Kyoto Prefecture Autumn Foliage Guide 2025 & 3 Must-See Spots (Updated Regularly)

Kyoto Prefecture, which stretches long from north to south, usually sees its peak autumn foliage from mid-November to early December. The leaves change colors earlier in northern areas like Amanohashidate and Miyama, while southern areas like Uji and Nagaokakyo can be enjoyed into late November and early December.

In 2025, high temperatures continued through September, and with warmer-than-average weather from October into early November, the autumn leaves in the highlands are expected to change color later than usual. Meanwhile, famous spots in the city are expected to start changing color from late November, as usual.

According to the latest forecast from the Japan Weather Association, the best time to see the autumn leaves in Arashiyama will be around November 17th, which is roughly the same as usual. For the latest information, please see our 2025 Kyoto Prefecture Autumn Foliage Calendar. You can also check last year’s forecasts there.

We advise layering your clothing because there is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Kyoto during autumn. During the day, temperatures can range from 15-20°C so we recommend wearing thin innerwear, cardigans, and light coats. Temperatures can drop below 10°C in the evenings, so be sure to bring a scarf or coat to protect yourself from the cold.

To get the best out of your photos of autumn leaves, it’s best to avoid wearing clothing with similar colors to the leaves, such as red, orange, or brown, as they’ll easily blend into the background. Try choosing clothes with muted tones such as white, gray, or beige to allow the colors of the autumn leaves to take center stage.

Located in northern Kyoto Prefecture, the ancient Nariai-ji Temple overlooks Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Most Viewed Scenic Spots. It is the 28th of the Thirty-three Pilgrimage Sites of Western Japan and boasts a history of spanning over 1300 years. The maple trees that decorate the temple grounds turn a vibrant ruby red in the autumn, and the leaves around the five-story, 33-meter-tall pagoda are especially beautiful.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is from mid to late November. The area is illuminated at night every year in the middle of November, and the sounds of the piano and flutes combine with the goma fire’s flames to create a magical atmosphere. This year, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the star-filled sky and the nightscape of Amanohashidate from the newly built star-gazing platform, a view surpasses the one offered by the Bentenyama Observatory.

Nariai-ji Temple’s Autumn Foliage Illuminations
・Dates: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 and Sunday, November 16th, 2025
・Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
・Admission fee: 1,000 yen

Miyama Town in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture is known for its old houses with thatched roofs. One notable place is Miyama Kayabuki no Sato in the Kitamura district. This village is a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where approximately 80% of the buildings retain their thatched roofs.

From early to late November, the neighboring mountains turn crimson and gold, and the sight of thatched rooftops and rural countryside seems like something straight out of a picture book. Autumn leaves, a flowing mountain stream, and village stillness merge to offer a heartwarming glimpse of Japan’s timeless landscape.

Keihanna Commemorative Park, located in Seika Town, Kyoto, offers a sprawling landscape where the themes of Japan’s original rural scenery beautifully integrate with nature and culture. Suikei-en (Water Landscape Garden) is one of the parks famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, with around 80 maple trees along the stream. The small waterfall and crimson autumn leaves meet in perfect harmony, unfolding into a breathtaking and deeply poetic scene.

The night illuminations offer a magical sight when you gaze down from the 10-meter-high Kangetsu-kyo Bridge to witness the vibrant maple grove mirrored perfectly on the water’s surface. The park is also scheduled to hold a special night illumination event in November 2025.

Keihanna Commemorative Park Autumn Foliage Illuminations
・Dates: November 3rd (Mon) – November 30th (Sun), 2025
・Time: Sunset to 9:00 PM (last entrance 8:30 PM)
・Location: Suikei-en Garden

If you are interested in other hidden spots for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto Prefecture, please check out our article: 8 Spectacular and Secluded Spots to see Autumn Leaves in Kyoto. Discover the ideal autumn trip that will color your world.