Kyoto Autumn Foliage Guide｜Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando Zenrin-ji, and Higashi Hongan-ji One-Day Itinerary

Kyoto Autumn Autumn Leaves Attractions Guide | Kiyomizudera Temple, Zenrinji Temple Eikando, Higashi Honganji Temple Day Itinerary

Kyoto in autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, with mountains full of red leaves and antique temples, whether you’re here for the first time or have been there several times, you’ll want to feel it again. This trip focuses on the three famous autumn leaves: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Zenlinji Temple (Eikan-do) and Higashi Honganji Temple.

🗓️Itinerary:
Kiyomizu Temple → Zenrinji Temple Eikando → Higashi Honganji Temple

✨Highlight recommendation
1. Kiyomizu Temple
Address: 1-294, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Opening hours: September 30-November 21 06:00-18:00 / November 22-December 7 06:00-21:30 / December 8-December 31 06:00-18:00
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a famous ancient temple in Kyoto, the autumn leaves surround the wooden stage, the surrounding view is super beautiful, especially at night when the special lighting is most atmospheric. Go in the early morning or evening, the light and shadow are particularly beautiful, and it is easier to take pictures of fewer people. Note that there are many specialty shops outside the temple and in the alleys of Ernianban and Sannianban, so just walk slowly. The peak of autumn is extremely crowded, it is recommended to arrive early, or choose a night visit, easy to find beautiful spots to take pictures.

2. Zenlin Temple (Yongguan Hall)
Address: 48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445
Opening hours: year-round 09:00-17:00 (entrance closes at 16:00)
Yongguan Hall is known as "Yongguan Hall of Maple Leaves". The temple has dense red leaves and rich layers. The reflection by the pool and the ancient temple architecture are extremely artistic. Many locals make a special trip to enjoy the maple trees along the walkway inside the temple. "See Back to the Past Hall" is one of the must-visit checkpoints. It is recommended to avoid the lunch rush, where there will be fewer people in the morning or evening.

3. East Honganji Temple
Address: 754 Toba-cho, Shimokyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: 05:50-17:30 year-round
Higashi Honganji Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Kyoto. Although the autumn leaves are not as dense, the main entrance square is equipped with ancient architecture and has a quiet atmosphere. The temple is free to enter, making it suitable for the last stop of the trip to take a slow rest while admiring the Japanese Zen architecture.

Tips for visiting attractions
1. During the autumn special night opening of Kiyomizu Temple (November 22-December 7), it is recommended to enter after 5 pm.
2. Admission control at Zenrinji Temple Egkan Hall in the fall, it is recommended to check for the latest arrangements in advance. Maple viewing in the morning can avoid crowds.
3. The temple is larger, the trip will walk about 10,000 steps, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, prepare warm clothes, late autumn morning and evening relatively cold.
4. There are many snack shops and souvenir shops around the temples. It is recommended to try traditional Kyoto dim sum, such as Yatsubashi and matcha ice cream.
5. Autumn is crowded, the camera is recommended to prepare a wide-angle lens, easy to find angles in the crowd to take beautiful photos.

Precautions
- Photography is prohibited in designated areas within some temples.
- Extremely crowded on weekends on popular days in autumn, early weekday departures are recommended.
- Keep quiet and respect the rules of the monastery while visiting.
- If it rains, the autumn leaf atmosphere is still beautiful, remember to bring rain gear.

Closing topic:
#KyotoAutumnLeaves #Kyomizudera Temple #Autumn Temple Tour #Egkando Maple Viewing #Kyoto Slow Tour