2025 Kyoto Autumn Foliage Ranking TOP 10 / The Most Breathtaking Autumn Scenery Recognized by Japanese Media
Autumn in Kyoto needs no filter.
When the wind blows, the whole city is dyed in gentle shades of red.
Temples, valleys, bridges, stone steps — every corner looks like a scene straight out of a painting.
This ranking is based on the 2025 lists released by Japanese media outlets Walker Plus and MK Media, evaluating famous foliage spots by their viewing periods, night illumination events, and accessibility. From this, we’ve selected the Top 10 must-see autumn foliage spots in Kyoto.
Starting from number ten, let’s unveil the timeless sights that keep drawing visitors back year after year.
10. Kifune Shrine (貴船神社)
Among Kyoto’s many famous autumn spots, Kifune Shrine, located deep in Sakyo Ward, is often described as the “pure moonlight” in visitors’ hearts for its stunning nighttime scenery.
The highlight is the Kifune Momiji Lantern Festival, held only once a year. During the event, the entire approach to the shrine is softly lit with hundreds of red lanterns, creating a dreamlike fusion of light and autumn leaves — a romantic symphony unique to Kyoto’s fall season.
2025 Event Details
• Event Name: Kifune Momiji Lanterns (貴船もみじ灯籠)
• Dates: November 7 (Fri) – November 24 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
• Lighting Hours: After sunset – 20:30
Bonus Experience: The Maple Tunnel
During the festival, the Eizan Railway slows down between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station through the so-called Momiji Tunnel. Passengers can enjoy the illuminated tunnel of maples right from their train seats — a breathtaking prelude to the shrine visit.
Best Viewing Period: Early to late November (peak around mid-November; varies by weather).
Address: 180 Kuramakibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 6:00 – 20:00 (until 20:30 during lighting period)
Access:
Take the Eizan Railway to Kibuneguchi Station, transfer to Kyoto Bus No. 33, get off at Kifune, and walk about 5 minutes.
⚠️ Travel Tip:
Roads and buses are heavily congested during peak season. Trains are strongly recommended. Check official announcements for any schedule changes due to weather.
9. Sanzen-in Temple (三千院)
Nestled in the mountains of Ohara, Sanzen-in is a peaceful sanctuary where fiery red leaves blend with deep green moss.
In the Yusei-en garden, the contrast between maple leaves and moss creates a soothing scene of natural harmony. Hidden among the moss are adorable Jizo statues that bring warmth and charm to this tranquil temple.
Best Viewing: Mid to late November
2025 Event: Autumn Foliage Festival – Oct 28 (Tue) to Dec 7 (Sun), 2025
Hours: 8:45 – 16:45 (9:00 – 17:00 in Oct, 9:00 – 16:30 in Dec)
Access: From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto Bus No. 17 or 18 to Ohara Stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
Address: 540 Raigoin-cho, Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
8. Enko-ji Temple (圓光寺)
Renowned for its Zen-inspired beauty, Enko-ji features the dry landscape garden Jūgyū-no-niwa (The Garden of Ten Bulls), where red maple leaves contrast sharply against white sand.
From the temple corridor, you’ll feel time slow to a serene stillness — a place that captures the essence of wabi-sabi and quiet reflection.
Best Viewing: Mid-November to early December
2025 Event: Special Autumn Admission – Nov 10 (Mon) to Dec 10 (Wed), 2025
Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (earlier opening; reservations required)
Night Illumination (Tentative): Mid to late November, 17:00–20:00 (check official site for updates)
Address: 13 Ichijoji Kotani-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Eizan Railway to Ichijoji Station, 15-min walk
7. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮)
Dedicated to the deity of learning, Kitano Tenmangu is also a beloved autumn foliage destination.
Over 350 maple trees surround the historic Odoi embankment, with streams and the scarlet Uguisu Bridge enhancing the beauty. At night, the illuminated leaves reflect on the water, creating a dreamlike fantasy world.
Best Viewing: Mid-November to early December
2025 Event: Maple Garden & Illumination – Nov 1 (Sat) to Dec 7 (Sun), 2025
Lighting: Sunset – 20:00 (last entry 19:40)
Address: Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Access:
• Randen Kitano Line: 5-min walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
• Kyoto City Bus 50/101: Get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae
⚠️ Note: Expect crowds during lighting period; check weather and traffic updates beforehand.
6. Nanzen-ji Temple (南禅寺)
The beauty of Nanzen-ji lies in the harmony between history and nature. The grand Sanmon Gate framed by vibrant red leaves creates a striking contrast, while the iconic Roman-style aqueduct Suirokaku adds a touch of Western charm to this ancient Zen site — a favorite among photographers.
Best Viewing: Mid to late November
Address: Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Subway Tozai Line to Keage Station, 10-min walk
Hours: 8:40 – 17:00 (until 16:30 from Dec–Feb).
Certain halls (Sanmon, Hojo Garden, Tenjuan) require separate fees or reservations.
⚠️ Note: Night illuminations are limited and may require reservations; check official channels in advance.
5. Rurikoin Temple (瑠璃光院)
Rurikoin is famed for its “mirror foliage” — the polished black floors and tables in the study hall reflect the vivid autumn colors outside, creating an ethereal scene that has captivated countless visitors online.
Best Viewing: Mid to late November
2025 Event: Special Autumn Admission – Oct 1 (Wed) to Dec 14 (Sun), 2025, 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30).
Nov 8 – Dec 7: Reservation required.
Night Illumination: Nov 8 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Sun), 18:15–20:00 (last entry 19:30).
Address: 55 Higashiyama, Kamitakano, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Eizan Railway to Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station, 5–15 min walk.
4. Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺)
Tofuku-ji is often called the “King of Kyoto Foliage,” renowned for its grand valley of maples. The view from Tsutenkyo Bridge over a sea of crimson leaves is truly iconic.
Best Viewing: Mid to late November
2025 Event: Special Autumn Admission – Mid-November, includes paid access to Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall.
Hours: Usually 8:30–16:00 (earlier opening during peak season).
Address: 15-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: JR Nara Line or Keihan Railway to Tofuku-ji Station, 10-min walk
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, offers breathtaking panoramic views from its famous wooden stage.
During the autumn night illuminations, red leaves blanket the valley while a brilliant blue beam of light pierces the night sky — an unforgettable sight.
Best Viewing: Late November to early December
2025 Event: Night Special Admission – Nov 22 (Sat) to Dec 7 (Sun), 18:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00)
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Access: Bus to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi, then 10-min walk
Hours: 6:00–18:00 (extended to 21:30 during night illumination)
2. Arashiyama (嵐山)
Arashiyama is Kyoto’s quintessential autumn landscape — a stunning harmony of mountains, rivers, and temples.
From the Togetsukyo Bridge, you can admire the hills blanketed in red, or ride the Sagano Scenic Railway through maple tunnels along the Hozu Gorge. Temples like Tenryu-ji and Jojakko-ji offer serene garden views.
Best Viewing: Mid-November to early December
2025 Info:
• Sagano Scenic Railway: Tickets sell out quickly during foliage season. Reserve early online.
• Night Illuminations: Some temples (e.g., Hogonin, Tenryu-ji sub-temples) hold special night events from mid-November to early December.
Access: Hankyu Line to Arashiyama Station, or JR Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (10-min walk).
Area: Saga Tenryu-ji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
1. Eikan-do Zenrin-ji (永観堂 禅林寺)
Eikan-do, formally Zenrin-ji Temple, has long been hailed as the most beautiful autumn foliage site in Kyoto — earning the title “Eikan-do of the Maples.”
Around 3,000 maple trees fill the temple grounds, from the Tahoto Pagoda above to the reflective Hojo Pond below, painting a breathtaking sea of red.
Best Viewing: Mid-November to early December
2025 Events:
• Autumn Treasures Exhibition (Daytime): Nov 11 (Tue) – Dec 10 (Wed), 9:00–16:00 (last entry 16:00).
• Night Illumination: Nov 15 (Sat) – Dec 10 (Wed), 17:30–20:30 (last entry 20:30).
⚠️ Note: Day and night sessions require separate tickets; re-entry is not allowed.
Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: Subway Tozai Line to Keage Station (15-min walk), or City Bus to Nanzen-ji/Eikan-do-michi (3-min walk).
🍂 Travel Tips
Foliage timing varies slightly depending on temperature and weather each year.
Before visiting, check each temple’s official site or the Kyoto City Tourism Association for the latest updates.
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