The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Kyoto in the Fall Season

Autumn in Japan means momiji or autumn leaves viewing. Kyoto is one of the most popular destination in autumn for momiji, and not for nothing the autumn scenery of Kyoto is breathtakingly beautiful and Kyoto’s traditional temples surrounded by the beautiful autumn colored leaves made it look like an autumn wonderland. Aside from the temples, Mt. Takao is one of the most visited destination during the autumn season, a relaxing hike surrounded by the flood of autumn colors rewarded with more views of autumn from the top is definitely worth the hike. Here is a list of the most stunning places to visit in Kyoto in the fall season.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history among the temples of Kyoto and it is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Eikan-do

The elegant temple scene is created by the beautiful architecture, the pond, and the garden, all covered in golden autumn leaves. This is one of the best places in Kyoto to see the autumn foliage.

Arashiyama

Togetsukyo Bridge is an elegant bridge symbolizing Arashiyama. The trolley trains and the cruise down Hozu River lets you enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. This is the place where you can feel Kyoto’s elegant atmosphere unified with nature.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple once possessed all of the Arashiyama area. It has a garden which hasn’t changed in 700 years and an ink painting 9 meters in diameter titled “Unryu-zu” that is a splendid World Heritage asset.

Tofuku-ji Temple

The temple has plenty of highlights including 25 sub-temples and a rock garden. It is also famous as a place to see the fall colors. The colors are especially beautiful at Tsutenkyo Bridge linking the main hall with Kaisan-do Hall.

Nanzenji

Nanzenji was built as a temple of prayer for the prosperity of the country. It was built by Emperor Kameyama in 1291 during the Kamakura period. It is one of the most popular locations to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn colors in fall.

Katsura Imperial Villa

With its tranquil appearance, this is a masterpiece of a Japanese garden showing the spirit of the Japanese people. You can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the four seasons from several tea rooms.

Takao

There are many shrines that are in harmony with the elegance of nature at Mt. Takao. In the autumn, the beautiful colors spread out and the leaves of the mountain and the Kiyotaki River that are admired make for superb scenery.

Enko-ji Temple

Enko-ji Temple was opened by Ieyasu Tokugawa and also served as a place of learning. It is now well known as a prominent venue for fall foliage in Kyoto. The garden, as pretty as a framed painting, and the sound of resonant buried earthen jars known as suikinkutsu soothe the hearts of all who visit.