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Kyoto in Nov 1-4, where to go for fall colors 2023/10/13 18:44
We will be in Kyoto in Nov 1-4.
Unfortunately it seems autumn is delayed this year, though by how much I do not know.
While it is too late to change anything and we would have gone with or without autumn colors, if we can get some that would be great, because we have never seen Kyoto in autumn before.

I was hoping the higher elevations of Mt Hiei and possibly sagano railway/arashiyama may afford a chance.

The current plan:
Nov 1: Nishiki market/gion/walk around town (Arriving late the day before)
Nov 2: Arashiyama bamboo forest, sagano railway, maybe the boat ride on the return
Nov 3: Mount Hiei
Nov 4: Kyoto palace/nijo castle, gion again (Departing early the next day)

Any recommended changes/substitutions?

While we cannot expect any of these places to be vibrant red this time of year, what are the chances of yellow leaves or partially changing?
by TP (guest)  

Re: Kyoto in Nov 1-4, where to go for fall colors 2023/10/14 16:15
Early November is too early, not just this year, but in normal years as well.
https://weathernews.jp/koyo/area/kyoto/
According to the forecast on October 12th, the season for Mt. Hiei will start from November 10th onwards.
Depending on the future temperatures, the season may be moved earlier.
https://weathernews.jp/koyo/spot/26104/?fm=pref
https://weathernews.jp/koyo/spot/26017/?fm=pref
Biwako Valley (a ski resort in winter) seems to be in season around that time.
https://www.biwako-valley.com/topics/40639
https://www.biwako-valley.com/en/summer-season-activity/
Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka City may also be in season.
https://weathernews.jp/koyo/spot/26160/?fm=pref
https://kuwayama-jinjya.jp/
Please also refer to this.
https://koyo.walkerplus.com/list/ar0726/
by haro1210 rate this post as useful

Re: Kyoto in Nov 1-4, where to go for fall colors 2023/10/14 19:35
Thanks for the info, Biwako Valley may be doable as a day-trip from Kyoto instead of Mt Hiei.
However as they are both in the same general area, and the ropeway up Biwako Valley doesn't seem that tall, why is it the fall colors come on there sooner than Mt Hiei?


by tp (guest) rate this post as useful

Re: Kyoto in Nov 1-4, where to go for fall colors 2023/10/15 12:32
The altitude of Biwako Valley is 1,100m, and the altitude of Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji Temple is 848m, a difference of more than 250m.
It is said that the temperature decreases by 6.5 degrees for each 1000m increase in altitude.
Therefore, the temperature in Biwako Valley is about 1.5 degrees lower, so the leaves turn red earlier.
by haro1210 rate this post as useful

Re: Kyoto in Nov 1-4, where to go for fall colors 2023/10/15 15:45
Thanks for the explanation Haro, definitely worth a try if there are no colors in Kyoto proper.
I find it strange that just 250m or 1.5 degrees can make a difference, but I am no botanist :)
by tp (guest) rate this post as useful

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