Kyoto in autumn is a fascinating tourist destination that combines beautiful autumn foliage and rich culture. Of course, you should not miss the view of the autumn leaves, which can only be seen at this time of the year.
This article details the highlights of Kyoto in autumn, from a description of the weather and clothing for autumn travel to the best places to visit in Kyoto in autumn!
To learn more about Kyoto, check here.
Kyoto in Autumn
Weather
Autumn in Kyoto is characterized by cool and pleasant weather; the summer heat can still be felt in September, but the weather gradually cools down from October to November. Average temperatures range between 20° and 30°C (68° and 86°F), with mornings and evenings sometimes slightly cooler. For this reason, it is a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan. Autumn is also the season of typhoons, so we recommend that you check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
Things to Do
Kyoto in autumn is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. Temples, gardens, bamboo groves, and moss gardens in particular attract visitors with their autumn foliage. The scenery of the autumn leaves and historical buildings, as well as the reflections of the leaves on ponds, are also highlights of the city. Autumn in Kyoto is a season when you can enjoy nature and history at the same time while strolling around.
Autumn Fashion
In Kyoto in autumn, you will need clothing that can cope with the temperature difference between daytime and morning/evening. Long-sleeved shirts and blouses made of lightweight material are recommended, and a cardigan or light jacket can be worn when it is cold. It is also helpful to bring a folding umbrella in case of sudden rain. Sneakers that are easy to walk in are best for footwear.
Things to do in Kyoto in Autumn
Let’s go see the autumn leaves!
Autumn leaf viewing is an essential part of Kyoto in autumn. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, Eikando, and other famous spots to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves. In particular, you should not miss the nighttime illumination events.
Ruriko-in Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, the trees on the temple grounds turn brilliant colors from early October to early December, and the entire garden is covered in red and yellow autumn leaves. Especially famous is the view of the autumn leaves from the second floor of the Shoin (drawing room), where visitors are mesmerized by the picture-perfect autumn leaves in the garden. During the autumn foliage season, the temple is open to the public for a special exhibition, allowing visitors to enjoy the inside of the building and the scenery that is not usually seen.
Kiyomizu Temple, famous for its “Kiyomizu-no-butai” (stage of Kiyomizu), is also a temple 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. During the special viewing period, the temple is illuminated at night to create a fantastic scene.
Real-time information on autumn foliage can be conveniently found on official websites and SNS. Some places frequently introduce current foliage conditions, so please check them out in advance to make your trip wonderful.
Experience traditional crafts!
Autumn is also known as “autumn of arts” and is the best season to experience Kyoto’s traditional crafts. Visitors can actually experience a wide variety of crafts such as pottery, dyeing, and lacquer ware making. Experienced craftspeople will teach you in detail, so even beginners can enjoy the experience. Experiencing crafts is a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s culture and history, and to create your own special piece of art. Why not experience Kyoto’s traditional crafts in the mild autumn weather while enjoying the autumn leaves?
Enjoy fall events!
Kyoto in autumn is bustling with a wide variety of festivals. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery while experiencing Kyoto’s history and culture, making it a special time of year.
The Jidai Matsuri is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto and is held as an annual festival of Heian Shrine. People dressed in costumes from each period from the Heian Period to the Meiji Period form a procession and parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. The grand procession of people dressed in historical costumes and customs will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Enjoy seasonal taste picking
Along with the beauty of autumn leaves, this is the perfect season to enjoy autumn taste picking. You can fully enjoy the rich autumn in Kyoto while enjoying the bounty of nature.
Visitors can enjoy picking chestnuts, persimmons, grapes, and other seasonal fruits and chestnuts by themselves. The experience of enjoying the fresh taste of autumn at a local farm and communing with nature is exceptional. Come to Kyoto in autumn and enjoy the bounty of the season and its abundant flavors.
Kyoto in September
September in Kyoto is the month in which you can gradually feel the autumnal weather, but especially at the beginning of the month, the summer heat often still lingers. Average temperatures range between about 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, and although many days feel hot during the day, mornings and evenings begin to cool down and gradually become more comfortable. It is also a time when the weather is susceptible to typhoons, so one should pay attention to changes in the weather.
Check here for more details in September.
Kyoto in October
In October, Kyoto has a pleasant temperature with a hint of autumn. Average temperatures range from about 15°C to 20°C, with warm days and slightly cooler nights. Morning and evening temperatures can be particularly chilly, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket.
Check here for more details in October.
Kyoto in November
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. The days can still be a bit warm, but the mornings and evenings are often chilly, so it is a good idea to wear a light jacket and scarf.
Check here for more details in November.
