A Two-Day, One-Night Trip to Enjoy Stunning Autumn Foliage in Kyoto

Trip Purpose:
Experience the breathtaking sights of Kyoto! Admire the beautiful autumn foliage reflections on the table at Rurikoin Temple! Enjoy the illuminated Kibune Shrine! Explore the "Sanbi Area" by visiting three temples: Jingoji, Saimyoji, and Kozanji! Savor fruit sandwiches while appreciating Kimura Hideki's mural at the long-established fruit parlor, Yaoiso! This was the goal of our two-day, one-night trip.

Day 1:
After arriving at Kyoto Station, we headed to the fruit parlor Yaoiso. This long-established fruit specialty store, founded in 1869, is conveniently located near Hankyu Omiya Station and Randen Shijo-Omiya Station. The interior features murals by Kimura Hideki, which we admired while enjoying fruit sandwiches.

Next, we traveled to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station and visited Rurikoin Temple. Nearby, the Yase Momiji Path offered stunning autumn foliage. We had made a reservation for Rurikoin Temple in advance. The beauty of the garden and the reflections on the table were truly moving. We also spent time doing sutra copying, which is available there. From Yase-Hieizanguchi, we took a train to Kibuneguchi and then a bus to Kibune Shrine. The illuminated shrine was majestic and awe-inspiring.

For accommodation, we stayed at Natural Hot Spring Renge no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo. The inn features tatami flooring throughout, offering a traditional Japanese ambiance. Complimentary drinks, including matcha latte, were available, and tabi socks were provided. The spacious hot spring baths were incredibly relaxing.

Day 2:
We took a bus from Kyoto Station to the Sanbi Area, a journey of about an hour. This area comprises Toganono, Makinoo, and Takao, and is home to popular spots like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kozanji Temple, the hidden gem Saimyoji Temple, and the scenic Jingoji Temple, all renowned for their autumn foliage.

We visited the temples in the order of Jingoji, Saimyoji, and Kozanji. The area felt like a hiking trail through the mountains. Jingoji was featured in JR Tokai's "Yes, Let's Go to Kyoto" commercial. Saimyoji had a quaint atmosphere with a beautiful garden. At Kozanji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the highlight was the National Treasure Sekisuiin, which houses the Choju-jinbutsu-giga (Frolicking Animals and Humans Scrolls) and the Zenzai Doji statue, though the scrolls on display are replicas.

After returning to Kyoto Station, we bought souvenirs and bento boxes before heading home.

Instagram-Worthy Spots:
- Yase Momiji Path: Beautiful autumn foliage.
- Rurikoin Temple: Stunning garden and the popular table reflecting autumn leaves.
- Kibune Shrine's Maple Lanterns: Illuminated at night.

Hotel:
Natural Hot Spring Renge no Yu Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo features a spacious public bath and is within walking distance (less than 10 minutes) from Kyoto Station. The women's bath includes a variety of options such as a cypress bath, stone bath (natural hot spring), pot bath, rock bath, silky bath, hot bench, nano steam sauna, and meditation bath with a cypress tub (natural hot spring). The breakfast is also impressive, featuring freshly fried tempura. As part of the Dormy Inn chain, the hotel offers "Yonaki Soba" (late-night ramen) from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The entrance immediately greets you with tatami flooring, adding a Kyoto-like charm.

Transportation:
All travel was done using public transportation. However, places like Kibune Shrine and the Sanbi Area are far from the city center, so ample time is needed.

Tips:
Rurikoin Temple requires reservations, so be sure to book in advance. Additionally, Kyoto in autumn can be crowded, so plan with extra time in mind.