What comes to mind when you think of Kyoto?
There are many delicious foods, but what comes to mind most often are temples and shrines.
Kyoto is a place where one can enjoy the atmosphere of each of the four seasons all year round, but if you ask me to choose a season, I would say autumn.
The colorful autumn leaves make temples and shrines even more beautiful and solemn.
The conclusion is that in Kyoto during the crowded foliage season, it is recommended to enjoy the autumn foliage in a relaxed manner by shifting the time from famous tourist spots and crowded times.
By the way, I lived in Kyoto from birth until I got married.
I have taken countless friends sightseeing in Kyoto. I have visited many places during the autumn foliage season.
Based on this experience, I will tell you about the best places to visit in Kyoto during the autumn foliage season in an easy-to-understand manner.
By reading this article, you will be able to know the hole-in-the-wall places to visit in Kyoto during the autumn foliage season.
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Also readKyoto in May is known for its green foliage!!
When most people think of sightseeing in Kyoto, they probably think of cherry blossoms in spring and ...
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<Mimuroto-ji Temple> Usual viewing time: mid-November to early December
Mimuroto-ji Temple is the 10th temple of the pilgrimage to the 33 temples in the western part of Japan, and has been famous for its autumn foliage since the Edo period (1603-1867), when it was known as "Mimuroto no Beni Kaede" and one of the 12 most scenic spots in Uji.
The temple was founded in the Nara period (710-794). The current main hall was rebuilt in 1814.
The nearest station is Mimurodo Station on the Keihan Uji Line. It is one station before Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line, and is not crowded because there are no other sightseeing spots around the temple, making it a good spot for those who want to enjoy the autumn leaves in a calm atmosphere.
It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the autumn leaves in a calm atmosphere.
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the station to Mimuroto-dera Temple.
This is the three-story pagoda on the east side of the main hall. The contrast with the red leaves is beautiful.
There are various stone statues in the precincts of the temple that are believed to bring good luck, but this guardian snake is the one that stands out the most.
It is also called "Ugajin.
It is said that if you stroke the snake, you will be blessed with good health, longevity, and money.
I also stroked it.
I was so entranced by the colorfully changing leaves.
”Why are they so red?" Many people stopped to take a look.
There is a long flight of stairs before entering the temple grounds, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Mimuroto-ji Temple
<Ryoan-ji Temple> Usual viewing time: Late November to early December
Ryoanji Temple is a World Heritage Site and one of the representative temples of Kyoto.
The world-famous stone garden (formal: Hojo Garden) is a typical dry landscape garden.
Located in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, it is a 7-minute walk from Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae bus stop after taking the No. 50 city bus from JR Kyoto Station.
The journey takes about one hour or less.
Nearby is the famous Kinugasa Campus of Ritsumeikan University.
During the fall foliage season, the bright red leaves over the garden walls are a highlight.
There are 400 cherry trees and 400 maple trees on the grounds. Behind the oiled clay wall that surrounds the stone garden, a walking path extends straight ahead.
The path is covered with large trees, and when looking up from below during the fall foliage, the sun shines through the leaves, making them look like a red curtain.
It is like a red curtain.
Ryoan-ji Temple is crowded on Saturdays and Sundays in late November and early December when the autumn leaves are at their best.
However, there is never a two-hour wait, making it a good spot for visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage in a crowded Kyoto sightseeing spot.
Also, the temple itself is very spacious, so even if it is crowded, you will not be crammed in.
The most crowded time to visit Ryoan-ji Temple is during lunch time (around 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday in late November or early December, it is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowded time and take your time to view the leaves.
Ryoan-ji
<Gioji Temple> Usual viewing time: late November - early December
Gioji Temple is a historic hermitage that was mentioned in the Tale of the Heike.
The nearest station is Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line, a 20-minute walk away. The famous sightseeing spot "Arashiyama" is also nearby.
There are many different moss places in Kyoto, and Gionji Temple is one of the most popular moss places.
During the autumn foliage season, the contrast between the red of the maple trees and the green of the moss is very beautiful.
The leaves of the maple trees fall down on the moss, and a carpet of autumn leaves appears.
At this time, not so many leaves had fallen yet, so it was not like a carpet.
Beautiful maple leaves falling on the moss.
Located in a bamboo grove, it is quiet and serene.
Even if it is very crowded near Arashiyama, once you get to the Gionji area, there are relatively fewer people, making it a hole-in-the-wall spot.
However, there are more people than usual during the peak viewing season.
It is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowded noon (around 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and take your time.
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Conclusion
In this article, I have written about the best 3 places to visit in Kyoto during the autumn foliage season.
In Kyoto during the autumn foliage season, when it is crowded with people, it is recommended to enjoy the autumn foliage in a relaxed manner by avoiding famous tourist spots and crowded times.
The 3 places introduced in this article are good spots to visit.
If you use public transportation, please be patient, as the city buses are especially crowded.