Kyoto’s south, which holds the renowned Nanzen-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, experiences cooler November weather with average highs of 18°C during the day, but colder lows of 9°C at night (Tables of Monthly Climate Statistics, Japanese Meteorological Agency). While the final third of the month tends to grow colder, particularly during mornings and evenings, it is still pleasant enough to enjoy without too much discomfort.

Pleasant, sunny days are frequent, allowing you to stretch your legs with long walks while admiring the stunning scenery. You can literally get lost in the culture of Japan, or the rich nature of Kyoto – the choice is yours!

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 dayswill subject you to a fair bit of sunshine. Naturally, when enjoying the outdoor autumn foliage, you’ll bear the brunt of it, so a trusty hat and sunglasses are absolute essentials!

Moreover, you can easily get caught out by the sunny weather, and that is why it is essential to pack suntan lotion, aftersun and enough drinks and snacks.

The best places to see fall foliage in Kyoto are up mountains and in temples, which can also be up mountains, and these often mean going 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 shoes. You may love your high-heels or running shoes, but they will not be worth the pain and blisters when you have to walk long distances.

Be sure to take frequent breaks to rest your legs and feet, and while you are doing so, be sure to check out the beauty of your surroundings! You might also want to consider booking a hotel with an onsen so that every evening you can relax your body, and particularly your feet, in the hot waters of a hot spring.

For early November, a sweater over a shirt or light jacket over a blouse is perfect, while the extra cold from mid-November will necessitate a thicker sweater or a 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 can experience drastic temperature changes, so wearing layers that you can easily take on and off is most recommended!

In this regard, you will need to think carefully about what you take with you. In addition to autumn essentials such as suntan lotion, you should consider clothes which can easily be taken out or put in a backpack, and to consider how heavy your backpack is – while speaking of backpacks...

Foliage festivals are held at many of Kyoto’s temples and shrines to celebrate the beauty of autumn, while pop up tea rooms, stalls, music, and other fun activities and events are eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists alike. However, in order to enjoy all of these, as well as the long distances you might need to walk, nothing can beat a comfortable and well-prepared backpack. As mentioned before, make sure to pack water, snacks and other essentials. But more importantly, leave room in your backpack for putting on or taking off any layers.

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. Also, be sure to pack medicine in case you do catch a cold so that you can recover quickly and enjoy your trip!

Below is a selection of our most recommended places to visit in Kyoto to enjoy autumn colors. Tap the image to view more information about the place, including related tours.

The Rakuhoku area in the northern part of Kyoto is known for its natural beauty, temples, and traditional crafts. On one hand, it is beautiful in autumn thanks to the amazing colors of the leaves, but on the other hand it is also known for great ramen. You might want to check our the autumn leaves and then sit down somewhere for a nice hot bowl of ramen.

Rakuchu refers to the center of Kyoto, which includes its historic heart. At famous sites like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you can get closer to the deep culture of ancient Japan amid coloful fall foliage. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining districts afterwards while you ponder Kyoto’s history and beautiful natural sights.

Rakutou is one of the four traditional areas of Kyoto, and it is located in the Eastern Higashiyama district. Bordering the Higashiyama mountain range, and its temples and shrines become intertwined with the numerous colors of the trees that surround them.

The Rakusei area is in the northwestern part of Kyoto and it is famous for its serene gardens alongside historical sites. The Katsura River flows through this part of the city, adding to its stunning natural beauty in the fall. Check out the Togetsu-kyo Bridge for autumn scenery that needs to be seen to be believed.

The Rakunan area in Kyoto is in the south of the city and it has landmarks such as temples, sake breweries and rice fields. Check out the natural beauty of the area, and follow it up with some delicious sake.

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.