Autumn is the time of year when tourists from Japan and abroad flock to Kyoto to enjoy its beautiful scenes of vibrant, colorful foliage. In this article, a Kyoto native shares her local expertise to introduce wonderful places to see the fall colors and nearby restaurants. Kyoto can be crowded in the fall, so if you're planning to eat at a restaurant, be sure to make reservations for a smooth trip!
When is the Best Time to see the Foliage in Kyoto?
With two-thirds of the land covered by forests, Japan has a wide variety of trees that create colorful scenery all across the country in the autumn. Japan is a long country that stretches from north to south, so the trees start to turn colors on the northernmost island of Hokkaido in mid-September, with the phenomenon gradually traveling south and lasting until mid-December in some places. In Kyoto, the fall colors are usually most vibrant between mid-November and early December.
Kyoto is usually very crowded with both Japanese and international tourists during the foliage season. Restaurants near major stations and tourist spots are often full or have long queues, so it is recommended to make reservations.
Which Areas of Kyoto Are Popular in the Fall?
Enjoying the autumn foliage is a long-standing custom in Kyoto, with records showing that during the Heian Period (end of the 8th century to the late 12th century), when Kyoto was the capital of Japan, aristocrats enjoyed not just the cherry blossoms but also the fall foliage. Trees that would change colors in the autumn were planted in the aristocrats' gardens so that they could see the foliage up close, and eventually on temple grounds and gardens as well.
There are still many places to enjoy the foliage in Kyoto, with a couple of the most popular being the Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas.
Hiyashiyama and Arashiyama - Popular Fall Foliage Viewing Spots
The Higashiyama area encompasses Gion, an entertainment district that retains the aura of historic Kyoto, as well as many temples and shrines, such as the World Heritage Sites Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. The area is easy to get to—just a 20-minute transfer-free bus ride from Kyoto Station—making it one of Kyoto's most popular tourist areas throughout the year. The grounds and gardens of many of the temples in the area have trees that turn colors and are perfect for enjoying autumnal scenery that is uniquely Japanese.
![A Kyoto Local's Recommendations For Places to Enjoy the Fall Foliage and Nearby Restaurants]()
Arashiyama, a scenic area in western Kyoto City, is also popular among tourists all year round. In the fall, a beautiful scene spreads out in Arashiyama, with the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge complemented by vivid colors of green, red, orange, and yellow in the backdrop. Arashiyama Park is a great place to enjoy the foliage, as is the observation deck up in the mountains of the Kameyama area, from which you can see boats gracefully traveling down the Hozugawa River in a valley painted in autumnal colors.
Recommended Foliage Spot in Higashiyama: Kennin-ji Temple
Hanamikoji Street in the Higashiyama area is popular among tourists for its charming old buildings housing "ochaya" (tea houses where "geiko" and "maiko" entertain guests) and high-end traditional "ryotei" restaurants. Kennin-ji is at the southern end of Hanamikoji.
Kennin-ji, which is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, has three gardens, of which Chouon-tei (pictured) has particularly beautiful fall foliage.
This garden is designed to be viewed from all four sides, so it can be enjoyed from any point along the corridor that surrounds it. When viewed from inside the building, it appears as a framed work of art.
Recommended Foliage Spot in Higashiyama: Kodai-ji Temple
Kodai-ji was founded in 1606 in honor of the Sengoku period warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi by his legal wife "Nene" (also known as "Kita-no-Mandokoro"). It is near Kyoto's famous picturesque Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka streets and is home to many designated Important Cultural Properties.
The temple usually has special nighttime entry between late October and early December, when the grounds are illuminated. The project mapping at Hashin-tei (the rock garden by the main hall) and Chokushi-mon Gate are also well worth seeing. The historic building and elegant garden, combined with the latest technology, create fantastic scenery that cannot be found elsewhere.
Recommended Foliage Spot in Arashiyama: Jojakko-ji Temple
Jojakko-ji is located halfway up Mt. Ogura, which is known for its beautiful fall colors. The path that leads from the mountain gate to the thatched Nio Gate and further to the main hall has approximately 200 Japanese maple trees that create a stunning visage of vibrant colors in the fall.
The area behind the main hall, where the 12-meter-high Tahoto Pagoda stands, is a fantastic spot from which to see the whole of Kyoto City. The path to the Tahoto Pagoda is also full of fall colors, so visitors can enjoy a sense of autumn anywhere on the temple grounds.
Recommended Restaurants in Higashiyama and Arashiyama
It can be a challenge to decide on a restaurant in Kyoto's leading tourist areas of Higashiyama and Arashiyama. So, here are some recommendations that are within walking distance of the foliage spots introduced above. The restaurants were chosen for their seasonal cooking and charming atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of Japanese "omotenashi" hospitality.
Kyoto vegetable French kaiseki cuisine Gion Shigenaga (Gion-Shijo / French)
This restaurant serves French kaiseki course cuisine made with Kyoto vegetables in a sophisticated, Japanese-style space and is just 7 minutes by foot from Kennin-ji and 15 minutes from Kodai-ji. The counter features a picturesque bonsai tree that captures the eye, and this is also a premium seating arrangement where you can enjoy seeing the veteran chefs show off their skills from up close. There are also private rooms for those who want to relax and enjoy a meal at their own leisure.
The food served here is French kaiseki course cuisine that captures the flavors of seasonal ingredients at their best. For dinner, the [Seasonal French Kaiseki Course] (six courses, 12,100 JPY) and the [Gion Shigenaga Chef's Recommendation Premium Kaiseki Course] (six courses, 14,520 JPY) are recommended. Prepare to be enchanted by the creative French cuisine only available in Kyoto, such as the [Iga Beef Cheeks Braised in Red Wine], which has been simmered for a full day.
Kyoto vegetable French kaiseki cuisine Gion Shigenaga
Open:
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. for dinner 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. for dinner 8:30 pm) Closed:
Wednesday, Second TuesdayAverage price:
[Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPYAccess:
7-minute walk from Gion-shijo station of Keihan Main LineAddress:
2F, Gion Shinsei Bldg., 398-3, Hashimoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation Japanese cuisine Saga SUN MEMBERS Kyoto Saga (Saga-Arashiyama / Japanese Cuisine)
Arashiyama and Sagano are serene, nature-rich areas characterized by narrow paths in bamboo forests and numerous temples. Japanese cuisine Saga is a restaurant serving Kyoto cuisine located within the SUN MEMBERS Kyoto Saga hotel in Sagano. It is known for the dishes prepared with Kyoto vegetables and other seasonal ingredients, as well as its wide selection of sake chosen to complement the food. The gracious service provided by the elegant kimono-clad waitstaff adds to the experience.
The [Hassun platter] (photographed) is packed with seasonal flavors and is a great way to enjoy a variety of different foods such as grilled dishes, chawanmushi (savory steamed custard), and sesame tofu. There is also a [Lunch set menu] (2,500 JPY) that includes yuba (tofu skin), soy milk rice soup, sashimi, and tempura, which is perfect for casual lunches.
Japanese cuisine Saga SUN MEMBERS Kyoto Saga
Open:
Breakfast 7:30 am - 10:00 am (L.O. 9:30 am) / Lunch 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)Closed:
IrregularAverage price:
[Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPYAccess:
1km from Saga-Arashiyama station of JR Sanin Sagano LineAddress:
Inside SUN MEMBERS Kyoto Saga, 27-1, Saga-hirosawa-minamino-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MapMore Details Reservation
Hopefully these recommendations for places to see the foliage in Kyoto and nearby restaurants are helpful and come in handy for enjoying the beauty of autumn in Kyoto to the fullest!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
