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Kyoto is known as a city of history. From the time Emperor Kanmu relocated the capital to Heian-kyo in 794 AD until Tokyo was established as the capital in 1868, Kyoto served as Japan's capital. This long history has resulted in a wealth of historical sites in Kyoto.
The passage of time is blurred by the presence of ancient temples and old houses, replaced by a so-called "sense of history." It's precisely this sense of indifference that gives Kyoto its timeless feel as an "ancient capital." Time can't take it away, and the passage of time can't impact it.
Kyoto is a city you'll never forget once you've visited it. I love Kyoto, the way every tree and every streetscape blends with the unique charm of its time. I also love its unwavering commitment to modernity, its unwavering attitude.
If you're looking for cherry blossom season in Kyoto, you can also go to Aomori, Kyushu, and Tokyo. But for fall foliage season, Kyoto is undoubtedly the best.
The top three popular attractions are a must-see for almost everyone: 1. Kinkaku-ji Temple, 2. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and 3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, many people dislike tourist attractions, perhaps because the crowds and noise take away from their appreciation of the scenery.
The charm of Kyoto lies far beyond its popular tourist attractions, but in the undisturbed elegance and Zen hidden in the ancient capital.
Today, let's go find those maple viewing spots hidden outside the famous attractions and take a real walk through the red maple leaves in the ancient capital. 🍂
Tofuku-ji Temple → Tofuku-ji Temple's Komyouin Temple → Kumano Kannon Temple → Senyuji Temple → Unryuin Temple
Best viewing period: late November
Famous for its autumn leaves, Tofuku-ji Temple, located in southern Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy the fall foliage. Besides its magnificent architecture and stunning autumn leaves, it also boasts beautiful gardens.
The maple leaves at Tofuku-ji Temple are from the Song Dynasty. Their characteristic golden-yellow leaves are divided into three parts at the tip. They are known as "Autumn's Support" and "A Wonder of Luoyang."
Kyoto's maple leaves turn red relatively late due to its geographical location. The view of the red leaves from Tsutenkaku Bridge is known as "Kyoto's last red leaves in autumn."
During the autumn foliage season, special tours are held. You can visit Tsutenkyo Bridge and Fumon-in Gardens 30 minutes earlier in the morning. You can also take a special tour of Tofuku-ji Honbo Gardens, a nationally designated scenic spot.
Best viewing period: mid-November to early December
Special Night Visit: November 17th - 24th | Sunset - 8:30 PM
Sen'yoji Temple was built in the Kamakura period. There are 25 tombs in the temple, and many royal family members are buried here. Therefore, this place became the place where the royal family worshipped their ancestors, and was therefore named "Imperial Temple".
Upon entering Quanyong Temple, to the left of the main gate is the Yang Guifei Guanyin Hall, housing a seated statue of the Concubine Guanyin. Legend has it that it was specially carved by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang for the well-being of his beloved consort, Yang Guifei. The Japanese believe that Yang Guifei can bring good luck in marriage and protect mothers from childbirth. The statue is said to have only been displayed once every century.
As a Kyoto imperial temple, it's naturally a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. Unryu-in Temple is also quite unique, offering a unique experience of Zen, with views of the elegant autumn leaves from its windows.
Nanzenji Temple → Tenshuan → Eikando → Zhenyudang → Horan-in Temple
Best viewing period: late November
Special Night Visit: November 6th - December 4th | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Eikan-do, founded in the early Heian period, is a Zen temple, the dojo of the Genshu sect, and a place where eminent monks chant the Buddha's name.
This is a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto, but it is often overlooked.
In late November, when the red leaves are in full bloom, the roadsides are covered with large patches of red leaves, creating a red tunnel.
The sight of the bridge, temples and pagodas reflected in the water from afar is truly unforgettable.
Best viewing period: late November
Nanzen-ji Temple is the largest temple in Kyoto and the highest seat of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Its tranquility is immediately apparent upon entering. Take, for example, the Sanmon Gate, the temple's main entrance. From time to time, people pass through it, revealing a field of maple leaves behind, creating a distinct experience unlike any other.
What you must not miss is the Abbot Courtyard inside. There is an additional entrance fee here, but it is well worth buying a ticket to go in and see.
Here you can enjoy the beautiful Japanese garden. The dry landscape garden in the garden is a representative work of the dry landscape garden in the early Edo period of Japan.
Nanchan Temple is very large. If you take a walk from the abbot's courtyard, you will see not only tall green pines but also many maple trees on the road. Every path is a beautiful sight.
Best viewing period: mid-to-late November
Special Visits: November 1st - December 8th | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Shinnyo-do, officially known as Shin Gokuraku-ji Temple, is a Tendai sect temple established in the early Heian period. Its main deity is Amitabha Nyorai Buddha, one of the Six Amida Buddhas of Kyoto.
This is a lesser-known red leaf spot, covering a large and tranquil area. Except for the inner rooms of the main hall and the garden, the rest of the area is free.
Arashiyama → Togetsukyo Bridge → Jojakko-ji Temple → Nonomiya Shrine → Daikaku-ji Temple
Best viewing period: late November
Special illumination visit: December 13th-22nd | 5:00 PM-8:30 PM
Next to the famous Okochi Sanso Garden in Arashiyama, there is the most sparsely populated but also the most surprising place in Arashiyama - Jojakko-ji Temple.
Located in a remote area, it's little known. The temple gate is small, and the view opens onto a lush maple forest. The paths and streetlights are covered in moss, creating a tranquil and ancient atmosphere. It's also a famous spot in Kyoto for viewing autumn leaves.
The Niomon Gate is the oldest building on the temple grounds. Its thatched roof is also a rare sight. The long stone steps leading to the main hall are lined with fiery red maple trees, creating a beautiful view.
Walk through the bushes to the Duobao Pagoda halfway up the mountain, pass the Shiyu Pavilion, and reach the top of the mountain. You can see the Dongshan Mountain and the ancient capital on the other side of the city.
Best viewing period: mid-November to late November
Special Night Visit: November 8th - December 1st | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Daikaku-ji Temple is located in Arashiyama. It was built as the emperor's palace during the Heian period and later became a temple.
This place is very important for its political and historical significance, but it is a place with relatively few tourists. Located beside the lake, it is quiet and remote, and it is also a good place to quietly enjoy the maple leaves.
The entire temple grounds are renowned for their vast beauty. Daikaku-ji Temple boasts a large pond with a circumference of approximately 1 kilometer. Around 650 cherry and maple trees line the shore.
Daikaku-ji Temple is also the birthplace of flower arrangement, so a flower arrangement festival is held regularly in spring every year, and there is also a Saga chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn.
Jinfu Temple → Shixiantang Hall → Wonkoji Temple
Best viewing period: late November
Shisen-dĹŤ is the remains of the villa of Ishikawa Jozan, a scholar in the early Edo period. The garden there is considered one of the outstanding representatives of Japanese gardens.
Shixiantang is a mountain villa built by Ishikawa Jozan, a retainer of the Tokugawa family, for his secluded life. The name comes from the portraits of thirty-six Chinese poets hung on the four western walls of the main hall.
The fact that the British royal family, including Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, have visited in the past also speaks to the beauty and uniqueness of the scenery.
🍂 Let’s skip some of the usual attractions and go for a walk in Kyoto instead of being tourists in the most beautiful late autumn.
