In some regards, Rurikoin Temple is about the furthest thing from a hidden gem in Kyoto. It’s famous for foliage–and not just fall colors–within Japan, and despite a pricey entrance fee, this renowned spot commands lengthy lines that can result in waits of 2-3 hours just to enter. Despite that, there’s a reasonably good chance […]
Shinnyodo is an under-the-radar and free temple in Kyoto, Japan (officially known as Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple). It makes both our Top 10 Fall Color Spots and 10 Best Hidden Gem Photography Spots lists for Kyoto, an impressive feat as usually the best autumn foliage locations are among the most popular temples and shrines in Japan. […]
Our 3-day Kyoto autumn itinerary offers an efficient, step-by-step touring plan that features the best fall foliage spots in all of Japan. You’ll see the Kyoto’s koyo highlights, including free temples & shrines, gardens, and nighttime illuminations. It’s a great plan of attack for seeing as much as possible while also having time to savor […]
November features Kyoto’s peak fall colors, plus a full calendar of special events, nighttime illuminations, and a few festivals at temples and shrines. Despite the heavy crowds, it’s an excellent month to visit Japan, and you’ll have too many choices for seasonal things to do during a November trip to Kyoto. In this post, we’ll offer a […]
If you have two days to spend in Kyoto during autumn foliage season, our step-by-step itinerary guides you through the best fall colors temples & shrines in Arashiyama, Higashiyama, and more in an efficient manner to avoid the crowds as much as possible, and maximize your time in Japan’s most beautiful city for fall colors. […]
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is located in northwest Kyoto, Japan. The free shrine is a popular place to visit during spring for its plum trees and fall for its autumn foliage, as well as during its monthly flea market. In this post, we’ll share photos from our experiences here, tips for visiting, whether it’s worth your […]
If you want to see Japan’s famous fall colors, the Fuji Five Lakes region is an excellent destination. Here, you’ll not only get some of the best autumn foliage from late October through early December, but you’ll also have photogenic scenes with vibrant momiji in the foreground and Mount Fuji in the background. In this […]
Our 1-day itinerary for fall colors season in Kyoto routes an efficient and mostly walkable path through some of the very best autumn foliage spots in all of Japan. You’ll see the koyo highlights of Kyoto, including free temples & shrines, gardens, and a handful of nighttime illuminations by following this touring plan. If you’re […]
When it comes to fall colors, Fushimi Inari Taisha doesn’t make a lot of ‘best of’ lists for shrines & temples to visit in Kyoto, Japan during the autumn. This is really unfortunate, as I’d argue that it can be one of the better spots for fall foliage in Kyoto. I understand why Fushimi Inari is conspicuously […]
Tofukuji Temple is famous for its fall colors, Hojo Garden, and having some of the largest and oldest free grounds in Kyoto, Japan. The most iconic scene at the temple is its valley of autumn foliage under Tsutenkyo Bridge, which draws visitors from around the world. In this post, we’ll share photos and our experiences at […]