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Kyoto•••

Autumn Color Report 2017
Kyoto Autumn Color Spots

Kyoto (‹ž“s, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Top attractions in Kyoto

Central Kyoto
6
Food and Drink

Pontocho•
Narrow lane offering atmospheric dining.
3.7 / 5
1,047
7
Historic Site

Nijo Jinya•
Former inn for visiting feudal lords.
3.7 / 5
512
10
Shopping

Kyoto Station
Kyoto's futuristic railway station building.
3.3 / 5
4,454
11
Zoo/Wildlife

Kyoto Aquarium
Modern aquarium west of Kyoto Station.
3.3 / 5
98
12
Viewpoint/Tower

Kyoto Tower
Modern landmark of Kyoto.
3.0 / 5
1,792
Show All Central Kyoto
Eastern Kyoto
7
Historic Site

Gion•
Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
4.0 / 5
3,594
13
Temple

Eikando Temple
One of Kyoto's most famous autumn color spots.
4.0 / 5
430
15
Shrine

Yasaka Shrine
Popular shrine hosting the Gion Festival.
3.6 / 5
1,538
16
Park

Maruyama Park
Kyoto's most popular park for cherry blossoms.
3.4 / 5
640
Show All Eastern Kyoto
Southern Kyoto
4
Temple

Toji Temple•
Large temple with Japan's tallest pagoda.
3.8 / 5
1,189
Northern Kyoto
4
Shrine

Kibune•
Town with shrine in the northern mountains.
4.3 / 5
177
6
Temple

Kurama•
Rural town with temple and hot spring.
4.1 / 5
438
7
Town/Neighborhood

Ohara•
Rural area famous for Sanzenin Temple.
4.0 / 5
412
9
Temple

Takao•
Wooded valley with temples north of Kyoto.
3.9 / 5
188
10
Temple

Hieizan•
Mountain temple complex of the Tendai sect.
3.8 / 5
487
14
Temple

Enkoji Temple
Nice Zen temple known for its autumn colors.
4.0 / 5
144
15
Temple

Manshuin Temple
Important temple near Shugakuin Imperial Villa.
4.0 / 5
59
Show All Northern Kyoto
Western Kyoto
1
Town/Neighborhood

Arashiyama••
Pleasant district at the outskirts of Kyoto.
4.3 / 5
2,435
2
Temple

Kokedera••
Called moss temple because of its garden.
4.1 / 5
338
9
Scenic Ride

Hozugawa Cruise
Scenic boat ride down a river towards Arashiyama.
3.9 / 5
76
10
Scenic Ride

Sagano Railway
Nostalgic sightseeing train through a scenic valley.
3.9 / 5
267
Show All Western Kyoto
Events
2
Festival

Hanatoro•
Twice annual light up event.
4.1 / 5
212
3
Festival

Aoi Matsuri•
Historical parade from the Heian Period.
3.9 / 5
235
4
Festival

Jidai Matsuri•
Historical parade covering an entire millenium.
3.7 / 5
189
Side Trips from Kyoto
3

Osaka••
Largest city of the Kinki Region.
4.1 / 5
6,852
5

Himeji••
Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle.
4.1 / 5
2,629
6

Uji•
City south of Kyoto known for its temple and tea.
4.1 / 5
1,282
8

Kobe•
Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake.
3.8 / 5
3,331
9

Iga Ueno•
Former castle town famous for ninja.
3.4 / 5
550
10

Miyama
Rural town with lots of thatched roof houses.
4.1 / 5
30
12

Koka
Rural city known as a homeland of the ninja.
3.1 / 5
116
Show All Side Trips from Kyoto

Access and Orientation

TokyoKyoto
Getting to and around Kyoto

Links and Resources

English

Kyoto Official Travel Guide

Official website of the Kyoto Tourism Council.

Kyoto City Web

Official website of the city of Kyoto.

Cycle Kyoto

Practical information on how to explore Kyoto by bicycle.

Kyoto Zigzag Tour

Walking tours around Kyoto by a volunteer group.

Johnnie's Kyoto Walking

Popular walking tour of Kyoto by Johnnie Hillwalker.

Atsuko's TeQTeQ Kyoto Walking Tour

Professional tour guide offering not expensive, not major, but amazing Kyoto walking tours.

Cool Kyoto Walking Tour

Walking tours with Joe Okada, known as the Last Samurai.

Nagomi Visit

Meet locals all over Japan in their own home to eat and cook.

Japanese

Kyoto City Web

Official website of Kyoto City.

Hotels around Kyoto

Sponsored
Kyoto Ryokan ''The Kinoe'': Japanese-style inn and cuisine
Located in Kyoto's most popular district, Gion. We specialize in Kyotofs traditional cuisine.
Sponsored
Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama
Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
Sponsored
Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel chain worldwide for 2010&2011 by Hostelworld.com customers. 9 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station. Beds from 2,400 yen.
Sponsored
Kaede Guesthouse
Opened in 2015 in the heart of Kyoto. Roof-top BBQ & Spacious lounge with kitchen. Mixed dorm, family rooms & private rooms. 6min walk from subway Shijo Station.
Recommended Hotels
Backpackers Hostel Ks House Kyoto
One of Kyoto's most popular hostels. A ten minute walk from Kyoto Station.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located inside Kyoto Station, this is Kyoto's most convenient 4-star hotel.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel
Elegant luxury hotel located near Sanjusangendo Temple.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Khaosan Kyoto Guest House
Cheap and popular hostel located in the heart of the city near Kawaramachi Station.
Book:
Agoda Booking
New Miyako Hotel Kyoto
Reasonably priced 3-star hotel located just across the street from Kyoto Station.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto
Modern hotel along Sanjo Street close to Pontocho and other dining options.
Book:
Agoda Booking

Tours and Experiences

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
( Kyoto Private Tours ) - Hire a Guide! - TripleLights Japan Custom Day Tours in English with licensed tour guides for Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo and more. Watch each guide's videos and choose the best guide for you!
Page last updated: December 31, 2014