Arashiyama Hogon-in Temple Illumination
by ひぴか
Nov 26, 2022
#autumnleaves #kyoto #traveljapan
If you ask where the autumn leaves are most beautiful in Japan,
"Kyoto" is the real answer. There are so many spots to see the red leaves, and each place has its own unique beauty.
And if you ask me to choose my top 3 autumn leaves spots in Kyoto, I'd say Arashiyama would definitely be on the list.
Arashiyama is the name of the Arashiyama mountain range, which sits along the Katsura River. When people say "visit Arashiyama," they're referring to the entire tourist area surrounding the mountain.
This includes:
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Bamboo Grove
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Sagano Scenic Railway
• And tons of cute cafes and souvenir shops.
While it's crowded with tourists, it's incredibly spacious, so there are still plenty of places to take a leisurely stroll, listen to the birdsong, and enjoy nature. Unlike most other Kyoto attractions, which are over-touristy, you'll find it hard to find anywhere.
Fancy restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the autumn leaves require reservations. If you want the full experience, make sure to book in advance.
🚆 Getting to Arashiyama
• From Kyoto Station
👉 Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (about 15 minutes).
Then, it's a 10-minute walk to Togetsukyo Bridge.
🧭 If you want to explore multiple spots, it's easy enough to walk. But if you're tired, there's also a Japanese-style rickshaw (with a muscular Japanese man pulling you, hehe~)
💡 Things to Know Before You Go
• 📅 Approximate autumn foliage season: Mid-November to early December
• 🧥 The weather is quite chilly, so bring a windbreaker and scarf.
• ⏰ Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. There are no set opening hours. You can arrive as early as 6 AM or even stay overnight.
Post by NoiTabi | Nov 2, 2025























