One of the reasons many people consider coming to Japan is to witness the breathtaking autumn foliage. In this article, we will introduce well-known autumn foliage spots in the Kyoto and Osaka areas.
【Kyoto】Autumn Foliage Information in 「Arashiyama(Togetsukyo Bridge)」
First, we introduce the autumn foliage in Arashiyama, particularly around the Togetsukyo Bridge. Arashiyama is a year-round scenic destination, but its charm reaches its peak during the autumn foliage season. The view of the Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the river, set against the backdrop of the mountains ablaze with autumn colors, is considered one of Japan’s most exquisite scenes. This panorama, beloved by aristocrats since around the 8th century, has been cherished for over a millennium. Why not savor this view that has captivated hearts for more than a thousand years when you visit Japan?
Basic Information
| Address | 40 Sagatenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 10 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR line Right near Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line (also referred as Randen) Right near Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Railway Arashiyama Line |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Late November to Early December |
| Business Hours | – |
| Regular Holiday | – |
| Fee | – |
| URL | https://www.arashiyamahoshokai.com/ |
【Kyoto】Autumn Foliage Information in 「Tenryu-ji Temple」
Tenryu-ji temple, constructed in 1339 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its autumn foliage. You can see various autumn foliage within this temple grounds. A particularly recommended spot is the Sogenchi Teien, a Japanese garden. The garden features white sand representing the flow of water, lush green lawns, and vibrant red foliage interspersed among the trees. Situated at the western edge of Kyoto, the temple benefits from a prime location where the morning sun illuminates it first. Although the temple can get crowded, mornings are considered the most beautiful and relatively less crowded. For those who want to savor the experience thoroughly, visiting in the morning is highly recommended.
Basic Information
| Address | 68 Sagatenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Access | 13 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR line Right near Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line (also referred as Randen) |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Late November |
| Business Hours | 8:30am – 5:00pm (from 11/11 to 11/30, the opening time is 7:30 am) |
| Regular Holiday | – |
| Fee | Garden: ¥500 (An additional ¥300 for various halls) |
| URL | https://www.tenryuji.com/ |
【Kyoto】Autumn Foliage Information in 「Kiyomizudera Temple」
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a place that many visitors to Japan would likely explore, is also a premier spot for autumn foliage. The scene, where the square protruding from the building known as Kiyomizu no Butai is combined with around 1,000 brilliantly colored maple trees, is often described as resembling a landscape ablaze with fire. During the daytime, illuminated by the sun, and especially during the autumn foliage season, the temple is also lit up at night. In the evening, the vibrant foliage is illuminated in orange hues, offering a different spectacle from the daytime. Being situated on a high platform, Kiyomizu-dera Temple provides a unique opportunity to enjoy Kyoto’s cityscape along with the autumn foliage. Whether during daylight or nighttime, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. If you have the time, experiencing both is highly recommended.
Basic Information
| Address | 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Access | 10 minutes walk from Gojozaka bus stop of Kyoto Municipal Bus |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Late November to Early December |
| Business Hours | 6:00am – 6:00pm(Closed at 18:30 in July and August) During the special night visitation period in spring, summer, and autumn, the reception closes at 21:00 |
| Regular Holiday | – |
| Fee | Adults: ¥400, Children: ¥200 |
| URL | https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/ |
【Kyoto】Autumn Foliage Information in 「Sagano Trolley Train」
In Arashiyama, Kyoto, the Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Trolley Train, offers a unique way to enjoy the autumn foliage by riding a train. The approximately 25-minute journey from Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station takes you through the enchanting scenery of around 1,000 maple trees along the Hozugawa River. With an average speed of about 25 kilometers per hour, the train moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the picturesque views without rushing. The regular cars have large windows for an open atmosphere, while ‘The Rich’ car, with no windows, provides an even more immersive experience to enjoy the autumn colors. In the evening, after dusk, the train is illuminated with a fantastic array of colors, offering a unique illumination experience. Due to its popularity, reservations are essential for this extraordinary journey.
Basic Information
| Address | Sagatenryuji-kurumamichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Access | Adjacent Sagaarashiyama Station on the JR line |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Mid-November to Early December |
| Business Hours | 9:00am – 4:30pm (There may be special trains running. For details, please check the official website.) |
| Regular Holiday | There may be winter closures and other changes. For details, please check the official website. |
| Fee | Adults: ¥880, Children: ¥440 |
| URL | https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/index.php |
【Osaka】Autumn Foliage Information in 「the Minoh Waterfall」
In the northern part of Osaka Prefecture, there is Minoh, and it is home to the Minoh Waterfall, which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Just 30 minutes by train from the central area of Osaka, the nearest station is about a 40-minute walk from the waterfall. With a 33-meter drop, this waterfall is easily accessible from the urban area of Osaka, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. While the 40-minute walk from the station adds to the charm of the Minoh Waterfall, it’s well worth it. Along the stream, you can enjoy autumn foliage, and there are even shops where you can try maple leaf tempura. For those who want to experience both autumn foliage and the beauty of Japanese nature, the Minoh Waterfall comes highly recommended.
Basic Information
| Address | Minoh Park, Minoh-shi, Osaka Prefecture |
| Access | 5 minutes walk from Minoh Station on the Hankyu Railway to the entrance of Minoo Park |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Mid-November to Early December |
| Business Hours | – |
| Regular Holiday | – |
| Fee | – |
| URL | https://minohkankou.net/ |
【Osaka】Autumn Foliage Information in 「Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoh」
Further into the mountains beyond the Minoh Waterfall, you’ll find Katsuo-ji Temple. In Japan, there is a red ornament called “daruma,” featuring a face that is believed to grant any wish. Katsuo-ji Temple is renowned for the multitude of these daruma figurines, and it’s also famous as an autumn foliage spot. You can appreciate beautifully illuminated autumn leaves, the solemn temple architecture, and reflections in the pond on the temple grounds. After sunset during the autumn foliage season, the temple conducts enchanting light-up events, creating a fantastical atmosphere. However, due to its remote location in the mountains, accessing the temple by train or on foot can be challenging. It is recommended to use transportation options such as buses or taxis for convenience.
Basic Information
| Address | Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh-shi, Osaka Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Senri-Chuo Station on the Osaka Monorail Senri Line Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Hankyu Minoh Station Approximately 30 minutes by Hankyu bus from Senri-Chuo Station |
| Map | |
| Best viewing times | Mid-November |
| Business Hours | 8:00am – 5:00pm (closing time is 6:00 PM on Saturdays) sunset – 8:30pm, for the illumination, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in November |
| Regular Holiday | – |
| Fee | Adults: ¥500 Children (Elementary and Junior High School): ¥400 Preschoolers: ¥100 Children Under 2 Years Old: Free |
| URL | https://katsuo-ji-temple.or.jp/ |
