If Kyoto in cherry blossom season is a soft pink dream, Kyoto in autumn is a richly colored oil painting. Every year from mid-November to early December, the city's streets and lanes are soaked in red and orange maple leaves, making it the most photogenic season of the year for a photo shoot.
- Colors start turning: early November
- Migoro (peak viewing): November 15 – November 30
- Falling leaves (red leaf carpet): December 1 – December 7
📍 A photographer's favorite autumn leaf spots
Eikando · Gokuraku Bridge
Known as "Eikando of the autumn leaves," with whole hillsides of red leaves reflected in the pond. I recommend going in right after it opens at 9 a.m.
Tofuku-ji · Tsutenkyo Bridge
Its autumn leaves are called "the best in Kyoto." Looking down from Tsutenkyo Bridge, the hillside of red leaves looks like a huge oil painting.
Arashiyama · Hogon-in
The "Shishiku-no-niwa" garden opens to the public only in autumn. Red leaves over a moss garden, with far fewer people than Tofuku-ji.
Hidden gem · Komyo-ji · Maple-lined approach
Komyo-ji in Nagaokakyo City has a 200-meter approach lined with maple trees on both sides that form a tunnel of red leaves, with few visitors.
📸 What to wear for autumn leaves photos
- Recommended: off-white, khaki, navy — the softest contrast with red leaves
- For kimono: navy, dark green, brown
- Avoid: bright red and orange — you'll blend into the leaves
💡 Important: Mornings in autumn leaf season are only 5–8°C. Wear thermal underwear with a coat you can take off. JLP PHOTO prepares hand warmers and hot tea for you.
🍁 Autumn leaves photo shoots
Autumn leaf season books up fast, so book as early as you can. JLP PHOTO will plan the most photogenic autumn route for you.