Hi there!
Is November a good month to visit Kyoto?!
Yes, November can be a great time to visit Kyoto if you are looking for 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, there’s a good chance you will see vibrant fall colors if you visit Kyoto in November!
There are some higher elevation spots in Kyoto that may be well past peak fall colors in November.
But lower elevation areas (like the main Kyoto city area) will have yellow, orange, and red leaves!
There are a lot of places to see red, orange, and yellow if you are in Kyoto in November!
You might even be able to see fall colors into early December.
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 November
Again, your experience with Kyoto in November 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 November in 2019. This was late November.
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 November 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. 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
Kyoto itinerary for November
This is how I did Kyoto in late November!
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!
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
Cup of tea in November
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!
👆 You can get a cup of green tea at the Ginkakuji tea garden.
👆 You can get a cup of green tea at the Eikando tea garden.
HAPPY SEEING KYOTO IN NOVEMBER!