Traffic Regulation Dates: November 23, 24, 30; December 1.

In addition to the usual regulations, new measures will be introduced, such as staff holding signboards with directions and designated time periods restricting right and left turns. Whether you’re planning to drive yourself or use public transportation, make sure to stay informed and prepared.

The traffic regulations in the Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas vary slightly. LIVE JAPAN will provide detailed explanations for each area, along with some helpful tips. If you're planning a trip to Kyoto to enjoy the fall foliage, keep reading for all essential information!

A classic Kyoto sightseeing spot, the Higashiyama area is a must-visit! From the teahouse-lined streets of Gion to the poetic willow-lined Gion Shirakawa and the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its Kiyomizu Stage, every corner exudes history and traditional Japanese charm, captivating countless visitors.

In addition to its timeless beauty, the area offers unique attractions throughout the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, the famous Gion Festival in summer, vibrant autumn leaves in fall, and, with a bit of luck, snow-covered scenery in winter—Higashiyama’s ever-changing appeal keeps it lively all year round.

Since the Higashiyama area gets very crowded during the fall foliage season, it's recommended to take a combination of train, bus, and walking to visit the attractions. For example, to get to Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto Station, you can take the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station, then transfer to the Keihan Railway and get off at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. From there, it's a 25-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera.

If you'd like to explore more spots, you can also walk from Hankyu Railway's Shijo-Kawaramachi Station or Keihan Main Line's Gion-Shijo Station to Kiyomizu-dera. While it's about a 30-minute walk, you'll pass by attractions like Hanamikoji Street and Yasaka Shrine along the way, allowing you to enjoy even more sights—highly recommended!

Located in the western part of Kyoto, the Arashiyama area is famous for its stunning natural beauty and historic temples, making it a popular spot for tourists. Highlights include the towering bamboo groves of the Bamboo Path, the scenic views from the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple. For a more leisurely experience, you can also take a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, enjoying the gentle breeze while admiring the beautiful seasonal landscapes.

During the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the Arashiyama area sees a huge influx of visitors, and sometimes the crowds even spill over onto the sidewalks from the Togetsukyo Bridge. To address this issue, the Kyoto City Government has launched the "Promoting the Charm of Various Areas" initiative, which includes setting up guide staff and signs to direct tourists to less crowded spots in Arashiyama.

We highly recommend visiting Hōrin-ji Temple. Not only can you escape the crowds, but you'll also be able to enjoy views of the famous Katsura River, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryū-ji Temple. It's the perfect way to both avoid the overwhelming crowds and appreciate some of the area's iconic scenery — truly a win-win!

In addition to the Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas, there are many other spots in Kyoto where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves! One such place is Bishamondo Temple, located near JR, the city subway, and Keihan's Yamashina Station, which is famous for its vibrant fall foliage.

From mid-November to early December, Bishamondo Temple is filled with brilliant red leaves, especially along the path leading from the worship hall to the Imperial Messenger Gate. The fallen leaves create a beautiful carpet, making the whole scene feel like something out of a romantic Japanese drama—it's truly a unique experience!

If you find the traffic regulations too complicated or prefer to avoid the crowds on public transport, joining a day tour is another great option. You can easily reach your destination by bus, and the best part is you can visit multiple attractions in one day. It's a smart way to enjoy the autumn leaves!

Every year, Kyoto sees a surge of tourists during the autumn foliage season. To ensure a pleasant trip, don't forget to keep an eye on traffic control updates and make good use of public transportation and walking. Walking can help you avoid the crowds and traffic jams!

With the high number of people and vehicles, there will inevitably be delays or waiting times. Be sure to allow extra time in your itinerary, to avoid rushing and just skimming the surface of the attractions. For real-time updates, you can check the "Kyoto Tourism Crowding Forecast" website to see the current crowd conditions in various areas.

Despite the crowds, as long as you maintain a positive attitude while traveling, you're sure to create unforgettable memories this beautiful season!