Kyoto in early December can be good for fall colors! + Things to do in Kyoto Japan in December

Hi there!

 

Is December a good month to visit Kyoto?!

Early December can be a time to visit Kyoto for a chance to see fall colors!

Since it’s nature, the exact time of the month that is best for the changing colors of the leaves can vary from year to year depending on when it starts to get cold.

But in general, it’s possible that you may see vibrant fall colors if you visit Kyoto in early December!

 

 

There are some higher elevation spots in Kyoto that may be well past peak fall colors in December.

But lower elevation areas (like the main Kyoto city area) may still have yellow, orange, and red leaves!

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

 

 

Now…

Things to do in Kyoto in early December

 

Again, your experience with Kyoto in December can vary based on whether the current year is cooler than usual (peak color will come sooner) or warmer than usual (peak color will come later).

I was in Kyoto in December in 2019. This was early December.

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 December 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 at higher elevation that get fall colors earlier!)

 

1. Hokyo-in Temple

 

2. Nison-In Temple

 

3. Jojakkoji Temple

 

4. Okochi Sanso Garden

 

5. Arashiyama bamboo forest

 

6. Tenryuji Temple

 

 

Kyoto itinerary for December

This is how I did Kyoto in early December!

Actually it was 2 days in November and 1 day in December. I did this Kyoto fall colors walk on back-to-back(-to-back) days.

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!

So even if you are in Kyoto later in December after peak fall colors, these can still be good places to visit! But, be sure to also see the 5 days in Kyoto itinerary!

 

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
• Philosopher’s Path walk
• 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
• Tenryuji Temple

 

Kyoto bamboo trees in December

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 December

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 KYOTO IN DECEMBER!