How about a yudofu meal at temples? After immersing yourself in the culture and autumn scenery at historical Nanzenji Temple, warm up with a hot-boiled yudofu dish.

Savor Kyoto autumn from seasonal cuisine, such as momiji tempura (fried maple leaves), sweet potatoes, and chestnut sweets. In cool autumn, drink warm Amazake (sweet sake), which is a traditional low or non-alcoholic fermented drink.

One of the features of Kaiseki is its focus on seasonal ingredients. In autumn, Kaiseki offers lavish matsutake mushrooms and persimmon.

5. Cultural Immersion

Why not experience a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional Japanese Machiya? You can learn tea ceremony etiquette and skills under the guidance of a professional tea master. Enjoy inner tranquility in the tranquil tea room.

Gion becomes an iconic district in Kyoto due to its geisha culture and traditional architecture. For an immersive experience, rent kimonos to stroll around Gion District. Hanamikoji Street is a perfect place for strolling. And you might get a glimpse of a geisha or maiko. You can also visit Yasaka Shrine for Japan's rich culture and history.

6. Day Trips for Serene Foliage

If you have enough time, you can extend your Kyoto tour to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Kyoto and Tokyo are usually the first choice for visiting Japan. You can spend 2 to 3 days exploring various attractions and enjoying the autumn leaves in Kyoto and Tokyo.

If you are looking forward to a hiking tour, consider the Kurama to Kibune hike. You will escape from the city and delve into nature for breathtaking autumn colors and a tranquil mountain atmosphere.

At Kifune-jinja Shrine, it is a unique experience to dine at a kawadoko. Kibune kawadoko riverside dining serves roughly from May through September. In the still warm early autumn, you can still enjoy the coolness.

With an extra day, you can embark on a day trip to the nearby cities, Nara or Osaka. In Nara, Nara Park is a great place for viewing golden ginkgos. And you can visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple. The adorable deer are freely roaming in the park. In Osaka, enjoy the changing foliage at Osaka Castle and sample street food at the Dotonbori district.

Kyoto Autumn Event Calendar

Kyoto in fall is packed with cultural experiences and wonderful events. Here are the dates and locations of some events. You can make full use of this information to plan an unforgettable trip to Kyoto!

Event Dates Location

Jidai Festival Oct. 22 From the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine

Gion Odori Nov. 1–10 Gion Kaikan Hall

Practical Kyoto Autumn Guide

2025 Kyoto Foliage Forecast & Timing

The peak season of urban Kyoto is from mid-November to early December, while the autumn leaves in the mountains are at their best from the end of October to mid-November.

Track up-to-date Kyoto fall colors change report via Kyoto Tourism official website.

Crowd Avoidance Strategies

Be an early bird and visit Kyoto's temples when the sites open in the morning (6 am - 9 am). Or book night illumination slots online.

Skip weekend travel and visit during weekdays.

Take the Keihan Electric Railway or Subway rather than buses. Keihan and the subway are faster and more comfortable.

Discover hidden gems without the hustle and bustle.

What to Pack

Packing layered clothing is recommended for a Kyoto autumn tour. Early September is hot, and short-sleeved shirts are enough during the day. But the temperature drops at night. A thin coat keeps you warm. Bring some warm layers for cooler October and November. Carry a folding umbrella to guard against occasional rainfall.

Where to Stay

Staying near Gion or Pontocho is convenient for illuminations events at night. It is a must-try experience to stay overnight at a traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inn). A ryokan usually includes tatami rooms, onsen baths, and kaiseki meals.

It has easy transport around Kyoto Station, with budget hotels and high-end hotels, which are suitable for travelers with tight schedules.

Getting Around

Use a JR Rail Pass to travel to the surrounding cities (such as Osaka and Nara).

Use Kyoto local passes to take the Kyoto subway.

Choose a 700-yen bus pass to travel around Kyoto city.

Renting a car is a good way to enjoy a flexible tour and explore hidden routes.

You can also take a tailor-made tour with Hi Five Trip. We will arrange your transportation in Kyoto and ensure you have a worry-free Kyoto tour.

Sample 3-Day Kyoto Autumn Itinerary

If you have other interests, our travel expert would customize the Kyoto tour for you.

FAQs about Autumn Trip to Kyoto

1. When is peak foliage in Kyoto 2025?

From late October or early November, Kyoto would be in the peak season of autumn leaves.

2. Are night illuminations worth it?

Absolutely! The night lighting created a magical atmosphere, offering a scenery different from that of the daytime. Night illumination events at famous Kyoto attractions are usually crowded. It is wise to book tickets early.

3. How many days are needed for a Kyoto trip?

It is advised to spend at least 3–4 days to visit Kyoto. This duration of stay is enough for you to explore the essence of Kyoto at a relaxed pace.

Plan Your Kyoto Trip with Hi Five Trip

As November approaches, Kyoto begins to take on a brilliant array of colors. Have you ever dreamed of strolling through the ancient temples of Kyoto in a kimono amidst the autumn colors? Our thoughtfully planned Kyoto tours will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the autumn experience. Contact us to customize your Kyoto autumn itinerary.