Tips for a trouble-free kimono stroll in Arashiyama during the autumn foliage season

The scorching summer in Kyoto is gradually giving way to cooler weather, and soon the autumn foliage season will arrive.

Whether you’ve been planning to visit Arashiyama in the autumn for a while or have been impulsively inspired by magazine and TV features, you’ll want to make the most of your memories when viewing the fall foliage, right?

So, in this article, we’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide to Arashiyama during the autumn foliage season, just for you. We also provide guidance on kimono rentals to enjoy your foliage viewing even more!

Points for Strolling in Kimono During the Autumn Foliage Season in Arashiyama

The autumn foliage season in Arashiyama is the time of year when the most tourists visit, and kimono rental shops can get crowded, so it’s essential to make early reservations.

Make Reservations at Kimono Rental Shops Early

The autumn foliage season in Arashiyama (from November to the first week of December) is the busiest time for kimono rentals in Arashiyama throughout the year.

If you plan to rent a kimono on weekends or holidays, it’s highly recommended to make your reservation at least two weeks in advance.

This is evident when looking at the reservation status of Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop, so we can state this with confidence.

You can make reservations for Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop here.
> Check out the list of kimono rental plans in Kyoto.

Use Public Transportation to Get to Arashiyama

There are few parking lots around Arashiyama, and they tend to fill up quickly during the peak season. When renting a kimono, it’s recommended to use public transportation to get to Arashiyama.

Moreover, traffic congestion can be severe, so using public transportation is essential to avoid any mishaps.

Allow Extra Time for Your Activities

When strolling in kimono in Arashiyama during the foliage season, it can get very crowded due to the large number of tourists. Therefore, it’s essential to allow extra time for your activities. For example:

1. Walking may take longer than usual due to the crowds.
2. Popular photo spots can be crowded with people taking pictures.
3. Restaurants and eateries may have waiting times.

As everything takes a bit longer during this time, having some extra time is important to avoid any rush or inconvenience, especially if you’re visiting with friends or as a couple.

When Is the Peak Season for Autumn Foliage in Arashiyama?

The foliage in Arashiyama typically starts changing colors in mid-November and reaches its peak from late November to early December.

However, the exact timing may vary slightly depending on the temperature that year, so if you can plan your visit closer to the date, it’s also recommended to check the weather forecast and TV reports for foliage information.

Arashiyama is surrounded by mountains and tends to get significantly colder from late November due to its location, so it’s crucial to take precautions against the cold when renting a kimono. You can read about cold weather kimono rental tips in “10 Tips for Staying Warm When Renting a Kimono in Kyoto”

You might be worried about hotel availability if you plan your visit at the last minute. However, Kyoto has many guesthouses where you can stay with friends in the same dormitory and enjoy the feel of a school trip. These accommodations are usually affordable, allowing you to spend the extra money on delicious food and souvenirs.

Top 3 Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots in Arashiyama

Arashiyama offers numerous fantastic spots for foliage viewing. However, we’ve picked some locations that are within walking distance from Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop for your convenience when considering kimono rental in Arashiyama.

For those who prefer not to walk long distances in a kimono or want to explore other places and return quickly, this is also a great option!

Recommended Autumn Foliage Spot in Arashiyama: Togetsukyo Bridge

First and foremost, we recommend the famous “Togetsukyo Bridge” in Arashiyama (a 5-minute walk from Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop). You may have heard of this bridge before, as it’s quite famous.

While the view of the foliage from Togetsukyo Bridge itself is undoubtedly beautiful, the best angle is just before the bridge.

When the colorful mountains, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the river come together in one view, it’s truly breathtaking, and you’ll be glad you came here.

Arashiyama offers plenty of gourmet street food, so you can satisfy your hunger while enjoying the scenery. Capture a photo with Togetsukyo Bridge in the background and show it off to your friends!

Recommended Autumn Foliage Spot in Arashiyama: Hogonin Temple

Second, we recommend “Hogonin Temple” located within the grounds of Tenryuji Temple (a 13-minute walk from Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop). The main attraction of Hogonin Temple is undoubtedly its Shishiku Garden.

The vibrant colors of red, yellow, orange, and more are incredibly stunning. This place has been used for filming in movies and TV dramas due to its beauty.

During the autumn foliage season, special viewings are held, so it’s a must-visit!

Recommended Autumn Foliage Spot in Arashiyama: Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Torokko Train)

Third, we recommend the “Sagano Scenic Railway” (Sagano Torokko Train) in Arashiyama, where you can fully enjoy the autumn foliage (a bus ride or a 14-minute walk from Nakahana Kimono Arashiyama Shop). The view of the foliage from the train is truly spectacular.

It runs at a slightly faster pace than a bicycle and slows down even more at the most beautiful spots, allowing you to capture the beauty of Arashiyama’s foliage and valleys in photos.

While feeling the autumn breeze on the Torokko Train is enjoyable, it can get quite cold, and you may worry about your hairstyle being disrupted, so it’s advisable to choose a seat with window glass.

Since it’s not always possible to wear a kimono at other autumn foliage spots, it’s sure to be a special memory. Perfect for those who want to take Instagram-worthy photos! 😉

Experience Extraordinary Moments in Stunning Scenery and Kimono

There may be times when you think, “I’d like to experience something out of the ordinary” even in your busy daily life.

Even at such times, with kimono rental, you can create memorable experiences that you wouldn’t normally have, especially when combined with the scenic beauty of Kyoto. Arashiyama, in particular, with its vibrant autumn colors, feels like a different world, and just putting on a kimono can elevate your mood, making even a simple stroll much more enjoyable! 🍁

What’s the Average Cost of Kimono Rental in Arashiyama?

If you’re planning to rent a kimono in Arashiyama, the average cost for a basic kimono rental plan, which includes only dressing, is usually around 2,000 to 3,000 yen.

With a plan that includes hairstyling, the cost ranges from 4,000 to 10,000 yen, and some shops even offer plans exceeding 20,000 yen.

Of course, when renting a kimono, you’d want to get the best deal possible, right? 🤑

At Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama, you can rent various kimono styles for the same price. For a plan that includes hairstyling, it costs 4,980 yen.

If you have a student discount, you can use it for 3,500 yen, which is quite a deal. They also have couple discounts and more, so be sure to check them out!

Capture Memories with Kimono Rental in Arashiyama During the Autumn Foliage Season

During the autumn foliage season in Kyoto, especially in Arashiyama, you can witness extraordinary scenery that you wouldn’t normally see.

Of course, you can enjoy your visit in regular clothes, but by renting a kimono, you’ll not only look great in photos but also experience a sense of novelty that will elevate your mood. 🍂

When you think of kimono rentals, it may seem intimidating, but at Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama, same-day reservations are welcome, and they provide everything you need. You can even go there empty-handed if you want! (laughs)

You can also bring your own accessories like hair ornaments, so if you want to look even more adorable, bring your favorite items and try customizing your look! 😊

This autumn, to create the best memories, consider renting a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono and visiting Arashiyama!