Autumn Color Report 2012

Below is a list of some of Kyoto's most popular koyo spots with the approximate timings of the best viewing in the average year. Generally speaking, they are usually best in the second half of November.

Early Season

Takao Mid November Illumination 2012: 11/1 to 11/30, 17:00 to 20:00 The spectacular autumn colors around the temples in this forested valley north of Kyoto are usually at their best a few days before the autumn colors in the city center. Jingoji Temple is particularly nice and offers evening illuminations.

Sanzenin Mid November The autumn colors in the beautiful gardens of Sanzenin, a popular temple in rural Ohara, a 30 minute bus ride north of Kyoto are usually at their best a few days before the trees in central Kyoto.

Main Season

Tofukuji Mid to late November Usually best in the second half of November, Tofukuji Temple displays some of Kyoto's most spectacular autumn foliage. The views of and from the Tsutenkyo Bridge are particularly impressive, and the temple gets very crowded.

Arashiyama Late November to early December Arashiyama is a district at the outskirts of Kyoto. The forested mountains in the background and the trees on the grounds of Arashiyama's temples usually turn colors in the second half of November. Tenryuji, Jojakkoji, Nisonin and Gioji are some of the best temples for autumn colors.

Kiyomizudera Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 11/10 to 12/2, 18:30 to 21:30, 400 yen The highly popular Kiyomizudera is also a spectacular autumn color spot. The trees around the temples large wooded stages usually turn red in the second half of November.

Eikando Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 11/11 to 12/5, 17:30 to 20:30, 600 yen With their abundance of autumn colors, the temple grounds of Eikando are another of Kyoto's most popular koyo spots. It is one of several temples that offer special illumination opening hours in the evenings.

Yoshiminedera Mid to late November Similar to Kiyomizudera on Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama), Yoshiminedera is a temple on the slopes of Kyoto's western mountains (Nishiyama) with nice views over the city and beautiful autumn colors.

Kodaiji Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 10/20 to 12/10, sunset to 21:30, 600 yen Kodaiji Temple, not far from Kiyomizudera, is also known for its evening illuminations. The sight of the lit up maple leaves, reflecting on the surface of the temple's pond, are particuarly breathtaking.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa Mid to late November The spacious and elegant gardens of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa feature beautiful autumn colors during the second half of November. It can only be visited on tours, and advance reservations are mandatory.

Enkoji Mid to late November A small temple within walking distance of Shugakuin Imperial Villa (see above), Enkoji offers beautiful autumn colors. Be sure not to miss the spectacular bird's view of the temple from the hill behind.

Nanzenji Late November to early December Illumination 2012 (Tenjuan): 11/15 to 11/30, 17:30 to 21:00, 500 yen Besides the temple's main grounds, the subtemples Nazenin and Tenjuan are particularly popular autumn color spots with the latter featuring nice illuminations in the evenings.

Kitano Tenmangu Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 11/17 to 12/9, sunset to 20:00, 600 yen Kitano Tenmangu opens its maple tree garden to the public every fall. Illuminations are held during the peak of the autumn leaf season. The admission fee includes a cup of green tea and a snack.

Chionin Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 11/2 to 12/2, 17:30 to 21:00, 800 yen The massive head temple of the Buddhist Jodo sect attracts autumn leaf viewers by illuminating its freely accessible temple grounds and its gardens, for which an admission fee applies.

Shorenin Late November to early December Illumination 2012: 10/27 to 12/9, 18:00 to 21:30, 800 yen This temple in the Higashiyama District is known for its evening illuminations, which include a dry garden decorated with hundreds of blue LED lights.

Autumn Color Report 2012
Autumn Color Report 2011
Autumn Color Report 2010
Autumn Color Report 2009
Autumn Color Report 2008
Kyoto Autumn Color Report 2006

Autumn Leaves
Where to see autumn leaves?
When do trees turn colors?
What trees turn colors?