Recommended spots for autumn leaves sightseeing with kimono rental in Kyoto

It’s well-known that Kyoto is filled with recommended tourist spots. However, not many can smoothly answer which ones are the best to visit. The conversation changes when it comes to renting a kimono in Kyoto and wanting to see the autumn leaves.

This article introduces recommended spots for autumn leaf viewing in Kyoto. By checking information about spots that match well with kimonos, you can enjoy a fulfilling autumn leaf tour.

※This article was created and supervised by TripFarm Co., Ltd., operator of Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku.

For Enjoying Autumn Leaves in Kimono, Choose Rikawafuku

If you are considering renting a kimono during Kyoto’s autumn leaves season, please utilize Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku! Rikawafuku is conveniently located near Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple, famous for autumn leaves. Rikawafuku Arashiyama Shop is a 3-minute walk from Togetsukyo Bridge. Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Shop is just a 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple.

1. Conveniently located with 4 shops for Kyoto tourism
2. Affordable rental rates starting from 3,500 yen (tax included)
3. All plans come with unlimited kimono choices!

Take advantage of the Kyoto Kimono Couple Plan and the popular Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Student Discount Plan for couples and students. Check out the full list of Rikawafuku’s Kyoto shops here ＞Rikawafuku Kyoto Shop List

Arashiyama Autumn Leaf Spots to Enjoy in Kimono

Arashiyama in Kyoto is a widely recognized autumn leaf destination. Some spots are only open during the autumn leaf season. The ambiance of both traditional Japanese and autumn atmosphere makes these spots perfect for kimono. You’ll definitely want to visit them in a rented kimono.

With many tourist spots, there are numerous kimono rental shops, making it easy to rent a kimono and enjoy the autumn leaves.

Togetsukyo Bridge

When talking about autumn leaves in Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge is an unmissable tourist spot. It’s a symbol of Arashiyama, as synonymous with Arashiyama as it gets.

For kimono rental in autumn in Kyoto, Arashiyama is a popular spot for couples, students, and women’s trips. In 2019, retro kimonos were in vogue, matching beautifully with the mountainside full of stunning autumn leaves. However, it’s unavoidably crowded around there.

Regarding car access, there are large municipal parking lots nearby, but they usually fill up by 11 a.m., so taking the train is recommended. For fewer crowds, early morning is best. The peak of autumn leaves typically spans late November to early December.

The closest Rikawafuku shop to Togetsukyo Bridge is the Rikawafuku Arashiyama Shop.

If you’re planning a kimono stroll around Togetsukyo Bridge, please consider using Rikawafuku!

Hougon-in

Hougon-in, which features a seasonal light-up during autumn, allows you to enjoy not only daytime but also nighttime autumn leaves. The light-up isn’t limited to just a part but covers the entire premises, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves wherever you look.

The Shishiku garden, in particular, is a highlight within Hougon-in. It gets crowded during weekends and peak autumn leaves season, sometimes resulting in waiting times. The best viewing period for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

Enrian

Enrian, which usually requires reservations for viewing, opens to the public during the autumn leaves season. It offers a stunning view of scattered red leaves, providing a perfect backdrop for kimono-clad visitors. While there are fewer group tourists, it can get crowded with photographers capturing the scattered leaves.

To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit right after opening or on weekdays. The peak viewing period for autumn leaves is from mid-November to mid-December, but it’s recommended to visit later to see the scattered leaves.

Autumn Leaves Spots Around Gion with Kimono Rental

The Gion area in Kyoto offers a chance to enjoy a scenic town filled with autumn charm.

There are numerous kimono rental shops in the Gion area, allowing you to find one that suits your preference and budget.

Although Kiyomizu Temple is famous, there are plenty of other autumn leaves spots around Gion.

Therefore, even those who want to enjoy Gion beyond Kiyomizu Temple can relish Kyoto’s autumn leaves.

Nanzen-ji

Nanzen-ji offers three main areas to enjoy autumn leaves. It’s a popular spot among women who rent kimonos in Kyoto even outside the autumn leaves season. Its accessibility, about 10 minutes by train or taxi from Gion, makes it popular among those wearing rented kimonos.

The area around the Sanmon gate, with its buildings and autumn leaves, is a perfect combination, making it ideal for walking in a kimono. While the spacious grounds mean it doesn’t feel too crowded, it starts to get busy after 10 a.m. The peak viewing period for autumn leaves is from mid-November to late November.

For more detailed information about strolling around Nanzen-ji in a kimono, please see this article ＞Renting a Kimono for Nanzen-ji (Kyoto) Visit with Rikawafuku | From 3500 yen

Rikawafuku Gion Shop is about a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Zenrin-ji

Zenrin-ji, known for its Eikan-do, is a famous spot for autumn leaves, renowned as “Autumn Leaves of Eikan-do.” Approximately 3,000 maple trees are planted here, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn leaves from any path they take.

Therefore, it can be said to be an excellent spot for photo shoots. It’s also certain that the overall atmosphere complements kimono wear.

It’s so popular that lines form before opening, and it’s better to visit in the morning, anticipating some wait time. The peak viewing time for the autumn leaves is from mid-November.

Autumn Leaves Spots Accessible After Kimono Rental at Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple is an indispensable tourist attraction in Kyoto, with about 5 million visitors annually. You can overlook the autumn leaves from the Kiyomizu Stage, making it a renowned spot for autumn foliage viewing.

Below are quieter spots to enjoy autumn leaves after viewing them at Kiyomizu Temple. While Kiyomizu Temple can be crowded, these slightly more remote locations allow for a more enjoyable experience in a kimono.

Kiyomizu Temple

This is Kiyomizu Temple, a classic tourist spot for kimono rental in Kyoto.

The area around the stage of Kiyomizu Temple is beautifully colored red during the autumn leaves season, offering a spectacular view.

The area around Kiyomizu Temple includes Ninenzaka and Yasaka Koshindo, which are recommended spots for those wearing rented kimonos, making it a must-visit place during the autumn leaves season.

The nearest Rikawafuku store to Kiyomizu Temple is Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store.

Entoku-in

Entoku-in is famous as the place where Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s wife, Nene, spent her later years. While the grounds are not very large, the well-maintained beautiful garden is a must-see. It’s also lit up after sunset during the autumn season, offering a fantastical view.

Being less well-known than other famous autumn spots, it tends to be less crowded. The best viewing time for autumn leaves is from early to late November.

Chion-in

Chion-in, affectionately known as “Choin-san” by locals, offers beautiful scenery throughout the year, with autumn leaves being no exception. The scenic stone steps surrounded by autumn leaves are recommended for walking in a kimono. The area becomes crowded from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so it’s best to avoid these hours. The peak viewing time for autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December.

Renting a Kimono in Arashiyama is Surprisingly Affordable?

When thinking of renting a kimono in Kyoto, Arashiyama, the price is a concern. You might think it’s expensive, but that’s not the case.

Arashiyama is a competitive area for kimono rental shops. Only those with good quality kimonos, excellent service, and reasonable prices survive.

So, please enjoy renting kimonos at an affordable price in Arashiyama!

If you plan to stroll in Arashiyama in a kimono, please visit Rikawafuku Arashiyama

Store!

Kimonos Enhance the Experience of Autumn Leaves Viewing

Some might think that viewing autumn leaves doesn’t require a kimono. The threshold for kimono rental may seem high to many. However, Kyoto’s autumn leaves differ from others, with attractions like light-ups and established tourist spots.

To elevate the charm of autumn leaves viewing, wearing a kimono is indispensable. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Japanese culture and feel the arrival of autumn. Even if you don’t own a kimono, consider renting one to enjoy the autumn leaves even more. You can simultaneously enjoy the autumn leaves and kimono at any tourist spot.

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Article Author

Rikawafuku has four kimono rental stores in Kyoto, located in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and near Kyoto Station. In 2022, we served over 180,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
We offer dressing plans from 4,000 yen, and hair setting plans from 5,000 yen, with affordable options available.
Our stores are near popular tourist destinations such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine.
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