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Attractions & day tripsForecasts put Kyoto's 2026 autumn leaves at their best from about 20 to 26 November at most of the famous temples, with central gardens holding colour into the first week of December. Weathernews forecasts Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama from 20 November, Tofuku-ji from 24 November and Eikando and Kiyomizu-dera from 25 to 26 November; Ohara's Sanzen-in turns first, around 17 November. The Japan Meteorological Corporation's city-wide maple forecast is later, at 11 December, six days behind average. These are forecasts, updated through November, so check them again the week before you go. Below: the spots, the 2026 night light-ups, and how to see them without the worst of the crowds.
Published July 26, 2026 · Last updated
Two forecasters cover Kyoto, and they measure different things. Weathernews gives a peak-start date for each named spot. Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) forecasts the date the benchmark maples in the city turn fully red, which usually lands later than the temple gardens people visit.
Weathernews peak-start forecasts for 2026 (as published in October):
• Ohara, Sanzen-in: around 17 November
• Tenryu-ji (Arashiyama): around 20 November; Jojakko-ji: 23 November; Arashiyama generally and Hogon-in: 25 to 26 November
• Tofuku-ji and Daigo-ji: around 24 November
• Eikando, Nanzen-ji and Kodai-ji: around 25 November
• Kiyomizu-dera and Kitano Tenmangu: around 26 November
JMC's 1 October forecast put Kyoto's red-maple peak at 11 December (average 5 December) and the yellow ginkgo peak at about 27 November. In practice, the last ten days of November into the first days of December is the safest window for 2026. Kibune and Kurama in the northern hills usually turn from early to late November, ahead of the city.
• Tofuku-ji: the view from Tsutenkyo bridge over a valley of some 2,000 maples is the classic Kyoto autumn shot. The 2026 autumn period runs 14 November to 6 December, when Tsutenkyo opens at 8:30 instead of 9:00 and the combined ticket is suspended. Photography on the Tsutenkyo and Gaunkyo bridges may be restricted at peak crowds, and tripods are not allowed.
• Eikando (Zenrin-ji): known in Kyoto as momiji no Eikando; dense colour around the pond and the hillside pagoda, plus a night light-up.
• Kiyomizu-dera: the wooden stage above a hillside of maples; it opens at 6:00 most of the year, which is the single best crowd trick in Kyoto. Our Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji guide covers tickets and what to wear.
• Arashiyama: Tenryu-ji's garden, Hogon-in and the moss-and-maple Jojakko-ji up the hill; colour turns here a few days before central Kyoto.
• Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path to Eikando: a good half-day on foot, with free colour along the way.
• Kurama and Kibune: the Eizan Railway's maple tunnel and riverside shrines; check Eizan's site for the 2026 autumn timetable and light-up before going.
Many temples reopen after dark with the maples lit. Dates and fees announced for 2026 (adult prices):
• Kiyomizu-dera: 21 to 30 November, 17:30 to 21:00 (last entry), 500 yen.
• Eikando: 20 November to 6 December, 17:30 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30), 1,000 yen.
• Kodai-ji: 23 October to 13 December, from 17:00 (last entry 21:30), 800 yen.
• Kitano Tenmangu Momiji-en: 13 November to 6 December, sunset to 20:00, 1,500 yen including tea and a sweet.
• Shoren-in: 6 November to 6 December, 18:00 to 22:00 (last entry 21:30), 1,500 yen.
• Toji: 31 October to 13 December, 18:00 to 21:30, 1,000 yen; Hogon-in (Arashiyama): 13 November to 6 December, 1,000 yen.
General entry needs no reservation at these. Earlier-entry slots at Toji, Hogon-in and Shoren-in, and the after-hours visits at Tofuku-ji, Rurikoin, Kennin-ji and Shinnyo-do, are sold only as advance packages through JR Central's "Souda Kyoto" EX travel booking; the temples themselves do not take reservations. Arrive at opening time; queues at Eikando and Kiyomizu build fast after 18:00 on weekends.
The worst crowding falls on the weekends and the 23 November public holiday (Labour Thanksgiving Day, a Monday in 2026). Tour buses and day-trippers from Osaka arrive from about 9:30. A plan that works:
• 6:00 Kiyomizu-dera, then walk down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka before the shops open.
• 8:30 Tofuku-ji at Tsutenkyo opening, ideally on a weekday. It is one stop from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line.
• Afternoon in a quieter spot (Daigo-ji, Ohara, or the northern Shugakuin and Shisen-do area), then a night light-up after dark.
Buses are the weak point in November: lines to Kiyomizu and Arashiyama fill at the first stop. Use the trains and subway where you can, and read our Kyoto city bus guide for fares and which routes to avoid. For staying overnight in Arashiyama or the Higashiyama area, book early: November is Kyoto's busiest month for hotels.
Fitting autumn into a short stay? Our 3 days in Kyoto itinerary maps the neighbourhoods.
Weathernews forecasts most famous temples peaking from about 20 to 26 November 2026, with Tenryu-ji first and Kiyomizu-dera around 26 November. JMC's city-wide maple forecast is 11 December, so central gardens should hold colour into early December. These are forecasts and are updated through November.
Not for general entry at Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando, Kodai-ji and most others. Earlier-entry slots and the after-hours openings at Tofuku-ji, Rurikoin, Kennin-ji and Shinnyo-do are sold only as JR Central Souda Kyoto packages.
During the 2026 autumn period (14 November to 6 December) Tsutenkyo and the Hojo garden are ticketed separately and the combined ticket is not sold. Tsutenkyo opens at 8:30. Check the temple's fee page for the current price, which rises in autumn.
Kiyomizu-dera opens at 6:00 most of the year, which makes it the best first stop on an autumn morning. Its 2026 night viewing runs 21 to 30 November until 21:00 for 500 yen.
For 2026, the last ten days of November into the first days of December is the safest window. Arashiyama and Ohara turn first; central gardens like Tofuku-ji and Eikando hold into early December.
Entry rules change, and they depend on your nationality — always confirm the current requirements on the official government site before you book or apply. Only use official government (.gov) portals; ignore look-alike agency sites.
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