Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is a city with a thousand years of history that is beautiful in every season, but is especially captivating in autumn. The autumn foliage, which paints ancient temples, shrines, and traditional gardens in fiery reds, golds, and oranges, is truly breathtaking.

The autumn leaves in Kyoto are not just a beautiful natural sight, but an art form that has been cultivated over hundreds of years through Japan's history, culture, and people's delicate sensitivity to nature.

In this article, we will introduce some of Kyoto's most famous autumn foliage spots, admired by people all over the world.

A pilgrimage to spectacular autumn foliage spots and gourmet food

1. Arashiyama Area: A Harmony of Spectacular Nature and Tradition

Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is an area known for its natural beauty, created by the majestic mountains and the flowing Katsuragawa River. During the autumn foliage season, the entire mountain is dyed red, creating an overwhelming sense of scale.

Autumn foliage spot: Tenryuji Temple

• Attractions: This Zen temple of the Rinzai sect is also registered as a World Heritage Site. In particular, the Sogenchi Garden, created during the Muromachi period, is breathtakingly beautiful, with the colorful autumn leaves surrounding the pond reflected on its surface. You can also enjoy the view of the Arashiyama mountains as a backdrop, allowing you to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens.

• Visitor Tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy the quiet and calm of the autumn leaves bathed in the morning sun.

2. Higashiyama Area: The contrast of historical buildings and autumn leaves

The Higashiyama area, home to many historical buildings such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple, retains a strong sense of the atmosphere of an ancient capital. The combination of cobblestone streets and autumn leaves evokes a truly Japanese atmosphere.

Autumn foliage spot: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

• Attractions: Registered as a World Heritage Site, this temple is one of Kyoto's most iconic. It's particularly known for its spectacular autumn foliage, which can be seen from Kiyomizu-no-Butai, a cliff-top temple. The sight of the roughly 1,000 maple trees below the stage all changing color at once is truly breathtaking. Special nighttime viewings are also held on autumn nights, when the illuminated foliage and the blue rays of light they emit create a mystical atmosphere.

• Tips for visiting: Not only can you enjoy the view from the stage, but the surrounding stone-paved streets of Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka also create a beautiful contrast with the autumn leaves, allowing you to enjoy a traditional Japanese townscape. Although it can get crowded, we recommend visiting early in the morning or at night when the lights are on.

3. Rakuhoku Area: A world of tranquil Zen

The Rakuhoku area in the northern part of Kyoto City is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and has a quiet and calm atmosphere. There are many Zen temples, and the sense of unity with nature is an appealing feature.

Autumn foliage spot: Enkoji Temple

• Attractions: This temple is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is particularly famous for the autumn leaves that can be viewed from the "Jugyu-no-niwa" garden. Sitting in a tatami room and quietly gazing at the framed garden scenery will make you feel the spirit of Japanese Zen.

• Tips for visiting: We recommend visiting early in the morning, when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the view of the garden from a tatami room, which will give you a sense of calm and Japanese beauty at the same time.

Tips for understanding Kyoto's food culture

Enjoying Kyoto cuisine while viewing the autumn leaves in Kyoto is more than just a meal; it is an experience that connects you to Japanese history and culture.

1. Enjoy seasonal ingredients: "Early, Early, Late"

In Japanese food culture, "shun" (seasonal ingredients) is very important. The first season of an ingredient is called "hashiri" (early season), the time when it is at its most delicious is called "shun" (season), and the end of the season is called "nagori" (last season), and the flavors of each season are cherished. Kyoto cuisine makes abundant use of seasonal autumn ingredients such as matsutake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, and crab.

2. The culture of "dashi"

The basis of the deliciousness of Kyoto cuisine lies in "dashi" (stock). Dashi is carefully extracted from kelp and bonito flakes, bringing out the umami of the ingredients without overpowering their flavor. This delicate culture of dashi is the foundation of Japanese flavor and is used in many dishes.

3. Yuba and Tofu

Kyoto is blessed with high-quality water, making it a thriving producer of tofu and yuba. Yuba in particular is made by skimming off the membrane that forms when soy milk is heated, and is healthy yet has a refined flavor and texture.

Recommended shops in Kyoto

・This is a new culinary art that combines French cuisine techniques with fresh Kyoto vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and a Japanese aesthetic. You can experience the refined "Japanese spirit, Western learning" gourmet cuisine in a location filled with the atmosphere of the ancient capital.

Kyoto French and Teppanyaki Restaurant EN

Lunch Menu "EN"

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/6785bda10126c

・Take a break and enjoy matcha sweets or Japanese confectionery. A cafe where you can experience traditional Japanese tea culture and enjoy a spectacular view at the same time will greatly improve the quality of your trip.

Gion Fujitora Manju Set https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/657fe37f5b115

Tanaka Chukindo Brown Rice Gelatohttps ://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/6503e52cdc3d2

Tips for enjoying your trip more

1. Reservations and Planning

Kyoto attracts tourists from all over the world during the autumn foliage season. Popular restaurants and autumn foliage viewing spots tend to be extremely crowded, so it's best to make dining reservations as early as possible. Also, the peak of the autumn foliage viewing season varies from year to year, so it's important to gather information in advance.

2. Respect tradition

When visiting temples and shrines, please remember that they are religious sites in Japan, so please be quiet and respectful. Avoid talking loudly or entering restricted areas.

3. Experience kimono culture

In Kyoto, you can rent a kimono and enjoy walking around the city. Strolling around in a kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, under the vibrant autumn leaves will make your trip even more special.

Location of Kyoto

summary

The autumn leaves in Kyoto are not just a natural phenomenon, but a part of Japanese culture, where people have loved and cherished nature throughout history.

Viewing the fiery autumn leaves and tasting Kyoto cuisine that is created to harmonize with the scenery is sure to be a valuable opportunity to learn about Japanese history, art, and food philosophy all at the same time.

Be sure to visit Kyoto this autumn and experience the charm of Japan with all five senses. It will surely be a wonderful experience that will be deeply etched in your travel memories.

Please also check out " 10 Things to Do in Kyoto (Rakuto Area)"