8 Spectacular and Secluded Spots to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

◆Nariai-ji Temple

Located high on the mountainside, Nariai-ji Temple overlooks the Amanohashidate sandbar. A thin strip of green pine trees and white sand, it ranks among the three most scenic places in all of Japan. In addition to this gorgeous view, the temple has expansive grounds to explore, including a pond and bell tower. Perhaps its most striking feature is the soaring five-story pagoda. The sight of it surrounded by blazing red and yellow autumn leaves with the blue water of Miyazu Bay in the background is a quintessential image of Kyoto in the fall.

◆Omoto Headquarters (Ayabe/Baishoen)

You’ll find the Omoto Headquarters on the banks of the tranquil Yura River, just a 15-minute walk from Ayabe Station. Also known as Baisho-en, the grounds contain several beautiful halls with space dedicated to traditional Japanese arts such as aikido and Noh theatre. What’s more, the surrounding Kinryukai garden is one of the best spots to enjoy Kyoto fall foliage. It’s filled with maple trees that turn vibrant shades of fiery scarlet and rich maroon, carpeting the ground with their distinctive palmate leaves.

◆Hozukyo Gorge

Hiking is an unbeatable Kyoto autumn activity, and the Hozukyo Gorge is one of the most pleasant locations for a fall stroll. It stretches from the Hozu Bridge in Kameoka City to Arashiyama’s iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, following the Hozugawa River as it carves a narrow channel between the mountains. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a thrilling two-hour boat ride along the rapids. As the boatsmen navigate the rocks and pools, you can admire the fabulous collage of red, orange, and yellow trees dotting the hillsides.

◆Kuwayama Shrine

Tucked away in the former castle town of Kameoka, Kuwayama Shrine dates back to 709. It sits in a basin that’s said to have been a lake long ago, which is why the surrounding land is so fertile. Today, there are over 1,000 maple trees growing in the shrine grounds. When fall arrives, the autumn leaves ignite in a magnificent canopy of red to match the vermillion torii gates and lanterns they surround.

◆Zenporitsuji Temple

Zenporitsuji Temple in Yawata City is a serene fall foliage spot even though it’s just a 15-minute walk from Keihan Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station. Ki no Yoshiko is a great-granddaughter of Zenpoji Kyusei who donated his residence to establish the temple. She donated many momiji (Japanese maple) trees to the temple, and even today, about 100 momiji trees adorn the precincts including its stone paved pathway and quaint gate. The dazzling display of the vivid orange and ruby red fall leaves earned the temple the nickname Momijidera (the maple tree temple). No wonder it deserves a place on this list!

◆Kaijusenji Temple

Kaijusenji Temple, a hidden gem in Kizugawa City, was founded in 735. Though it was burnt down in 1137, Jokei, a monk of Kasagidera Temple, moved to the ruins and built a hermitage for Buddhist practice in 1208. The place was renamed Fudarakusan Kaijusenji Temple and revived. Its ancient five-storied pagoda (a National Treasure), 17.7 meters tall, is the second smallest among all outdoor five-storied pagodas in Japan. Every fall, the temple hosts a special exhibition, offering a great opportunity to view the interior of the five-storied pagoda. From mid-November to early December, the fall foliage is also beautiful here (though the exact timing varies each year). From the temple, you can view the area where the “phantom capital” of Kunikyo was located. On a clear day, you can see the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara, as well. Enjoy the view with the colored leaves!

◆Komyo-ji Temple

For those who want to truly immerse themselves in Kyoto’s fall foliage, Komyo-ji Temple is a fantastic spot. After passing through the main gate, turn left to enter Momiji-sando, or the Maple Path. It’s lined with maple trees on both sides, the branches of which meet above your head to form a 200-metre tunnel of amber and scarlet. The fallen leaves blanket the ground beneath your feet in red and yellow to complete the ethereal atmosphere.

◆Yanagidani Kannon

Famous for its eleven-faced, thousand-armed statue of the Kannon Boddhisatva, Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple) also boasts unbelievably picturesque grounds. You’ll find different blooms to admire in every season, including – of course – captivating autumn leaves. The bright crimson and gold foliage makes a wonderful contrast against the grey stone lanterns and intricate wooden buildings. If you can, visit on the 17th of the month, when the Kamishoin study is open to the public. The view of the autumnal garden from within is particularly mesmerising.

See our Autumn Foliage Calendar to get to these Kyoto spots at their most beautiful!