Kyoto: Peak Colors

The peak of the autumn color season in Kyoto started about a week ago, and is currently still in full swing. Many of the city's autumn colors spots should remain at their best for a few days into the first week of December.

Alongside some first signs of decline I also noticed a considerable number of maple trees whose leaves have prematurely dried up, although the situation wasn't as prominent as at Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen the other day. It seems that the above-average summer heat and below-average rainfall may be to blame for this unfortunate phenomenon. But it wasn't bad enough to spoil everybody's joy about the seasonal spectacle.

In Arashiyama, we visited Tenryuji Temple, where the peak of the season is about to pass, Jojakkoji Temple, which was - as usual - the highlight of the day, and Nisonin Temple, where first signs of decline were also visible.

The mountain slope behind the Togetsukyo Bridge started to show bald spots, but overall Arashiyama should remain worth an autumn color visit for about another week to come.

At Nanzenji Temple the colors were spectacular in the low afternoon sun. Prematurely dried up trees were noticeable around the Sanmon Gate, but were overpowered by the brilliance of the other trees that attained their usual colors.

Eikando Temple, too, was still at its best, although in some areas of the garden the amount of barren branches is increasing. The peak of the season should continue for a few more days, while evening illuminations will be held through December 10 until 21:00 (entry until 20:30).