Kyoto Autumn Leaves Info2024 *Updated Nov23
Umino Kyoto E-BikesThe autumn leaves are finally in full bloom! Enjoy one of Kyoto's most beautiful seasons to the fullest on an E-Bike!
Why are Kyoto's autumn leaves so special?
Autumn leaves can be found all over the world. So why is Kyoto's autumn leaves so famous and fascinating? It's because they are not simply a product of nature, but have been cherished and nurtured by local residents for over 1,000 years, and are a wonderful fusion of man-made and natural.
All kinds of Shinto, Buddhist, samurai, aristocrats, emperors, and commoners have loved autumn leaves. They have competed for beauty and cultivated them for generations.
Autumn leaves are not just an Instagram spot, but a form of ethnic art that expresses the spirituality of the Japanese people and the city of Kyoto.
Situation in 2024
In 2024, the leaves are turning a little later than usual, and while some are already in full bloom, it is estimated that most will not be until the end of November or the first week of December.
Map of Autumn Leaves conditions (Updated November 21st)
*Red: Peak, Orrange: Partially Colored, Yellow: Color Appearing
So, in the end, where do you recommend?
Ultimately, which autumn leaves are best is up to you, but as a local, I recommend the following relatively quiet, otherworldly spots to see the leaves:
Takao
Takao is a mountain area about 10km north of central Kyoto, and can be reached in about an hour by e-bike.
The beautiful rivers, temples, shrines, and colorful autumn leaves make it a truly otherworldly experience. Taxis are almost impossible to catch, and buses are always packed, so it's a place that feels like a gift from the Kyoto gods for e-bike travel.
Arashiyama(Sagano)
Arashiyama, located west of Kyoto, was an ancient aristocratic resort and a sacred place for the Imperial family. The autumn foliage here is not as extensive as Takao, but the combination of the elegant townscape and the noble autumn foliage is the best. The area in front of Arashiyama Station is hellish, so be sure to avoid the crowds by riding an E-Bike and enjoy the best autumn foliage.
Sennyuji
Sennyuji Temple is a vast temple in the east of Kyoto, and the interior is like a town where you can ride around on a bicycle.
There aren't many tourists here, and as one of the pilgrimage sites with a 1000-year history, the autumn leaves along the mysterious road are beautiful. Ride an E-Bike, a modern-day horse, and enjoy the scenery as it was in ancient times.
Things to be aware of when viewing autumn leaves
Avoid buses, trains and taxis
Tourism in Kyoto today is a tragedy. Large numbers of tourists are concentrated at just a few famous spots, and people are shoving and screaming at each other. Those few spots are places near train stations that are easy to get to, and places that can be easily reached by local bus.
During the autumn foliage season, famous spots are crowded with tourists from China and other places, resulting in long lines for buses, no taxis, and trains being swarmed with people.
As a local, I strongly recommend avoiding these places when sightseeing.
Solution 1: Walk
If you are healthy, walking is also a good idea. The train and bus rides to and from the park can be a pain, but after a while the number of people will thin out. Kyoto's autumn foliage is mostly found on the mountains, so you can enjoy a wonderful hike.
Solution 2: E-Bike
For those who want a faster, more exciting experience than walking, I highly recommend an E-Bike. E-Bikes are machines that seem to have been invented for traveling around Kyoto (in fact, a Japanese company was the first in the world to develop them), and using one will make your trip to Kyoto dozens of times more enjoyable.
This is not a sales pitch. I have absolute confidence in recommending an E-Bike to enjoy the autumn leaves in Kyoto.
Rent an E-Bike and ride around Kyoto in autumn!
Sorry, let me advertise at the end! We provide the best E-Bike and guide service in Kyoto. This will definitely be your best experience in Japan. Please feel free to use it.
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