If you are going to go sightseeing, you may want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the situation, events, and recommended spots in Kyoto in November for those who are interested in such things.
*The schedule of the events introduced here is subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility for the schedule.
About Kyoto in November
Weather
November is usually a good time for sightseeing with little precipitation. It is the time of year when the weather begins to cool down, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 to 15 degrees Celsius at night.
Events
Many events are held in November. Especially from mid to late November, visitors can enjoy the fall foliage viewing, and the beautiful autumn leaves color the gardens and mountains. Visitors can also enjoy delicious Japanese food and matcha (powdered green tea) experiences, allowing them to appreciate culture and food at the same time.
Travel
Kyoto is known for its historical buildings and beautiful gardens, and November is especially the best time to see the autumn leaves. It is also a great time to visit famous sites such as Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Because of the huge number of tourists, be sure to book your hotel several months in advance.
November Fashion
In Kyoto in November, the days are still a bit warm, but the mornings and evenings are often chilly, so it is advisable to wear a light jacket and scarf.
Best season for autumn foliage!
From mid to late November, the autumn foliage in Kyoto is at its most beautiful. The maple trees turn bright red and yellow, and their beauty can be enjoyed throughout the city.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is famous for “Kiyomizu-no-butai” (the stage of Kiyomizu) and is registered as one of the World Heritage sites. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December. The view of the autumn leaves from the stage of Kiyomizu is breathtaking, and the entire temple grounds are colored red and yellow. During the special viewing period, the temple is illuminated at night to create a fantastic scene.
Eikando（Zenrin-ji Temple）- 永観堂（禅林寺）
Eikando (Zenrin-ji Temple) is located in Eikando-machi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. It is famous as “Eikando of maple leaves” and is one of the best places in Kyoto to view the autumn foliage, which is at its best from mid to late November, and can be enjoyed throughout the temple grounds. There are approximately 3,000 maple trees on the temple grounds, with the areas around Hoshoike Pond and the Taho-to (pagoda) in particular being highlights.
The garden is also illuminated at night, creating a fantastic scene that differs from that during the daytime. The stone-paved paths and the garden are illuminated, making the beauty of the autumn leaves stand out even more. Visitors are advised to check the official website in advance to confirm the opening period and lighting schedule.
Enkouji Temple（圓光寺）
Enkouji Temple is located in Ichijyo-ji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December. The autumn leaves in the Jugyuno-niwa Garden are especially beautiful, contrasting beautifully with the mossy landscape in the garden. The autumn leaves viewed from the shoin (drawing room) are also as beautiful as a picture frame, attracting visitors. During the autumn foliage season, the garden is illuminated at night, offering a fantastic view of the autumn leaves that is different from that in the daytime.
Visit temples and shrines for special viewings.
Autumn Special Viewing is an opportunity for cultural properties and gardens that are normally closed to the public to be opened to the public for a limited period of time, and has become an autumn tradition in Kyoto.
Kamigamo Jinja Shrine (上賀茂神社)
It is the oldest shrine in Kyoto and is worshipped as a god to ward off bad luck. During the special autumn visit, visitors can see the main hall and the Gonden Hall (A place where the sacred objects are carefully enshrined while the shrine is being repaired), both national treasures. In addition, visitors can receive an explanation of the shrine’s history from a priest.
Shimogamo Jinja Shrine (Kamomioya Jinja Shrine) – 下鴨神社（賀茂御祖神社）
Located in Shimogamoizumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, the shrine is believed to be the god of good harvest and protection from bad luck. During the festival, the main shrine, a national treasure, and the Mitsui Shrine, designated as an important cultural property, are open for special viewing.
Enjoy seasonal taste picking
November in Kyoto is the perfect season to enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves as well as the taste of autumn. Visitors can fully enjoy Kyoto’s rich autumn while enjoying the bounty of nature.
Senya Farm（千弥農園）
For about a month and a half, until early December, orange Fuyu persimmons bear fruit and persimmon picking begins. These persimmons are large and sweet, and are nature’s bounty to relieve summer fatigue. An assortment is available for home use or as a gift. Sukiyaki and grilled meat can also be enjoyed with reservations required.
Senya Farm official website: http://www.1008senya.com/
Keihoku Forest Park（京北森林公園）
Keihoku Forest Park is a facility where visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest, including mushroom picking and barbecue. Visitors can taste freshly picked mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, and nameko mushrooms on the barbecue. A “mushroom cultivation experience” is also available, from fungi cultivation to harvesting. It is advisable to inquire in advance.
Keihoku Forest Park Official Website: https://keihokumorinohiroba.com/
For those who want to know more about Kyoto
