From This Weekend: Kyoto City Implementing Traffic Regulations for Fall Foliage Season Crowds (Must-Read!)
- Written by: Nemi Lin
As autumn arrives, vibrant green leaves gradually turn deep red, painting the streets with a distinct autumn charm. Kyoto, a popular destination for visitors to Japan, is about to welcome crowds for its fall foliage season. Popular spots like Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji, and Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama district, as well as Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo groves, and Tenryu-ji Temple in the Arashiyama area, attract not only international tourists but also many Japanese visitors, making the already bustling streets even more crowded.
To address this situation, the Kyoto City Government has implemented traffic regulations specifically for the Higashiyama and Arashiyama areas. If you're planning a trip to these districts, be sure to take note of the key points summarized in this article to avoid getting stuck in the heavy crowds during your visit to Kyoto!
Main image source: PIXTA
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Traffic Regulations in Kyoto’s Higashiyama & Arashiyama Areas
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!
Traffic Regulations and Tips for the Higashiyama Area
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.
- Relevant Dates: November 23, 24, 30; December 1
- Higashioji Street Social Experiment (New)
・Staff with signboards, plus banners and utility pole signage will guide vehicles not heading to Higashioji Street to reroute via Horikawa Street.
・From 12 PM–7 PM: Only one southbound lane will be open for straight traffic at Higashiyama Marutamachi intersection (north side). - Traffic Regulations Around Higashiyama Gojo (Continued)
・From 10 AM–7 PM: Northbound vehicles on Higashioji Street cannot turn right toward Kōdai-ji Temple's South Gate.
・From 12 PM–7 PM: Southbound vehicles on Higashioji Street cannot turn left toward Kiyomizu-zaka Tourist Parking Lot.
・From 12 PM–7 PM: Westbound vehicles on Gojo Street cannot turn right toward Kiyomizu-zaka Tourist Parking Lot.
・From 7 AM–7 PM: The taxi stand at Ōtani Honbyō Temple will be closed, with traffic signs in place. - Traffic Regulations Around Tofuku-ji Temple (Continued)
・From 9 AM–4 PM: Temporary traffic control on Honmachi Street (Kujo Overpass to Takio Shrine).
・From 9 AM–4 PM: North of Kujo Overpass (Honmachi Street to Sanyo Kasei Gate) becomes one-way westbound.
・From 9 AM–4 PM: Detours in place at Honmachi Street (Kujo and Jūjō) and Shidan Street (Jūjō).
・From 9 AM–4 PM: Entry to roads leading to Tofuku-ji Temple is prohibited.
Traffic Tips
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!
Traffic Regulations and Tips for the Arashiyama Area
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.
- Relevant Dates: November 23, 24, 30; December 1
- Nagatsuji Street (from Sanjō Street to Marutamachi Street)
・From 10 AM–1 PM: Northbound one-way street regulated for vehicles (except motorcycles and light vehicles).
・From 1 PM–5 PM: Pedestrian-only street regulated for all vehicles, including light vehicles. - Saga Street (from the north side of Togetsukyo Bridge to the front of Hankyu Arashiyama Station (excluding the area between the south side of Togetsukyo Bridge and Matsuo Arashiyama along Route 66))
・From 10 AM–5 PM: Southbound one-way street regulated for vehicles (except route buses and light vehicles). - Directing tourists to less crowded areas (Sagano area) to disperse the crowds
・As part of the Tourism Industry Bureau's "Promoting the Charm of Diverse Areas" project, staff and signboards will guide tourists to the Sagano area to ease congestion in crowded spots. - Installation of AI cameras
・AI cameras will monitor pedestrian traffic on Nagatsuji Street (north-south) and from Togetsukyo Bridge (north side) to Kameyama Park (west), gathering data for future improvements. See below for a congestion forecast.
- Relevant Dates: November 23, 24, 30; December 1
- Nagatsuji Street (from Sanjō Street to Marutamachi Street)
・From 10 AM–5 PM: Northbound one-way street regulated for vehicles (except motorcycles and light vehicles). - Nagatsuji Street operates as a northbound one-way street every weekend and national holiday year-round from 10 AM–5 PM, excluding motorcycles and light vehicles. During the last two weeks of November, this regulation extends to weekdays.
To accommodate residents, southbound buses at the Nagatsuji Street stop will operate normally until 8 AM and after 5 PM (*1). From 9 AM–4 PM (*1), buses will follow the same weekend and holiday schedule.
(*1 Saga Elementary School bus stop schedule.)
Additionally, a pedestrian-only road will be enforced on November 23, 24, 30, and December 1. Detours will be in place during this time.
Transportation tips
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!
Discover Spots to Avoid the Autumn Foliage Crowds
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!
Pay attention to the traffic control and 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!
Nemi has been living in Japan since 2015. She attended a Japanese-Chinese translation school in Japan and volunteered as a translator at the Osaka International House Foundation for 2 years. A busy mother, she explores trendy cafes, value-for-money buffets, and captures beautiful moments of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple leaves in her free time. She often travels with her family during holidays, collecting regional snacks and sampling local puddings. Nemi regularly shares top foodie spots, the best locations for picturesque views, and family-friendly guides to Osaka on her Instagram.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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