Kyoto’s south, which holds the renowned Nanzen-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, experiences chilly November weather with average highs of 17°C and lows of 7.8°C (Japanese Meteorological Agency 1981-2010 Yearly Averages Report). While the final third of the month is traditionally colder, particularly during mornings and evenings, recent trends have seen an increase in tamer winters.

Pleasant, sunny days are frequent, allowing you to stretch your legs with long walks while admiring the stunning scenery.

Northern Kyoto, home to the famous Amanohashidate and Fukuchiyama Castle Park, is colder than the southern parts, speeding up the appearance of fall colors by a week. Of course, all these trends are bound to change, so definitely search for the most current information before heading out!

During peak fall time in Kyoto, the numerous cloudless days beget harsh rays of sun. Naturally, when enjoying the outdoor autumn foliage, you’ll bear the brunt of it, so a trusty hat is an absolute essential! While a parasol will help, it can get in the way when taking photos, which is why passionate photographers tend to opt for hats along with shoulder bags or backpacks instead!

The best places to see fall foliage are in mountains and temples, which often means large distances and lengthy walks. Uneven mountain tracks, gravel paths, and other places not meant for casual walking necessitate socks and a sturdy pair of sneakers. No matter how good you look in high-heels, it’s just not worth the pain!

For early November, a thick sweater over a shirt or light jacket over a blouse is perfect, while the extra cold from mid-November will necessitate a thicker jacket or coat. While recent years haven’t seen particularly cold winters, the full brunt of the cold will generally come as early as December, so be prepared! That said, many days experience drastic temperature change, so wearing clothes you can easily take on and off is most recommended!

To celebrate the beauty of autumn, foliage festivals are held at many of Kyoto’s temples and shrines. Pop up tea rooms, stalls, music, and other fun activities and events are eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists alike. Crowds will be intense, so take extra care not to forget your mask! If you have any pollen allergies, best to be cautious to avoid any nasty reaction.

As it gets closer to late autumn, sunset arrives sooner and nights get longer. There are lots of temples and shrines who hold special light-up events during this time, allowing visitors to take in a completely new scene from the daytime. However, evenings and nights are particularly chilly, so definitely put on a thick sweater and warm jacket before heading out! With the right clothes, you can take in the autumn leaves at night without any regrets the next day!

Many tourist attractions also have a restaurant serving a special autumn dinner. Book in advance so you can add delicious Kyoto cuisine to your trip’s itinerary!

- Kifune Shrine
- Sanzen-in Temple
- Hosen-in Temple

- Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
- Nijo Castle
- Kitano-temmangu Shrine

- The Philosopher’s Walk
- Honen-in Temple
- Eikan-do Temple
- Nanzen-ji Temple

- Arashiyama
- Togetsu-kyō
- Tenryuji Temple
- Ryōan-ji

- Tofukuji Temple
- Sennyuji Temple
- Jonangu Shrine

Whether it be in the mountains or the middle of the city, Kyoto is packed with brilliant fall sightseeing spots! While the mild weather of autumn allows you to enjoy these sights comfortably, it’s important to prepare your suitcase for any drastic temperature changes!

To adjust accordingly, bring layers of clothes that can be easily added or taken off when needed, such as a scarf and jacket. Once you’ve checked all the boxes, you’ll be ready to comfortably enjoy the breathtaking elegance of the ancient capital’s renowned fall foliage!

You can even revisit these locations in other seasons, such as during the blooming of the cherry blossoms in spring or when summer’s fresh new leaves arrive to see another, equally stunning side to the ever-beautiful Kyoto.

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended experiences on our partner site, Voyagin!