Kyoto’s best hidden autumn foliage spots (as of November 25, 2024)
Yoshie Doi
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Photographed on November 23, 2024 at Takamine Joshoji Temple
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Photographed at Takamine Joshoji Temple on November 24
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Kyoto Imperial Palace, November 23, 2024. Ginkgo trees and October cherry blossoms
Photo taken at Bishamon-do on November 24, 2024
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Photo taken on November 25, 2024 Nishi Honganji Temple
Due to the intense heat of summer, the autumn leaves are a little late, and the leaves are different from usual. It’s a shame that they are not as vibrant. In response to requests for information on little-known spots for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto, I would like to introduce some little-known spots that I enjoy every year.
First, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, located in the center of Kyoto, is a place where you can enjoy various flora and fauna in a vast area with no admission fee. I always enjoy the ginkgo trees along Marutamachi Street. They always shine golden, but when I took this photo on November 23rd, they didn’t seem to be in full shine golden yet. October cherry blossoms were also in bloom.
When I visited Bishamon-do Temple, located on the north side of the canal in Yamashina Ward, a temple attendant told me that the best time to see the leaves is this week (25th to 30th). The autumn leaves festival is held every year on November 23rd. This year, the timing has shifted and the best time to see the leaves is this week.
Also, Joshoji Temple in Takagamine, Kita Ward is in full shine golden. Am I the only one who feels a different, refreshing air as I enter the Yoshinomon Gate? Numerous trees on the vast grounds welcome you. On the day I visited, an obi memorial service was taking place, as shown in the second photo. The grave of Yoshinodayu is also here, making this a temple with a connection to kimonos. The Ihoan teahouse, which is associated with Tayu, also remains.
The 400-year-old ginkgo tree, a natural monument at Nishi Honganji Temple near Kyoto Station, will be in full bloom from early to mid-December. Last year, the best time to see the trees was around November 25th, but a monk at Nishi Honganji said that this year it is later than usual.
The Narihira Autumn Leaves Illumination at Jurinji Temple (Arashiyama) was test-lit on November 24th this year. It will be fully illuminated from next year. Please enjoy.
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Translated by Masami Otani
