Autumn Foliage
The month of November is the best season of the year for viewing the vibrant crimson maple leaves in Kyoto. Just as in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, this season is also when the largest numbers of tourists visit Kyoto.
Tofuku-ji Temple, Takao, Arashiyama, Ohara and Higashiyama, etc. are among the most popular spots for viewing maple leaves.
About Autumn Leaves
As summer fades to autumn, the trees prepare for the winter months. The difference in afternoon and evening temperature climbs and the trees change from green to red and yellow. The most beautiful example of this change can be found in the leaves of the maple tree. Japan is filled with maple trees and Japanese flock from all across the country to view the changing color of the leaves during the fall tourist season.
In Japan, autumn leaf viewing is called, "Momiji-gari". This practice has a long history, having been enjoyed by noble families twelve-hundred years ago in the Heian Period. Beginning the Edo Period, roughly four hundred years ago, Momiji-gari spread to the general population, and as transportation networks grew with the modern age, people began traveling great distances to take in the leaves.
The colors and brilliance of the leaves changes from year to year with rainfall and especially temperature influencing their hue. The greater the difference in evening and afternoon temperatures, the more brilliant the reds and yellows become. The red leaves in the mountain region are particularly beautiful because of this difference in temperature.
From the mountains to the plains, Kyoto is blessed with maples. You can usually enjoy the leaves here from the end of October until around December 10th. However, recently global warming has disrupted this schedule, delaying the color change.
Popular Autumn Leaves Spots
* Best Time: Mid - Late November
* Best Time: Mid - Late November
Takao Region
* Best Time: Early - Mid November
* Best Time: Early - Mid November
* Best Time: Mid - Late November
* Best Time: Mid - Late November
Temple & Shrine Illuminations Schedule 2008
During the autumn tourist season in Kyoto, many temples and shrines host evening illuminations of the fall leaves in displays called "Light Ups".
In daylight, the colors of the changing leaves may be brilliant, but when illuminated against the night sky they produce a wholly different atmosphere, almost magical in appearance.
Illuminations are popular with Japanese and foreigners alike, and always draw large crowds.
During the autumn tourist season in Kyoto, many temples and shrines host evening illuminations of the fall leaves in displays called "Light Ups."
Illuminations are popular with Japanese and foreigners alike, and always draw large crowds.
Illumination Schedule 2008 *Information is subject to change without notice.
| Location | Period | Hours | Admission Fee |
Tentoku-in Temple | Nov.14-Dec.6 | 17:00-20:30 | 500 yen |
| Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Nov.13-Dec.7 | 18:30-21:30 | 400 yen |
Joju-in Temple (Kiyomizu Subtemple) | Nov.17-Dec.7 | 18:30-21:00 | 600 yen |
| Eikan-do Temple | Nov.8-Nov.30 | 17:30-21:00 | 600 yen |
Tenju-an Temple | Nov.15-Nov.30 | 17:30-21:00 | 500 yen |
| Kodai-ji Temple | Oct.24-Dec.7 | Sunset-21:30 | 600 yen |
| Entoku-in Temple | Oct.24-Dec.7 | Sunset-21:30 | 500 yen |
| Chion-in Temple | Nov.8-Nov.30 | 17:30-21:00 | 800 yen |
| Shoren-in Temple | Nov.1-Nov.7 | 17:00-21:00 | 800 yen |
| Shoren-in Dainichi-do | Nov.1-Nov.7 | 17:00-21:00 | 500 yen |
| Enkoji Temple | Nov.8-Nov.30 | 17:30-20:30 | 500 yen |
| Jisso-in Temple | Nov.15-Nov.30 | 18:00-21:00 | 500 yen |
| Torin-in Temple | Oct.10-Oct.19 | 18:00-20:30 | 500 yen |
| Zuishin-in Temple | Nov.15-Nov.30 | 18:00-20:30 | 500 yen |
Hogon-in Temple | Nov.15-Dec.7 | 17:30-20:30 | 600 yen |
Color Changes in a Typical Year
The leaves first begin to change colors in the low temperatures of the mountains and eventually spread to the plains. Here is a quick introduction to the leaves at different times of the year. Please keep in mind that this schedule will vary depending on the temperature.
Early Nov. (11/1-20)
Mid-Nov. (11/10-30)
Late Nov. (11/20-12/10)
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