Kyoto: Approaching Peak

Today we continue with our autumn color coverage, this time from Kyoto. I visited three temples in Kyoto known for their seasonal foliage, and I am pleased to report that the leaves are quickly approaching their best. I expect this weekend and next week to be the best times to see the changing colors.

I was in Tokyo on Wednesday and in Korankei yesterday, where the ginkgo leaves looked attractive and the maple leaves were quickly developing vibrant red and orange hues. Similarly, I expect this weekend and next week to be ideal for leaf watching in those two cities.

My day started at Kiyomizudera at sunrise. I found the maple trees here to be quickly approaching their best. While some trees had completely red leaves, for many others the outer parts were mostly red, but their interiors were still green. I expect this weekend and next week to be the best times to see the colors at their peak.

Next, I headed to Shinnyodo Temple not far from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). The maple leaves were at their peak colors with majority of the trees sporting red and orange leaves. Shinnyodo Temple was easily the nicest, peak autumn colors, and least crowded spot I visited today, yes, even less crowded than Kiyomizudera Temple at 6:30 in the morning. I expect the colors here to remain at their best through this weekend and into next week.

Tofukuji Temple, a popular autumn color viewing spot in Kyoto, was my final destination for today. The valley of maple trees between the two bridges were very close to peak colors, and I expect the leaves to reach their best over the next few days. I expect the Tofukuji to be very crowded over the weekend, so those planning a visit should be suitably prepared for crowds or pick an early or late visit time.