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Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 22, 2026
Autumn in Kyoto is a particularly captivating season. The trees of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Arashiyama change color from green to yellow and then to vibrant red, enveloping the entire thousand-year-old capital in beautiful autumn foliage. However, when planning a trip to Kyoto to see the autumn leaves, you might wonder, "When is the best time to go?" and "Where can I stay comfortably during the crowded season?" This article summarizes the 2026 Kyoto autumn foliage forecast, best viewing times, popular spots, and illumination information. Furthermore, we have carefully selected recommended luxury glamping facilities near Kyoto where you can enjoy hot springs and BBQ while admiring the autumn leaves.
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The best time to see the autumn leaves in Kyoto City is usually from mid-November to early December, with many famous spots reaching their most beautiful colors around late November.
In recent years, the warmer autumn temperatures have tended to delay the coloring of the leaves, and the peak viewing period is increasingly shifting to late November or early December.
| Area | Best time to see in a typical year | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Ohara, Kibune, Kurama | Around 11 | The area in Kyoto where autumn leaves begin to change color earliest |
| Arashiyama and Sagano | Around late December | Enjoy the spectacular view of Togetsukyo Bridge and the autumn foliage. |
| Higashiyama | Mid October to early June | The city center is well-lit up at night. |
| Tofuku-ji Temple / Toji Temple | 11 late month - 12 early month | The leaves change color later than usual, allowing you to enjoy the autumn foliage for a longer period. |
Tofuku-ji Temple was founded by Kujo Michiie, and its first abbot was Shoichi Kokushi Enni.
During the autumn foliage season, the entire valley viewed from Tsutenkyo Bridge is covered with thousands of maple trees, creating a magnificent landscape of red, orange, and yellow. The autumn colors, which make the entire mountain seem to be ablaze, are one of Kyoto's most iconic scenic views.
Tofukuji Temple:https://tofukuji.jp/
It is one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves, known as "Eikan-do of the Maple Trees."
The temple grounds are planted with approximately 3,000 maple trees, and in addition to the beautiful daytime scenery, the illuminated pagoda is reflected in the pond at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Located near the Philosopher's Path and Nanzenji Temple, it's a popular spot for autumn foliage walks in the Higashiyama area.
Eikan-do Temple:https://www.eikando.or.jp/
The autumn foliage of Arashiyama and Ogurayama, viewed from across the Togetsukyo Bridge, is one of Kyoto's most iconic autumn scenes.
At the World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple and its sub-temple Hogon-in, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and the stunning autumn foliage.
Additionally, the Sagano Scenic Railway, which runs along the Hozugawa River, offers stunning views of the autumn foliage spreading throughout the valley from its windows, providing different charms during the day and night.
Sagano Scenic Railway:https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/
Located in the Sagano area, Jojakkoji Temple sits on the slopes of Mount Ogura, offering panoramic views of Kyoto city and the autumn foliage from its grounds.
Nison-in Temple is famous for its tunnel of bright red maple leaves that covers the approach to the temple, making it a popular spot visited by many photography enthusiasts.
At the World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the view of the mountains ablaze with autumn colors from the Kiyomizu Stage is truly breathtaking.
If you visit right after the gates open around 6 AM, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage illuminated by the morning sun.
During the special nighttime viewing, the illuminated blue lights stretching into the night sky have become a quintessential autumn sight.
The reflection of the autumn leaves on the black lacquered desk in the study is one of Kyoto's most popular photo spots.
It is only open to the public during the special autumn viewing period, and in most cases, reservations are required in advance. Since the number of visitors is limited, it is recommended to book early.
Rurikoin Temple:https://rurikoin.komyoji.com/
The sight of the five-story pagoda and autumn leaves reflected in the pond is a breathtaking view that symbolizes the essence of Kyoto.
In autumn, the pagoda is illuminated at night, and the fantastical sight of the five-story pagoda against the backdrop of autumn leaves is a view you definitely want to see at least once.
In addition to these, Kyoto has many other famous spots for viewing autumn foliage, including Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Enko-ji Temple, and Shisendo Temple.
Kifune Shrine, boasting a history of over 1,300 years since its founding, is known as the birthplace of ema (votive tablets) and is a venerable shrine dedicated to the god of water.
In addition to being popular for its blessings related to matchmaking, successful relationships, and good fortune, it attracts many visitors in the autumn as one of Kyoto's most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves.
Every November, the maple trees in the temple grounds turn vibrant reds and golden hues, creating a beautiful harmony with the vermilion Kasuga lanterns lining the entrance to the approach to the temple, offering a truly Kyoto-esque and charming scene.
After enjoying the autumn foliage, choosing a comfortable place to stay is also important.
During the autumn foliage season, accommodation prices in Kyoto City skyrocket, and reservations become extremely difficult to obtain.
A great option is a glamping facility near Kyoto. You can enjoy the autumn foliage in Kyoto city during the day and relax in a hot spring or BBQ surrounded by nature at night, making for a truly luxurious stay.
This is a private glamping facility located in Keihoku Town, known as "Kyoto of the Forest," offering entire units for rent.
In autumn, the surrounding mountains are dyed in golden hues and vibrant red leaves, and you can spend your time surrounded by the sounds of flowing rivers and birdsong.
You can enjoy a luxurious holiday by sightseeing for autumn foliage in Kyoto during the day and enjoying a BBQ while soaking in a hot spring at night.
This all-inclusive glamping facility is located near Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic spots.
In addition to enjoying BBQ and drinks made with local ingredients, marine activities, grilled oysters, and campfires, the rare open-air bath with gold-colored hot spring water is also a major attraction.
Since you can enjoy both the autumn foliage and a seaside resort atmosphere, it's also recommended for family trips.
Japanese weather companies and travel websites typically start releasing their autumn foliage forecasts around October each year.
It's recommended to check the latest autumn foliage conditions one to two weeks before your departure.
You don't necessarily need to stay in the city.
During the autumn foliage season, hotel prices in the city are high and reservations are difficult to obtain, so a popular option is to stay at glamping facilities near Kyoto, such as RETOUR KYOTO or Aqua Village Kyoto Amanohashidate, and only visit Kyoto city for sightseeing during the day.
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Autumn leaves, wet with rain, are vibrant in color and have a different charm than those on a sunny day.
Visiting gardens with borrowed scenery, such as those at Rurikoin Temple, or exploring the gardens of various temples, or simply relaxing at a hot spring inn are also recommended activities.
If you want to fully enjoy the autumn foliage in Kyoto, the best time to go is from late November to early December.
Spend your daytime visiting popular autumn foliage spots, enjoy the illuminations at night, and relax in a glamping facility near Kyoto, soaking up hot springs and a BBQ. This will create not only great photos, but also unforgettable and special autumn memories.
*This column was created based on information as of June 2026.Please check the official website for the latest information on each facility.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
