5 Less-Crowded Places to See Red Leaves in Kyoto

Kyoto’s Maple Leaf Season in 2024: Until Mid-December

According to the official forecast, Kyoto’s maple leaf season began on October 25th and will last until December 10th.

Maple Leaves in Kyoto

In many places, like Joshoko-ji Temple, Shimyo-in Temple, and Kurama-dera Temple, the maple leaves come into the peak period on the 22nd November, when the color is the strongest, thus the best time to appreciate them. Still, as for some other places, the leaves would turn into the peak period later. If you miss the period around November 22nd, you can still visit places like Jisso-in Temple, Ruriko-in Temple, and Renge-ji Temple.

5 Less-Crowded Places to See Maple Leaves in Kyoto

Kyoto owns many superb places to appreciate maple leaves, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Tofuku-ji Temple, and Kifune Shrine. In these places, the magnificent maple leaves would bring a feast to your eyes. However, their high reputation causes the crowd every autumn. Still, here are some less-crowded attractions for you to go. There, the maple leaves won’t disappoint you.

1. Tenryu-ji Temple – Combination of Green Bamboo & Red Maple

Tenryu-ji is rated as a worldwide legacy. In the Temple, you can see a harmonious scenery of “ancient temple, pond, colorful carp, and maple leaves.”

Best Watching Time: around 22nd November

Bamboo Grove outside Tenryu-ji Temple

Best Sites to See Leaves

1. North Gate
The Temple’s North Gate links the famous Arashiyama Grove. Walking through the trial in the forest, with the green bamboo on the left and red maple on the right. It will be a refreshing experience.

2. Observation Deck
On the observation deck, you can see both the yard of Tenryu-ji Temple and the mountains “painted” by red maple leaves in the distance.

3. Tourist Path
From the main entrance to the garden, there is a path designed for visitors. During mid-November, the path is coated with a thick layer of maple leaves, just like a luxurious red blanket.

Transportation

Take Randen Railway bounding for Katabiranotsuji, get off at Arashiyama Station, and walk for 2 minutes to get there.

What Else to Do

After seeing maple leaves, you can also stroll around the bamboo grove, take the Sightseeing Train, or drifting boat. 

2. Enrian – Maple Leaves Redder than Other Places

Enrian's Red Leaves

Enrian is featured by its burning red-color maple leaves. Its color is stronger than many places, thus the supreme place to appreciate the red-maple-leave “carpet” in Kyoto.

Best Watching Time: around 22nd November

Transportation

Walk for about 6 minutes from Tenryu-ji Temple to get there.

What else to Do

1. Visit Japanese Residence
In history, Enrian was also the residence of a Japanese poet. You can still see a tea house, a pavilion, and a study here.

2. Taste Kaiseki Cuisine
To relieve the tiredness of traveling, you can go to a Kaiseiki cuisine restaurant nearby and taste the seasonal vegetables.

3. Yase Path of Maple – See Maple Leaves in the Air

Mount Hiei Seen from the Air

Do you want to try a different way to appreciate maple leaves? If so, then Yase Path of Maple is a good choice. The Eizan Ropeway, running between Rope Hiei Station and Hiei-Sancho Station, will give you a spacious view of Mount Hiei.

Highlight – Thick Maple Trees with A Hundred Years’ History

Best Watching Time: 15th – 22nd November

Transportation

1. Railway
Take Eizan Railway’s Main Line bounding for Takaragaike, get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, and then walk for 5 minutes. 

2. Bus
Take Kyoto Bus 17, get off at Yase Eki mae Bus Stop, and then walk for 2 minutes.

What else to Do

The Path is close to Mount Hiei. Many people would come here for a hike trip. There are also many historical buildings or temples nearby and the most famous one is Enryaku-ji Temple. If you like, you can also take the Eizan Cable Car at Rope Hiei Station to observe the Mountain closely.

4. Oharano Shrine – Religious Air Created by Red Shrine & Maples

Oharano Shrine is a good place to take photos in Kyoto during the maple season. The blood-red shrine buildings and torii gates matched with red maple leaves will give you a visual impact and solemnity.

Highlight

The Shrine would hold a light show during the Maple leave period. Colorful lights make the Shrine a different world. You can check the detailed date for the event.

Best Watching Time: 15th -22nd November

Transportation

Take Oharano Bus 13/14/17, get off at Minamikasugacho Bus Stop, and then walk for 7 minutes to get there.

5. Jonangu Shrine – Seeing Maple while Watching Japanese Dancing & Singing

Jonangu Shrine is a good place for you to experience maple leaves and traditional Japanese activities. Every spring and autumn, a feast would be held. Then actors with costumes in the Heian Period (794 - 1185) would chant poems next to rivers and perform dancing under maple trees.

Jonangu Shrine's Maple Leaves

Best Watching Site – Muromachi Court
The maple trees near Muromachi Court are the lushest. Here, you can see both red maple leaves and golden ginkgo leaves.

Best Watching Time: later than 22nd November

Transportation

1. Bus
Take City Bus No. 18, get off at Jonangu Bus Stop, and then walk for 4 minutes.

2. Subway
Take Kyoto Subway’s Karasuma Line, get off at Takeda Station, and then you can walk there in 17 minutes.

Tips on Watching Maple Leaves in Kyoto

1. Pat attention to keeping warm

From late November to mid-December, Kyoto becomes cold day by day, especially those attractions in the mountains.

2. Check the Weather Forecast in Advance

Sunshine would influence the scenery a lot. The maple leaves on a cloudy day may not look as good as on clear days. 

3. Kimono Renting service

You may want to take photos with maple leaves while wearing a kimono. Usually, kimono stores locate around top attractions like Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, and Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka.