If you want to enjoy the autumn leaves in Kyoto, we recommend renting a kimono!

In recent years, Japan’s history and traditional culture have been gaining attention from around the world. Kyoto, which is always popular, sees an increase in tourists throughout the year, but the number of visitors surges even more during the autumn when the leaves change color.

The combination of the scenic traditional streets of Japan with the vibrant red leaves is truly captivating.

When you visit Kyoto, seeing the autumn leaves is a must-do activity. Have you ever seen it on TV or in magazines and thought, “I want to see Kyoto’s autumn leaves too!”?

That’s why in this article, we’ll provide clear explanations of recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves and how to enhance your Kyoto trip with kimono rental, so you can create exceptional memories this autumn!

Popular Autumn Foliage Spots in Kyoto

Kyoto boasts numerous charming tourist spots, with many historical shrines and traditional streets that remain throughout the year. While you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, the period of autumn foliage is particularly special.

Recently, more places have added evening illuminations, allowing visitors to appreciate the vibrant autumn colors not only during the day but also after dark.

The ideal time to view Kyoto’s autumn foliage varies slightly depending on the location, but generally, it falls between early November and early December.

In this article, we will introduce must-visit autumn foliage spots in Gion, Higashiyama, Kyoto Station area, and Arashiyama, encouraging you to explore Kyoto’s autumn beauty.

Gion and Kiyomizu Temple Area Autumn Foliage Spots

In the Gion and Higashiyama areas of Kyoto, the essential autumn foliage spots and the estimated walking time from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Shop or Kiyomizu Temple Shop are as follows:

1. Kennin-ji Temple (6 minutes walk from Gion Shop / 7 minutes walk from Kiyomizu Temple Shop)
2. Chion-in Temple (9 minutes walk from Gion Shop / 14 minutes walk from Kiyomizu Temple Shop)
3. Kodai-ji Temple (10 minutes walk from Gion Shop / 4 minutes walk from Kiyomizu Temple Shop)
4. Kiyomizu-dera Temple (22 minutes by bus and walk from Gion Shop / 11 minutes walk from Kiyomizu Temple Shop)
5. Nanzen-ji Temple (24 minutes by bus and walk from Gion Shop / 33 minutes by bus and walk from Kiyomizu Temple Shop)

Since Kennin-ji Temple and Chion-in Temple are close to Kodai-ji Temple, it’s recommended to visit them together. The contrast between historical buildings and the colors of the autumn leaves is absolutely wonderful.

If you rent a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple Shop, the recommended course is:

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Kodai-ji Temple → Kennin-ji Temple → Chion-in Temple
2. Rental reservation time: 10:00 AM
3. Duration: Full day
4. Highlights: This course is perfect for those who want to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

This is a full-day course designed to explore the Kiyomizu-dera Temple area. Considering the heavy crowds in the vicinity, it’s a well-timed course.

If you rent a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Shop, the recommended course is:

1. Nanzen-ji Temple → Chion-in Temple → Kennin-ji Temple → Kodai-ji Temple
2. Rental reservation time: 9:30 AM
3. Duration: Full day
4. Highlights: It’s recommended to use a taxi to reach Nanzen-ji Temple. This course is for those who can’t miss Nanzen-ji Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s must-visit tourist spots, is currently undergoing renovation on its famous Kiyomizu Stage until March 2020. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy views of the three-story pagoda and the beautiful autumn foliage. In a way, the fact that you can see Kiyomizu-dera during this unique period adds a special touch to the experience.

Kyoto Station Area Autumn Foliage Spots

In the vicinity of Gion and Higashiyama in Kyoto, here are the recommended autumn foliage spots, along with the estimated travel time from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Shop or Kyoto Station:

1. Tofuku-ji Temple (20 minutes by bus and walk from Gion Shop / 10 minutes by train and walk from Kyoto Station)
2. Temple (30 minutes by bus and walk from Gion Shop / 7 minutes by train and walk from Kyoto Station)
3. Umekoji Park (36 minutes by bus and walk from Gion Shop / 6 minutes by train and walk from Kyoto Station)

There are many places around Kyoto Station that offer beautiful views of autumn foliage, making it convenient to access these spots. The collaboration between Tofuku-ji Temple’s garden and the five-story pagoda with the autumn foliage is truly impressive.

Moreover, Umekoji Park, located within the city, tends to be relatively less crowded, making it a hidden gem. During the autumn foliage festival, it stays open until 9 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy the illuminated nighttime scenery.

If you’re looking to rent a kimono and explore the autumn foliage spots around Kyoto Station, Rikawafuku Kimono Kyoto Station Shop comes highly recommended!

Arashiyama Area Autumn Foliage Spots

For those planning to visit Arashiyama, here are the autumn foliage spots you definitely don’t want to miss, along with the estimated travel time from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Arashiyama Shop:

1. Togetsukyo Bridge (5 minutes walk from Arashiyama Shop)
2. Hogon-in Temple (13 minutes walk from Arashiyama Shop)
3. Tenryu-ji Temple (13 minutes walk from Arashiyama Shop)
4. Sagano Torokko Train (20 minutes walk from Arashiyama Shop)

When it comes to Kyoto’s autumn foliage, Arashiyama is a must-visit destination. While the foliage within shrine precincts is undoubtedly beautiful, the vibrant colors covering the entire mountainside are truly exceptional.

If you rent a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Arashiyama Shop, the recommended course is:

1. Togetsukyo Bridge → Tenryu-ji Temple → Bamboo Grove → Sagano Torokko Train
2. Rental reservation time: 10:00 AM
3. Duration: Full day
4. Highlights: Togetsukyo Bridge is the highlight of Arashiyama during the autumn foliage season, but it can get crowded. So, you can consider enjoying it on your way back. Tenryu-ji Temple has an entrance fee, but it pairs perfectly with the stone garden, making it a recommended spot!

The autumn foliage views from the Sagano Torokko Train in Arashiyama are absolutely breathtaking. The beautiful autumn foliage gardens of Hogon-in Temple and Tenryu-ji Temple are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

When you think of Arashiyama, the Togetsukyo Bridge is famous, and the contrast between the bridge and the autumn foliage is truly spectacular, making it a must-see!

Recommended Kimono Colors for Autumn Foliage Viewing

When it comes to autumn foliage viewing, it’s a great opportunity to wear a rental kimono.

Recommended kimono colors are warm tones like red and brown. Conversely, cool-toned kimonos are not highly recommended, as they are associated with summer.

Why Renting a Kimono for Kyoto’s Autumn Foliage Viewing is Recommended

When visiting Kyoto during an autumn trip, renting a kimono is highly recommended.

It’s not often you get the chance to wear a kimono for autumn foliage viewing at other destinations, but in Kyoto, a kimono suits the atmosphere perfectly.

By exploring Kyoto in traditional attire, you can experience a sense of uniqueness and escape from the ordinary.

There are various advantages to renting a kimono when viewing the autumn foliage in Kyoto, so we will introduce the recommended points about kimono rental here!

If you’re thinking, “I want to create unique memories during my Kyoto trip,” be sure to check this out.

Renting a Kimono to Match Your Autumn Foliage Plans

When planning a Kyoto trip, you may schedule visits to different places, such as “visit here in the morning and go there in the afternoon.”

Renting a kimono can be tailored to your schedule, making it convenient. Additionally, Rikawafuku Kimono has shops in Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, Arashiyama, and Kyoto Station, so you can rent a kimono near the places you want to visit.

Rikawafuku Kimono also accepts same-day reservations, so if you see others wearing kimonos and think it looks nice, you can easily rent one yourself! You don’t need to bring anything as everything you need is provided. With the help of professionals for dressing and hairstyling, you can look even more adorable than anyone else.

Even with a hairstyle set, you can depart in as little as 40 minutes, so you can rent a kimono in the afternoon and still have plenty of time to create memories!

★Explore more articles recommended for your trip to Kyoto.
Where is the best reservation area for kimono rental in Kyoto?

Kimono Outfits Perfectly Complement Kyoto’s Autumn Foliage

Rikawafuku Kimono offers a wide variety of kimonos with different colors and patterns at their Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, Arashiyama, and Kyoto Station stores. It can be fun to choose a kimono that complements the autumn foliage.

If you choose a kimono in similar colors to the autumn foliage, your photos will naturally blend with the scenery. On the other hand, if you choose a kimono in contrasting colors, you can capture fantastic and unique photos with vivid color contrasts.

At Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku, all the necessary accessories are provided, including hair ornaments. However, in Kyoto, there are many souvenir shops, and during the autumn foliage season, you can find hair ornaments with an autumn theme. If you come across a hair ornament that catches your eye at a miscellaneous goods store during your Kyoto exploration, it’s cute to put it on right there! ♡

Not only are the historical buildings and the autumn foliage breathtakingly beautiful, but wearing a kimono enhances the overall beauty. If you take photos at the Kyoto autumn foliage spots we’ve introduced, you can be sure that they will be Instagram-worthy. Let’s show them off to our friends on social media!

Create Memories with Kimono Rental during Kyoto’s Autumn Foliage Viewing

So far, we’ve introduced recommended autumn foliage spots in Kyoto and the joys of kimono rental, but Kyoto offers many other places to enjoy autumn foliage viewing.

While walking around town, you might discover unexpected hidden gems, so go out and find your favorite spots.

Recently, there has been an increase in places that illuminate the autumn foliage at night. Viewing the foliage in a different atmosphere at night can create beautiful memories for friends or couples.

It’s recommended to rent a kimono while it’s still bright enough to clearly see the kimono’s colors and patterns, explore the famous autumn foliage spots early in the day, and then visit places that stay open late or have illuminated displays in the evening. Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku also offers an option for next-day return, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy Kyoto in a kimono until late at night or visit places with nighttime autumn foliage while dressed in a kimono.

This autumn, be sure to rent a kimono from Rikawafuku Kimono and create unforgettable memories. The blog also provides detailed recommendations for other spots, so be sure to check it out as well! ♪

★Find more travel tips and recommended reads for your visit to Kyoto.
Kyoto Kimono Rental for Couples – Explore the City in Traditional Style!
We recommend renting a kimono in Kyoto and traveling alone! Make wonderful memories!
10 sightseeing spots where you should rent a kimono during New Year’s in Kyoto
How to walk without ruining your kimono when renting it in Kyoto
Kimono Rental in Kyoto & Asakusa: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Same Day

Author of this article

Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store