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.

Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.
Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto. | kyoto autumn 2022 forecast
Japan1 kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
The autumn in Japan is also known as the season of red leaves. | best autumn spots in kyoto

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!

Japan
| kyoto autumn 2024 forecast
Yoyogi Koen (Yoyogi Park) autumn (1)
| kyoto autumn 2022 forecast
,best autumn spots in tokyo,best place to see autumn leaves in tokyo,where to view autumn leaves in tokyo (1)
Red maple leaves, the messenger of autum.

,best autumn spots in tokyo,best place to see autumn leaves in tokyo,where to view autumn leaves in tokyo (1)

Daigo-Ji Temple2
Daigo-Ji Temple, one of the best places to see autumns leaves in Kyoto. | kyoto autumn 2024 forecast

Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2024 (Kyoto fall foliage forecast 2024): When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Kyoto in 2024?

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 2024.

Japan autumn fall foliage forecast 2023 map
Kansai fall foliage forecast 2024

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.

2019 japan autumn foliage forecast
| japan autumn leaves forecast 2024 table for 7 regions

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.

Japan fall foliage forecast 2024 | source: odynovotours.com
Japan autumn foliage 2024 map| source: livejapan.com

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is the most popular destination that the visitors choose to visit.

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.

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple2
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 in kyoto
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple2
Sparking at night

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple2

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera japan
Kiyomizu-dera in Autumn | kyoto autumn 2023 forecast

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Komyo-Ji Temple

Komyo-Ji Temple
Komyo-Ji Temple, one of the most beautiful places for you to see the red leaves | best autumn spots in kyoto

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.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple
| kyoto autumn 2023 forecast
Komyo-Ji Temple2
This temple has hundreds of hardwoods, some of which are more than 100 years old. | best autumn spots in kyoto
Komyo-Ji Temple
| kyoto fall foliage 2023 forecast

Shorenin Temple

Shorenin Temple1
With its unique architectural style, Shorenin Temple has an artistic lighting system that creates a different style from other places. | kyoto autumn foliage

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

Shorenin Temple2 kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
The guests can take walking to see the foliage leaves turn red when autumn comes. | momiji kyoto.
Shorenin Temple
| kyoto fall foliage 2023 forecast

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

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine1
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, one of the best destinations for you to visit | momiji kyoto

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.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine1
In the temple grounds, 250 maple trees turn red in color as they gather to make the visitors look at their eyes.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine1
| where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Daigo-Ji Temple

Daigo-Ji Temple
Daigo-Ji Temple is 57m high with 5 floors, which is considered a symbol of Kyoto | kyoto fall foliage 2023 forecast

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.

Daigo-Ji Temple2 kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
In the fall, the leaves turn shining color into the lake to create a beautiful picture. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Daigo-Ji Temple1

Kifune Shrine

Kifune
Located in northern Kyoto, Kifune is a famous place for people to wish their love in Japan. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Kifune Shrine
he beautiful autumn of Kifune pays tribute to the tourists
Kifune Shrine
| kyoto autumn foliage

Best autumn spots in Kyoto: Arashiyama

Arashiyama
Arashiyama is one of the famous sights for the visitors in Kyoto. | kyoto autumn foliage.

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.

Arashiyama
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.
Arashiyama3 Credit: best places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto blog.
| kyoto autumn foliage

Arashiyama

Arashiyama

Arashiyama
Arashiyama in Autumn
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.
boat riding on Arashiyama kyoto 3
One of best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

boat riding on Arashiyama kyoto 3

Sanzenin Temple

Sanzenin Temple
Located in Ohara area, Sanzenin Temple is more beautiful when the leaves turn red. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Sanzenin Temple2
Ojo Gokuraku-in (the promise) is considered as an important cultural asset. | best autumn in kyoto

Sanzenin Temple

Takao Area

Area Takao
If you want to leave the city, you can choose to watch the Takao suburb on the outskirts of Kyoto. | best autumn spots in kyoto

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.

Takao Area

Takao Image by: Kyoto autumn spot blog.
| best autumn spots in kyoto
Takao Area
| best autumn spots in kyoto

Hogon-in Temple

Hogon-in Temple
Hogon-in Temple, one of the most famous places for you to see red leaves. | kyoto autumn foliage

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.

Hogon-in Temple2
Located in the temple complex of Tenryu-Ji in Arashiyama, the illuminated Shishiku garden will be impressive in the dark. | kyoto autumn foliage
Hogon-in Temple1
In the fall, the leaves turn red in the shadow of the small stream that visitors do not leave forever. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Hogon-in Temple2

Jokakkoji Temple

Jokakko-Ji Temple
Jokakkoji Temple is always a favorite place for visitors to see the red leaves. | best place to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Jokakkoji Temple
This is where the poet Fujiwara NoTeika compiled a collection of 100 classic poems in the 13th century.
Jokakko-Ji Temple1
This temple rests on the back of Ogura Mountain. | best place to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Jokakkoji Temple1

Tofuku-Ji Temple

Tofuku-Ji Temple
Tofuku-Ji Temple is famous for its Tsutenkyo bridge over the Sengyokukan valley. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Tofuku-Ji Temple12
From the bridge, the visitors are watching the rows of red leaves grow close together. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Tofuku-Ji Temple1 Credit: best places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto blog.
| best place to see autumn leaves in kyoto

Tenjuan Temple

Tenjuan Temple kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
To see the full red leaves here, the visitors should stand inside the Tenjuan Temple. | best place to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Tenjuan Temple3 kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
Photo by: Kyoto autumn blog.

Tenjuan Temple1

Jisso-in

Jisso-in 2
Jisso-in Temple is one of the most famous places for you to see the red leaves. | momiji kyoto

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.

Jisso-in kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
If you arrive on a sunny day, the scenery is more impressive.
Jisso-in 2
The visitors can not experience anywhere else.

Jisso-in1

Eikando Zenrinji Temple

Eikando Zenrinji kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
Eikando Zenrinji, one of the best places for you to visit in the fall. | where to see autumn leaves in kyoto

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.

Eikando Zenrinji
This temple is famous for its 3000 Momiji trees growing on the grounds. | best autumn spots in kyoto
Eikando Zenrinji
From November to December every year, the exhibitions of artifacts are held, decorative lights are spread throughout the gardens. | best autumn spots in kyoto
Eikando Zenrinji kyoto autumn best places to see autumn leaves in kyoto
| best autumn in kyoto

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

Arashiyama Bamboo momiji bridge
Arashiyama Bamboo momiji bridge. Credit: Kyoto travel blog.

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.