Kyoto Autumn Foliage Temple Tour

Visit Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera at night, Ohara, Kurama and Kibune, Arashiyama and Eikan-do by area during foliage season.

This itinerary is built around famous autumn foliage spots. On arrival, visit Tofuku-ji's Tsutenkyo Bridge, then head to Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji for the evening illuminations. On day two, travel to the mountain villages in the north. Sanzen-in in Ohara and the trails between Kurama and Kibune turn red one to two weeks earlier than the city. On day three, explore Arashiyama and ride the Sagano Scenic Railway. On the last day, wrap up at Eikan-do and Nanzen-ji. This suits travelers who want to see autumn colors and can handle large crowds.

The northern mountains are best around early to mid November, while the city peaks from late November to early December.

Day by day

Day 1 · Tofuku-ji and night foliage in Higashiyama

Kyoto（Tofuku-ji、Kiyomizu-dera、Kodai-ji）

Take the JR line one stop from Kyoto Station to Tofuku-ji. In the afternoon, take a bus to Kiyomizu-dera, then walk to Kodai-ji in the evening for the illumination.

Tofuku-ji opens early during foliage season. The Tsutenkyo Bridge involves a queue.

Stay: Shijo-Kawaramachi

Day 2 · Ohara, Kurama and Kibune

Kyoto（Sanzen-in, Ohara、Kurama-dera、Kifune Shrine）

Take an early Kyoto bus to Ohara, about 1 hour. On the way back, transfer at Hosui to the Eizan Railway to Kurama. Hike over the mountain to Kibune, about 2 hours.

The Kurama mountain trail has steps, so wear non-slip shoes. The mountains are colder than the city.

Stay: Shijo-Kawaramachi

Day 3 · Arashiyama and the Sagano Scenic Railway

Kyoto（Tenryu-ji、Arashiyama Bamboo Grove、Sagano Romantic Train、Togetsukyo Bridge）

Take the Hankyu line to Arashiyama. Walk around Tenryu-ji and the bamboo grove, then take the Sagano Scenic Railway from Saga station round trip to Kameoka, about 25 minutes. Return to the city in the evening.

Tickets for the Sagano Scenic Railway are hard to get during foliage season, so reserve seats online in advance.

Stay: Shijo-Kawaramachi

Day 4 · Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do

Kyoto（Nanzen-ji、Eikando Zenrin-ji、Philosopher's Path）

Take the Tozai Line to Keage, then walk to Nanzen-ji, Eikan-do and the Philosopher's Path. Take the subway back to Kyoto Station to leave.

Eikan-do's evening illumination requires a separate ticket. If you leave late, you can visit on your third night instead.

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