Kyoto fall foliage forecast 2023 — 15 best autumn spots in Kyoto & best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

The autumn in Japan is also known as the season of red leaves because by this time around the streets and hills in Japan are dyed a mainstream red from the leaves of many trees. Coming to Japan in the autumn, you will have the chance to see the changing of the leaves of the plants here, from the dark blue to the yellow color and finally the bright red. But the temples and shrines are the most beautiful places to see the red leaves in Kyoto that tourists cannot ignore when visiting the ancient capital of Japan.

So, where to see autumn leaves in Kyoto (momiji Kyoto) and when is the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto? Let’s check it out our best autumn in Kyoto blog with 15 best autumn spots in Kyoto and best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto (places to visit in Kyoto during autumn) below as well as Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2022 to find out the answer!

Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2023: When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto in 2023?

The leaves begin to change color in Kyoto sometime in October. The peak of autumn leaves is usually in mid November and you can see the red leaves colors on the trees until mid-December. Thus, in an average year, the red leaves season in Kyoto lasts from Mid-November to Late-November. Here is the autumn forecast in Kyoto 2023.

This red leaves season will come later than every year. Perhaps the scorching heat of summer is the main reason why this year’s red leaf season comes much later than every year. Experts explain that temperature plays an important role in determining the timing of color change and the intensity of leaf color.

It is expected that Sapporo will be the first place where you can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese red leaf season, the peak time on November 6 (gingko leaf), November 7 (maple leaf). In Hokkaido, maple leaves turn red color around October 25, 13 days later than the years.

 

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

When the autumn is coming, the visitors to Kyoto are very crowded. However,
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is the most popular destination that the visitors choose to visit. When you come here, you can stand on the wooden road around the temple, watching the red leaves as brightly as the picture in the book.

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Komyo-Ji Temple

This temple has hundreds of hardwoods, some of which are more than 100 years old. In addition, the visitors can go along the trail to see the leaves turn color.

Shorenin Temple

With its unique architectural style, Shorenin Temple has an artistic lighting system that creates a different style from other places. The guests can take walking to see the foliage leaves turn red when autumn comes

Best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

The temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1607. In the temple grounds, 250 maple trees turn red in color as they gather to make the visitors look at their eyes.

Daigo-Ji Temple

This building is 57m high with 5 floors, which is considered a symbol of Kyoto. In the fall, the leaves turn shining color into the lake to create a beautiful picture.

Kifune Shrine

Located in northern Kyoto, this is a famous place for people to wish their love in Japan. The beautiful autumn of Kifune pays tribute to the tourists. At night, the temple is illuminated which makes the scene be more magical.

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Arashiyama

This is one of the famous sights for the visitors in Kyoto. The visitors have many ways to view the area, including the stroll around the temple, take a boat ride on the river and sit on the train.

Sanzenin Temple

Located in Ohara area, this temple is more beautiful when the leaves turn red, yellow alternating between moss garden. Ojo Gokuraku-in (the promise) is considered as an important cultural asset.

Takao Area

If you want to leave the city, you can choose to watch the Takao suburb on the outskirts of Kyoto. Coming here, you should not forget to visit the Jingo-Ji Temple with lights at night.

Hogon-in Temple

Located in the temple complex of Tenryu-Ji in Arashiyama, the illuminated Shishiku garden will be impressive in the dark. In the fall, the leaves turn red in the shadow of the small stream that visitors do not leave forever.

Jokakkoji Temple

This temple rests on the back of Ogura Mountain. It is always a favorite place for visitors to see the red leaves. This is where the poet Fujiwara NoTeika compiled a collection of 100 classic poems in the 13th century.

Tofuku-Ji Temple

This temple is famous for its Tsutenkyo bridge over the Sengyokukan valley. From the bridge, the visitors are watching the rows of red leaves grow close together. This is one of the most beautiful scenes in Japan.

Tenjuan Temple

To see the full red leaves here, the visitors should stand inside the temple. In addition, the campus also has lakes and gardens suitable for taking pictures or for a walk.

Jisso-in

The red shiny prints on the lacquer base of the temple create a mysterious beauty. The visitors can not experience anywhere else. If you arrive on a sunny day, the scenery is more impressive.

Eikando Zenrinji Temple

This temple is famous for its 3000 Momiji trees growing on the grounds. In the fall, the leaves turn red, dyed red around to make an impressive picture. From November to December every year, the exhibitions of artifacts are held, decorative lights are spread throughout the gardens.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to

• Private Kansai International Airport Transfers (KIX) for Kyoto
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• Shared Night Bus Transfers from Kyoto to Tokyo
• Private Kansai Airport (KIX) Transfers to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Kobe, or Arima
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass 1 Day/2 Days (Pick up at Osaka)
• Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Kyoto Perfect Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama & More
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto Afternoon Tour from Osaka
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Looking for best autumn spots in Japan? Read here. And Tokyo here. And top things to do in Kyoto: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Kyoto travel blog — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto for the first-timers.