Kyoto Autumn Guide: Six Must-See Maple Spots in Arashiyama

Looking for a less crowded way to experience Kyoto's autumn leaf season? Arashiyama is an essential stop. While most visitors flock to the famous Tenryu-ji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, there are several hidden gems perfect for autumn foliage viewing. Here's my carefully curated one-day itinerary to help you discover Arashiyama's secret autumn spots, away from the usual tourist crowds.

The Perfect Route for Autumn Foliage:

Jojakkoji Temple ➔ Nisonin Temple ➔ Gio-ji Temple ➔ Enrian Temple ➔ Hokyo-in Temple ➔ Hogon-in Temple

Getting There

• From Kyoto Station: Take the JR Sanin Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to Jojakkoji Temple.
• From Shijo-Omiya Station: Take the Randen Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to Jojakkoji Temple.

Jojakkoji Temple

Pick a sunny day for the best experience. After a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, you'll reach Jojakkoji Temple. En route, stop by Mikami Shrine—Japan's only shrine dedicated to hair blessings. Perched on a hillside, Jojakkoji Temple is surrounded by maple trees. The morning light filtering through the leaves against the blue sky creates perfect photo opportunities. Don't miss the panoramic view of Kyoto from the hillside platform.

📍 3 Sagaogurayama Oguracho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8397, Japan(View on Google Maps)

Nisonin Temple

A straight path known as the "Autumn Leaves Riding Ground" leads you from Jojakkoji to Nisonin Temple. While beautiful year-round, the path is particularly stunning during fall. The temple's main courtyard offers a peaceful spot to rest and recharge—perhaps with a snack and tea under the autumn sun. By lunchtime, you'll find several traditional restaurants between here and Gio-ji Temple, serving local specialties like unagi (eel) rice and soba noodles.

📍 27 Saganisonin Monzen Chojincho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8425, Japan(View on Google Maps)

Gio-ji Temple

After lunch, venture to Gio-ji Temple. This intimate temple garden creates a mesmerizing scene where moss-covered ground meets fallen maple leaves, creating a shimmering tapestry of red and green under the sunlight. The peaceful atmosphere here offers a moment of contemplation away from the busier temples.

📍 32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435, Japan(View on Google Maps)

Enrian Temple

Timing is crucial for Enrian Temple. Plan your visit during peak autumn season or just after leaf fall to witness its famous "red leaf carpet." While the temple grounds are charming year-round, the autumn spectacle is what makes it truly special.

📍 2 Saganisonin Monzen Zenkoji Yamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8427, Japan(View on Google Maps)

Hokyo-in Temple

Here you'll find a spectacular garden where maple trees create a natural canopy overhead. For photography enthusiasts, the views through the traditional Japanese doors and windows from the main hall are particularly striking, especially if you're wearing a kimono. After capturing your memories, the main street of Arashiyama offers plenty of dining options to suit all tastes.

📍 9 Sagashakado Monzen Minamichuincho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8424, Japan(View on Google Maps)

Hogon-in Temple

The famous Shishiku Garden here masterfully incorporates Arashiyama's natural landscape with its autumn colors. The evening illumination transforms the garden into an enchanting experience—it's consistently rated among Kyoto's top three spots for viewing autumn foliage at night.

📍 Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, 36(View on Google Maps)

Best Viewing Times

Typically, the peak autumn colors appear from late November to early December. For real-time autumn leaf forecasts, check: https://koyo-walkerplus-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en

Travel Tips

• For crowd-free photos of Jojakkoji's iconic Niomon Gate, arrive before 8:30 AM.
• Tripods are not permitted at Hokyo-in Temple due to narrow pathways and visitor safety.
• Hogon-in Temple operates seasonally, opening only during autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. The evening illuminations during these periods are particularly magical.