Autumn in Kyoto Japan 3-day itinerary – Japan in November, December – Where to go for fall foliage colors! Backpacking Japan fall travel

Hi there!

So autumn in Kyoto can mean…

CROWDS!

But that’s okay. (Just like when you’re going to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.)

Because there are a ton of tourists who visit Kyoto during this time for a reason.

There is TONS of color to be seen around all around Kyoto!

There are a lot of places to see red, orange, and yellow if you are in Kyoto during autumn season.

And, Kyoto can be a perfect place to see fall foliage in Japan because there are lots of temples which can make for a perfect backdrop to those fall colors!

What months can you see fall foliage in Kyoto?

Since it’s nature, the exact dates of the changing of colors will vary based on when it starts getting cold.

But generally speaking, it’s said that you might be able to some form of colorful leaves from mid-October to mid-December. (Yes, December!) So if you have a trip to Japan planned for October, November, or December, you might be able to see some fall colors!

It can also depend on the elevation.

For example, Kyoto is surrounded by mountains which means that even around Kyoto there are some places that are a little higher up, and these see the color change of leaves a bit earlier than around most areas of the city.

Now…

15 best places to visit in Kyoto in autumn for fall foliage colors in 3 days!

…when you are in Kyoto around peak fall foliage time!

In 2019, this was around the end of November and the beginning of December. All the pictures you see on this page are from this time.

I did this Kyoto fall colors walk on back-to-back(-to-back) days. This means that you can also use this to judge the places that might have peak fall foliage time earlier (if you see some pictures that have shots of leafless tress) and places that might have fall foliage time later (if you see some pictures that have a mix of green and yellow in them too).

While I did this autumn photo walk when it was generally considered to be peak around the city, I did miss out on seeing fall colors in places like Kurama and Kibune, as well as Mount Hiei. (aka places that get fall colors earlier!)

Now…

Perfect fall foliage photo spots in Kyoto!

aka Japan in November and December!

1. Tofukuji Temple

2. Chishaku-In Temple

3. Myoho-In Temple

4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

5. Daimonji-yama hike

6. Ginkakuji Temple

7. Philosopher’s Path walk

8. Honen-In Temple

9. Eikando Temple

10. Nanzenji Temple

11. Hokyo-in Temple

12. Nison-In Temple

13. Jojakkoji Temple

14. Okochi Sanso Garden

15. Arashiyama bamboo forest

16. Tenryuji Temple

🗾

So then…

How to put these places into a 3 day Kyoto fall foliage itinerary?!

This is how I did the autumn Kyoto photo walk! This can be perfect if it’s your first trip to Japan because it can give allow you to see some fall colors while also taking in some of what Kyoto (and Japan!) is known for – the history and culture!

DAY 1: Walk from Tofukuji to Kiyomizu-dera

• Tofukuji Temple (including the zen garden)
• Chishaku-In Temple
• Myoho-In Temple
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple

DAY 2: Around the Philosopher’s Path

• Daimonji-yama hike
• Ginkakuji Temple (non-autumn photos)
• Philosopher’s Path walk (summer photos and cherry blossom spring photos)
• Honen-In Temple
• Eikando Temple
• Nanzenji Temple

DAY 3: Around Arashiyama

• Hokyo-in Temple
• Nison-In Temple
• Jojakkoji Temple
• Okochi Sanso Gardens
• Arashiyama bamboo forest (non-autumn photos)
• Tenryuji Temple (non-autumn photos)

Bamboo trees in autumn

Places with bamboo trees (like the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest) may not be so much of a fall photo spot, but with the right surroundings of the bamboo trees, it can make for a nice colorful picture with bamboo trees! For pictures of bamboo trees with colorful leaves in the background, try Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Jojakkoji Temple, and Tenryuji Temple, all in Arashiyama!

Cup of tea in autumn

At many temples, there will also be an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy a cup of tea or another sort of small snack, and even possibly a meal. This can be a way to try matcha green tea (that Kyoto is famous for) surrounded by colorful trees! In Arashiyama, you can also stop by a udon noodle shop for outdoor seating surrounded by colorful trees as you’re walking from temple to temple, specifically between Nison-in Temple and Jojakkoji Temple.

HAPPY SEEING FALL COLORS IN KYOTO!

How to spend winter in Japan

• 10 day winter itinerary with the Japan Alps
• 7 day winter itinerary in Hokkaido

More quick tips for planning your trip to Japan

There are affiliate links on this page that take you to partner websites.

Among the top 3 things people get specific for a trip to Japan

• JR pass for quick and easy long distance train travel (see price here and see here how to calculate train routes to figure out it's worth it for you)
• Pocket wifi to make travel in Japan easier (see price here)
• Travel insurance for natural disasters just in case especially for travel disruptions (see price here and see here for past natural disaster that affected foreigners)

Use this Kyoto tourist map to plan out your 5 days in Kyoto!

• Day 1: Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
• Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine hike through 1,000 torii gates
• Day 3: Philosopher's Path walk
• Day 4: Arashiyama and Sagano
• Day 5: Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass

For more on planning your trip to Kyoto, see the 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day Kyoto itineraries. If you'll be in Kyoto in the spring, also see the 1-day cherry blossom photo walk.

Food in Japan

If you are in Japan for FOOD, then be sure to see where to try different types of Japanese food! (Sometimes for cheaper!)

And also have a look at some of these cooking classes in Japan too.

When the JR pass is worth it

In general, 2 long-distance shinkansen train trips will likely end up making it so the JR pass will be worth it. But here's how to calculate it to be sure. See the current price of a JR pass from an official vendor.

Natural disasters in Japan

Unfortunately, Japan can be prone to natural disasters which means risk for travel delays. So be sure to look at travel insurance for natural disasters.

My travel insurance took care of my accommodation and food costs when I was forced to stay extra days in Japan because of a typhoon. There have been a few typhoons that have hit Japan in the past couple of years and they can cause real travel disruptions!

See how much insurance costs for your trip.

Create your Japan itinerary

• 10 day Japan winter itinerary
• 5 day Kyoto itinerary
• Cost of climbing Mt Fuji from Tokyo
• Where to go for famous Mt Fuji views as seen in pictures
• Know before you go to Hiroshima
• One day in Miyajima with famous floating torii views
• 3 days in Okinawa, Japan's tropical islands
• Cherry blossom photo walk
• When is the JR pass worth it for train travel?
• Tokyo to Kyoto train
• Hostels in Japan

That's it for now!