We will introduce you to some autumn foliage spots that are easily accessible from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi and where you can fully enjoy the autumn atmosphere. We will also introduce a carefully selected list of recommended spots where autumn leaves will be lit up to brighten up Kyoto at night.
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Table of Contents
- When is the best season to see autumn leaves?
- Three autumn foliage spots within walking distance of the hotel (Maruyama Park, Kodai-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple)
- Recommended Autumn Foliage Walking Course Starting from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
- Fantastic beauty! 4 autumn foliage illuminations
- Tips for avoiding crowds to comfortably enjoy the autumn foliage in Kyoto
- The next morning, recharge with energy at the hotel's breakfast buffet!
- Special plan for MATCHA readers only!
When is the best season to see autumn leaves?
If you want to fully enjoy the autumn foliage, the best time to see it is usually from mid-November to early December! In Kyoto City , where Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is located, the peak of the autumn leaves is in late November every year. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, and Eikan-do Temple, all within walking distance of the hotel, are especially recommended.
Three autumn foliage spots within walking distance of the hotel (Maruyama Park, Kodai-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple)
If you want to fully enjoy Kyoto in autumn, we recommend touring the autumn foliage spots within walking distance from the hotel. The picturesque walking paths of Maruyama Park, the fantastic illuminations of Kodaiji Temple, and the tranquil gardens of Kenninji Temple are all within walking distance. The view of the ancient capital colored by the autumn leaves is a luxury that can only be enjoyed during this season.
1. Maruyama Park - Suitable for a casual stroll
This is the oldest park in Kyoto City, and it's a great spot to enjoy both the vibrant autumn foliage and the charming atmosphere of Gion at the same time. The spacious park is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
■Address: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0071
■About a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
2. Kodaiji Temple - Emphasis on illumination
This temple was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Nene. It is famous for the "upside-down autumn leaves" in the garden, where the autumn leaves are reflected in the pond. The nighttime illuminations are fantastic, and you can enjoy a different look from the daytime.
■Address: 526 Kodaiji Shimogawaracho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0825
■From the hotel: About a 20-minute walk. About a 5-minute walk from the aforementioned Maruyama Park.
3. Kenninji Temple – Emphasis on tranquility
One of Kyoto oldest Zen temples, the contrast between the dry landscape garden and the autumn leaves is stunning. You can enjoy the autumn leaves at your leisure in the tranquil gardens such as the Choon Garden and Daiyuen Garden. The best viewing time can last until early December.
■Address: 584 Komatsucho, Yamato-oji-dori Komatsu Sagaru, Yamato -ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture , 605-0811
■About a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Recommended Autumn Foliage Walking Course Starting from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
For those wondering, "Where should I start?", here are some recommended walking routes.
14:00 Hotel check-in
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14:30 Enjoying the autumn foliage in the tranquil grounds of Kennin-ji Temple.
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16:00 Take a stroll through Maruyama Park , enjoying the scenery typical of Kyoto.
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17:00 Stroll around Kodaiji Temple and enjoy the Mount Higashiyama area at dusk.
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18:00 Kodaiji Temple is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy the magical sight of autumn leaves at night.
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20:00 Walked back to the hotel. Enjoyed a leisurely return to the hotel without worrying about the evening crowds.
Fantastic beauty! 4 autumn foliage illuminations
Kyoto in autumn is truly a world of fantasy. The scenery created by the autumn leaves and illuminated lights is a truly memorable experience. Below we introduce four carefully selected spots where you can enjoy illuminated autumn leaves.
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Emphasizing Kyoto unique character
This famous spot is also registered as a World Heritage Site. During the autumn foliage season, the view of the Nishiki mountains from the stage is spectacular. When lit up at night, the main hall and the autumn leaves appear fantastically illuminated, making you feel as if you are walking in an aerial garden. Along with the sound of the waterfalls of Otowa, the silence and majesty will envelop your soul.
■Address: 1-294 Shimizu -ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture Prefecture, 605-0862
■Access from the hotel
[Walk + bus: about 25 minutes]
-About a 10-minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi to Gion
- Take city bus route 100, get off at Saka , then walk for 10 minutes
[Taxi: Approximately 15 minutes (additional extra during peak hours)]
5. Eikan-do Temple – A must-see spot for autumn foliage.
The entire temple grounds are so beautifully enveloped in autumn leaves that it is nicknamed "Eikando of Maple Leaves." When lit up at night, the autumn leaves reflected in the Hojo Pond are a beautiful mirror. The tranquil atmosphere of the mountain temple and the fiery colors of the autumn leaves are almost like a purification of the soul.
★ Photo spot: The inverted reflection of the autumn leaves in the Hojo Pond is a must-see.
■Address: 48 Eikandocho , Sakyou Ward Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture , 606-8445
■Access from the hotel
[Walk + subway + walk: approximately 30 minutes]
- From Shijo Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma Oike Station, then take the Tozai Line to Keage Station
- Approximately 15 minutes' walk
[Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes]
6. Toji Temple - For iconic five-story pagoda views
Toji Temple is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of every season, but in autumn it is like a timeless picture scroll. The magnificent contrast between the five-story pagoda and the autumn leaves is reflected on the surface of the pond, creating a fantastical sight. In addition, at night, when the temple is lit up, the space in harmony with nature is enveloped in light, creating a tranquil and majestic atmosphere that deeply moves the hearts of visitors. Enjoy the fleeting beauty of Kyoto that can only be experienced during the autumn foliage season.
★ Photo spot: Take a beautiful photo with the five-story pagoda in the background, across the pond.
■Address: 1 Kujo-cho , Minami Ward -ku, Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture , 601-8473
■Access from the hotel
[Walk + train: about 20 minutes]
- Take the Kyoto Kyoto Kawaramachi Station to Karasuma Station, then transfer to the subway Kujo Station
- Approximately 10 minutes' walk
[Taxi: Approximately 15 minutes]
7. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine - A hidden gem?
This shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. The Maple Garden on the west side of the shrine grounds is lit up, and the autumn leaves reflected in the Kamiya River are fantastic.
■Address: Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo-ku , Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture Kamigyou Ward
■Access from the hotel
[Walk + bus: about 30 minutes]
- Take city bus route 51 from Shijo Kawaramachi and get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae bus stop
[Taxi: Approximately 20 minutes]
Tips for avoiding crowds to comfortably enjoy the autumn foliage in Kyoto
Autumn in Kyoto is one of the most popular seasons of the year. To help you enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage at your leisure, here are some tips to avoid the crowds.
Popular spots are best visited in the morning or evening.
Popular autumn foliage spots like Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, and Eikan-do get crowded with tourists during the day. If you want to stroll around at a more leisurely pace, it's recommended to aim for the early morning hours, right after the temples open and just before the illuminations begin and before they close. The air is especially clear in the morning, making it an ideal time for photography.
Enjoy a stress-free autumn leaf viewing experience on foot.
Kyoto is especially crowded with tourists during the autumn foliage season. While you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, you may find yourself spending more time than expected due to traffic jams and crowded buses.
In such cases, I recommend taking a walk to enjoy the autumn foliage.
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is surrounded by many popular spots that are easily accessible on foot, such as Kennin-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, and Kodai-ji Temple. You can enjoy the Kyoto style streetscapes and charming alleys while traveling, making the journey itself a memorable part of your trip.
Another major advantage is being able to walk back to the hotel after leisurely enjoying the illuminated Kodaiji Temple. You can also leave in the morning before the crowds really start to build up and enjoy the autumn foliage in a quieter atmosphere.
Using Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi as your base, you can enjoy Kyoto's autumn at your own pace without worrying about the stress of travel. Why not enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kyoto while visiting autumn foliage spots?
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyoto, unique to the autumn foliage season, by taking a leisurely stroll on foot.
The next morning, recharge with energy at the hotel's breakfast buffet!
All of the places we've introduced have completely different looks during the day and at night, so be sure to take your time to enjoy the autumn scenery of Kyoto , woven together by the colors of the autumn leaves and the play of light . And there's one more thing we'd like you to try: the breakfast buffet, one of Hotel Forza's specialties!
Autumn is the season for appetite, so why not enjoy a morning trip to Kyoto to enjoy the autumn leaves?
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi offers a Japanese and Western buffet made with plenty of local ingredients.
A breakfast featuring autumn flavors such as freshly cooked Koshihikari rice (changes daily) from Hachidaime Gihee, miso soup made with Kyoto miso, and Nishiri pickles is one of the joys of travel. Enjoy a moment of satisfaction in both body and mind before embarking on a walk to admire the autumn leaves.
Please ask the front desk staff if you wish to use this service.
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