Packed with a number of famous temples, Arashiyama is a district and popular tourist area of Kyoto. The area is known for its iconic bamboo forest called The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
If you are near Kyoto, there are few places better to see autumn leaves than Arashiyama. It does not mean the area cannot overwhelm you with its gorgeous autumn nature where many maple trees can be found.
The area is found in western Kyoto and is centered around the Katsura River. It’s a mountainous area and many of the towns feature traditional Japanese cultural experiences.
In autumn, the forested mountains slowly take on fiery colors as the temperature cools. This is an excellent area to do some autumn leaf viewing!
For this year’s autumn foliage forecast, click here.
1. Hogon-in Temple
Many believe this is the most beautiful garden in the Arashiyama area. Every fall, vibrant red enfolds the garden as the leaves change. Hogon-in Temple is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple and was built in 1461.
The garden is designed for you to stroll around its main pond. The surrounding scenery has been incorporated into its design, giving the garden a feeling of depth and mystery unlike any other.
Numerous rocks and statues can be seen that tell the story of the Temple’s focus on Buddhist virtues. This garden is a very popular area to visit during the autumn leaf season and is often fairly crowded, especially now that nighttime seasonal illumination has been added.
Despite this, there is a sense of peace to be found here and it is well worth taking a stroll through its fall colors.
2. Tenryuji Temple
Tenryu-ji is the most important Zen temple and an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Arashiyama district. Built in 1339, the temple has seen several wars and fires, and has been most recently rebuilt in the Meiji Period.
The temple’s garden, however, has survived in its original form. The central pond is surrounded by a forested and mountainous landscape. The water of the pond reflects the colorful trees when the leaves are turning.
In fall, the evergreen pines mix with the red deciduous trees to present an elegant and enchanting image as you stroll along the garden’s pathways.
You can reach Tenryuji Temple by taking a train to Keifuku Arashiyama Station, which is serviced by smaller Keifuku trains, also called Randen. It is also accessible via JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, which is connected directly to Kyoto Station.
3. Nison-in Temple
Built between 834 and 847, this temple has seen a lot of history and its original buildings have all burnt down, though some have been rebuilt.
The name Nison-in means “two revered images”. It comes from the temple’s two principal statues, Shaka Nyorai and Amitabha Tathagata. It was a highly prestigious temple in its early days and it shows in the beauty of the grounds, which are colored splendidly red when the leaves change.
Be sure to ring the temple’s Bell of Happiness as well as visit the Misono-tei Tea Room, which is only open in spring and autumn. For a truly spectacular view, walk the brief hike to the hill behind the temple to see the wonderfully colored mountains below.
To get to Nisonin Temple, you can walk 10 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line. If you opt to head to Hankyu Arashiyama Station, the walk takes about 30 minutes.
4. Giou-ji Temple
This temple sits in a dense forest, often cast in shade. The temple is dedicated to the Buddha of Light. It is said to be one of the most scenic spots in Arashiyama.
You can find a moss garden here as well, which really stands out in autumn when the trees change color. The bright fiery colors of the leaves contrast wonderfully with the vibrant moss.
Giou-ji Temple is located a 25-minute walk from City/Kyoto Bus Stop Sagashakado-mae. Entry costs 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.
5. Enrian Temple
Enrian Temple is only open during autumn (November 1 to December 7). The maple leaves here are said to be the reddest in Japan, drawing visitors and photographers from around the world.
However, the temple is less crowded than many other autumn leaf viewing spots around Kyoto. The leaves are at their reddest from mid to late November, though the leaves fall and carpet the area in early December, which creates its own unique feel.
Enrian Temple is a 15-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama station.
6. Togetsukyo Bridge
This 155-meter bridge spans the Katsura River. It offers spectacular views of the mountainous Arashiyama.
It is a beautiful place to see the way the leaves of the area change color in autumn. The bridge has been rebuilt on many occasions and is currently covered in cypress wood while being made of concrete.
There are numerous souvenir shops at the foot of the bridge. Enjoy taking a rickshaw ride over the river and dining at some of the many restaurants on either end of the bridge.
7. Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakkoji Temple promises a quiet retreat from the busy daily life of Tokyo. It is not as well known as many on this list, but its autumn leaf viewing display is just as spectacular.
Founded in 1596, the temple sits in a pleasantly natural area. There are over 200 maple trees at the site, all of which turn bright red in autumn. They contrast nicely with the bright green moss also found here in abundance.
Be sure to visit the 12-meter-tall pagoda to get an excellent view of the mountainslope as well the Arashiyama area. Jojakkoji Temple is located within a 15-minute walk from JR Saga Arashiyama station.
8. Daikakuji Temple
This temple has a storied history. Originally the site was the residence of Emperor Saga (785-842) and was converted into a temple in 876.
The site is large and features not only the main temple, but also a pond, pagoda, and arch bridge. The pond, Osawa Pond, is one of the oldest garden ponds found in Japan. It’s around the pond where you can find some truly excellent autumn leaf viewing.
The temple is located a 17-minute walk from Saga Arashiyama station.
9. Sagano Scenic Railway & Hozugawa River Boat Ride
Few places in Arashiyama have the kind of fall foliage views you’ll find in the stretch of the countryside along Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka.
The Sagano Scenic Railway uses old-fashioned trains to travel at a leisurely pace to give passengers a great view of the country. And in the fall, the train journey is even magical as passengers can see beautiful autumn colors.
You can also get a different view from the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. Board at Kameoka and experience a tour lead by a jaunty boatman with years of experience in the region. The entire journey is about 16 kilometres (2 hours boat ride).
Either option is a great way to see the area’s fall colors.
10. Daihikaku Senko-ji Temple
This Zen temple offers what is considered the best view in Kyoto. The temple sits halfway up a mountain, so reaching it is a bit of a hike. The effort is well worth it. The remote location is very peaceful.
You can get a great view of the fall colors as well as the city skyline. Besides the view, you can enjoy numerous peaceful spots to simply sit and enjoy nature.
Daihikaku Senko-ji is located a 20-minute hike from the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, a total of 40 minutes from JR Saga Arashiyama Station.
If you want to spend a memorable day in Arashiyama in autumn, here is an itinerary for you to follow. Thank you.
