Kyoto's Autumn Foliage Spots in 2026: Top 7 Picks

If you had to pick just one most beautiful season to visit Kyoto, it would undoubtedly be autumn. Crimson leaves fall upon the tiled roofs of ancient temples, and Japanese gardens are painted in shades of red and orange. As the sun sets, a special night illumination begins, offering a different perspective than what you can see during the day.

Kyoto's autumn foliage typically starts in November, reaching its peak from mid-November to early December. Since the timing varies slightly by location and temperature within Kyoto, it's a good idea to visit several places that fit your travel itinerary. If you're traveling to Kyoto this fall, remember these 7 best autumn foliage spots curated by WAUG.

01. Eikando Temple
The quintessential Kyoto autumn experience

Eikando is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto for its autumn colors. When thousands of maple trees within the temple grounds begin to turn red, the entire temple is bathed in autumn hues. The scenery created by the reflection of the autumn leaves in the pond, along with the Tahoto pagoda, is a signature view of Eikando.

While beautiful during the day, it's also renowned for its special night viewing events in autumn. The illuminated autumn leaves reflecting on the pond at night offer a completely different atmosphere than during the day. If you want to experience Kyoto's autumn foliage at its finest, this is the first place to consider.

02. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
When Kyoto is painted in red

For first-time visitors to Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit, even in autumn. From the famous wooden stage of Kiyomizu, you can see the city of Kyoto spread out beyond the red and orange hues of the surrounding maple trees. It's a powerful landscape, distinct from the cherry blossoms of spring.

The atmosphere transforms once again during the special autumn night viewing. Countless maple leaves glow in the darkness, and a blue light emanating from Kiyomizu-dera cuts across the Kyoto night sky. If you've already visited Kiyomizu-dera during the day, consider returning after sunset for a different experience.

03. Tofuku-ji Temple
A bridge amidst the autumn leaves

There's a spot that frequently appears in photos of Kyoto's autumn foliage: Tofuku-ji's Tsutenkyo Bridge. When the valley below the bridge is filled with crimson leaves, it creates a scene as if the bridge is floating on a sea of autumn colors. This area features many maple trees with slightly smaller leaves than at other famous spots, offering a more delicate autumn landscape. Its relatively close proximity to Kyoto Station also makes it convenient to include in your itinerary.

04. Arashiyama
A whole mountain ablaze with autumn

Autumn in Arashiyama offers a different experience than visiting a single temple. The entire mountain range, including the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge, turns vibrant shades of red and yellow. While crossing Togetsukyo Bridge to admire the foliage is lovely, for a more unique experience, try riding the Sagano Romantic Train. As the train winds along the Hozugawa River gorge, the mountains and valleys painted in autumn colors unfold outside your window. Combining a visit to Arashiyama's autumn leaves, a walk through the bamboo grove, and a ride on the Sagano train naturally creates a perfect autumn day trip.

05. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
A night walk under the autumn leaves

For a slightly different autumn experience in Kyoto, consider Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. During the fall, the temple's Momijien (Maple Garden) is specially opened to the public. Walking paths wind through ancient maple trees, allowing you to stroll leisurely beneath the crimson foliage. The atmosphere becomes particularly enchanting after sunset when the lights are turned on.

This spot is well-suited for those who prefer a more tranquil experience over bustling tourist attractions, offering a peaceful autumn evening walk in Kyoto.

06. Nanzen-ji Temple
For a walk through quintessential Kyoto autumn

Nanzen-ji is a place where the entire space is beautiful, not just the autumn leaves. Maples adorn the grand Sanmon gate, and as you venture deeper into the temple grounds, you'll encounter the aqueduct made of red bricks. The unique sight of a Western-style brick aqueduct within an ancient Japanese temple makes it a great spot for photos. Moreover, its proximity to Eikando makes it convenient to visit both locations together.

Take a leisurely stroll through Nanzen-ji, then head to Eikando to admire the autumn foliage, and perhaps enjoy the evening light-up. This is one of the best ways to experience Kyoto's autumn in a single day.

07. Nijo Castle
Why you must revisit Kyoto in Autumn 2026 nights

For our final recommendation, we've chosen a rather special location: the World Heritage site, Nijo Castle. While Nijo Castle is known for its historical significance, in the autumn of 2026, there's an added reason to visit at night: NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2026.

This year, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the grand cultural event 'Kan'ei's Procession' held at Nijo Castle during the Edo period, the castle's history and aesthetics are brought to life through light and projection mapping. The fusion of an ancient castle, an autumn night, and modern digital art offers a different Kyoto experience compared to typical autumn light-ups. It's an autumn evening in Kyoto that you won't want to miss if you're traveling here in 2026.

Don't just see Kyoto's autumn during the day

Here's a crucial tip for your Kyoto autumn foliage trip: Don't try to see too many places in one day.

Consider visiting popular spots like Tofuku-ji in the morning, then take a leisurely walk through Nanzen-ji and Eikando in the afternoon. After sunset, experience special night viewings or autumn events like NAKED. The scenery of the same maple leaves looks completely different under the morning sun versus illuminated at night. Especially on weekends from mid-November onwards, popular autumn spots in Kyoto can get very crowded. For experiences like the Sagano Romantic Train or night events, booking in advance is highly recommended.

Find tours and entrance tickets for your Kyoto autumn foliage trip, including the Sagano Romantic Train and 2026 NAKED tickets, on WAUG.