7 recommended spots to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

• Table of Contents
• When is the best season to see autumn leaves?
• 3 autumn foliage spots within walking distance from the hotel
• Fantastic beauty! 4 autumn foliage illuminations
• The next morning, recharge with energy at the hotel's breakfast buffet!
• Special plan for MATCHA readers only!

When is the best season to see autumn leaves?

If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves to the fullest, the best time is around November 20th to 30th, 2025! In Kyoto City , where Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is located, the peak of autumn leaves is in late November every year. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, and Eikando Temple, all within walking distance of the hotel, are particularly recommended.

3 autumn foliage spots within walking distance from the hotel

If you want to fully enjoy Kyoto in autumn, we recommend touring the autumn foliage spots within walking distance from the hotel. The picturesque walking paths of Maruyama Park, the fantastic illuminations of Kodaiji Temple, and the tranquil gardens of Kenninji Temple are all within walking distance. The view of the ancient capital colored by the autumn leaves is a luxury that can only be enjoyed during this season.

1. Maruyama Park

This is the oldest park in Kyoto City , and the maple trees in the garden harmonize with the waterfall and flowing river to create a beautiful landscape. The spacious park is perfect for picnics and walking.

■Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0071

■About a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

2. Kodaiji Temple (Illuminated)

This temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene. It is famous for the "upside-down autumn leaves" in the garden, where the autumn leaves are reflected in the pond. The nighttime illuminations are fantastic, and you can enjoy a different look from the daytime.

■Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0825

■From the hotel: About a 20-minute walk. About a 5-minute walk from the aforementioned Maruyama Park.

3. Kenninji Temple

One of Kyoto oldest Zen temples, the contrast between the dry landscape garden and the autumn leaves is stunning. You can enjoy the autumn leaves at your leisure in the tranquil gardens such as the Choon Garden and Daiyuen Garden. The best viewing time can last until early December.

■Address: 584 Komatsucho, Yamato-oji-dori Komatsu Sagaru, Yamato -ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture , 605-0811

■About a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Fantastic beauty! 4 autumn foliage illuminations

Kyoto in autumn is truly a world of fantasy. The scenery created by the autumn leaves and illuminated lights is a truly memorable experience. Below we introduce four carefully selected spots where you can enjoy illuminated autumn leaves.

4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This famous spot is also registered as a World Heritage Site. During the autumn foliage season, the view of the Nishiki mountains from the stage is spectacular. When lit up at night, the main hall and the autumn leaves appear fantastically illuminated, making you feel as if you are walking in an aerial garden. Along with the sound of the waterfalls of Otowa, the silence and majesty will envelop your soul.

■Address: 1-294 Shimizu -ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture Prefecture, 605-0862

■Access from the hotel

[Walk + bus: about 25 minutes]

-About a 10-minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi to Gion

- Take city bus route 100, get off at Saka , then walk for 10 minutes

[Taxi: Approximately 15 minutes (additional extra during peak hours)]

5. Eikando Temple

The entire temple grounds are so beautifully enveloped in autumn leaves that it is nicknamed "Eikando of Maple Leaves." When lit up at night, the autumn leaves reflected in the Hojo Pond are a beautiful mirror. The tranquil atmosphere of the mountain temple and the fiery colors of the autumn leaves are almost like a purification of the soul.

■Address: 48 Eikandocho , Sakyou Ward Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture , 606-8445

■Access from the hotel

[Walk + subway + walk: approximately 30 minutes]

- From Shijo Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma Oike Station, then take the Tozai Line to Keage Station

- Approximately 15 minutes' walk

[Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes]

6. Toji Temple

Toji Temple is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of every season, but in autumn it is like a timeless picture scroll. The magnificent contrast between the five-story pagoda and the autumn leaves is reflected on the surface of the pond, creating a fantastical sight. In addition, at night, when the temple is lit up, the space in harmony with nature is enveloped in light, creating a tranquil and majestic atmosphere that deeply moves the hearts of visitors. Enjoy the fleeting beauty of Kyoto that can only be experienced during the autumn foliage season.

■Address: 1 Kujo-cho , Minami Ward -ku, Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture , 601-8473

■Access from the hotel

[Walk + train: about 20 minutes]

- Take the Kyoto Kyoto Kawaramachi Station to Karasuma Station, then transfer to the subway Kujo Station

- Approximately 10 minutes' walk

[Taxi: Approximately 15 minutes]

7. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. The Maple Garden on the west side of the shrine grounds is lit up, and the autumn leaves reflected in the Kamiya River are fantastic.

■Address: Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku , Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture Kamigyou Ward

■Access from the hotel

[Walk + bus: about 30 minutes]

- Take city bus route 51 from Shijo Kawaramachi and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop

[Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes]

The next morning, recharge with energy at the hotel's breakfast buffet!

All of the places we've introduced have completely different looks during the day and at night, so be sure to take your time to enjoy the autumn scenery of Kyoto , woven together by the colors of the autumn leaves and the play of light . And there's one more thing we'd like you to try: the breakfast buffet, one of Hotel Forza's specialties!

Autumn is the season for appetite, so why not enjoy a morning trip to Kyoto to enjoy the autumn leaves?

Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi offers a Japanese and Western buffet made with plenty of local ingredients.

A breakfast featuring autumn flavors such as freshly cooked Koshihikari rice (changes daily) from Hachidaime Gihee, miso soup made with Kyoto miso, and Nishiri pickles is one of the joys of travel. Enjoy a moment of satisfaction in both body and mind before embarking on a walk to admire the autumn leaves.

Please ask the front desk staff if you wish to use this service.

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