Fall Foliage in Kansai: Top Spots to View Autumn Colors

Written by Ellie Elizabeth

From around late October to early December, Japan’s tree leaves turn into a magical array of reds, yellows and golds and are a must-see for all nature enthusiasts. This phenomenon is known as kōyō in Japanese and is especially important due to the long tradition of momijigari. This custom goes back to the Heian period (794-1185) and entails the viewing and appreciation of the fall foliage. 

Luckily, Kansai offers plenty of opportunities for seeing these beautiful red and orange leaves with its plethora of temples, parks and mountains. With this guide you’ll know exactly where to go for the best views of the momiji leaves.

Key Takeaways

• Kansai has some of the best places to view the fall foliage in Japan
• The best time to see the autumn leaves in Kansai is from late November
• You won’t have to stress about how you get there, our recommended spots are all accessible by public transport 

Arima Onsen, Kobe

Arima Onsen is a quaint hot spring town located just 34 minutes from Sannomiya Station by bus. From the moment you step off the bus you will be surrounded by the warm glow of autumn leaves and hear the rushing water from the Arima River. Here are two places I recommend you visit in Arima to maximise your fall foliage viewing experience.

Arima Inari Shrine

This beautiful shrine is just a 16 minute walk from Arima’s spectacularly red Nene Bridge. But beware of the stairs! If you’re brave enough to hike the stairs to the top of the Shrine you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Arima Onsen, as well as the surrounding mountains in their bold autumn colors. When I visited the shrine it was deserted even at midday, so I wouldn’t worry at all about what time you plan to visit. 

Zuihoji Park

Zuihoji Park has been long renowned for foliage viewing, with even the previous Edo Period ruler of Japan Toyotomi Hideyoshi claiming he loved the park. Located 17 minutes from the Arima Onsen bus stop, this park is the perfect place to have a picnic, take photos or just sit and take in the fresh autumn air. 

If you’re wanting to take photos in particular, or fancy some peaceful solitude among the leaves, I would recommend coming earlier than 10am as most tourists tend to arrive after this time.

Nara

This prefecture has the perfect mix of parks, shrines and mountains to tickle that autumn leaves itch. What’s more is that you can also see some cute deer too! Here are two places in Nara which will offer striking views of kōyō. 

Nara Park

There are plenty of areas you can see in one day within the park to see the foliage, however I would recommend heading straight for Kasuga Taisha. Kasuga Taisha was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998 and it’s easy to see why.  

The shrine is located just a 25 minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara station and once you pass the huge red Torii gate, you’ll be submerged in the glow of the autumn leaves. Whilst you walk to the shrine you’ll enjoy seeing the deer walking around and hiding in between the stone lanterns which guide your way. 

Mt Yoshino

For those feeling extra adventurous, Mt Yoshino is the perfect excuse to go hiking amongst the hue of red and orange leaves. You can access the mountain by taking a train from Kintetsu-Nara station to Kintetsu Yoshino, then you can choose to take the bus or the ropeway up the mountain – or hike! It’s possible to make this a day trip but if you’d rather take things slow, I’d recommend booking an overnight stay. The area has many Japanese ryokan to choose from!

Kyoto

Kiyomizudera 

This Buddhist temple is well known for its huge veranda where you can appreciate the beautiful Kyoto vista. If you’re arriving at Kyoto station, it’s as simple as catching the 206 City Bus and alighting at Kiyomizumichi. Kiyomizudera so far has been my favourite Kyoto temple to visit during the autumn. 

As you walk around the temple you are able to appreciate the view of the red and yellow leaves from all angles which I found particularly moving. Once you leave the temple you’re met with a pond full of koi fish and trees with their autumn leaves bowing over them. If you’re in Kyoto this is a must visit location. 

Katsura River

The Katsura River is located next to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. To get there you could either take the JR line to Saga Arashiyama or the Hankyu Line to Arashiyama Station. 

This part of Kyoto can be notoriously crowded. However, by avoiding the bamboo forest and walking down the Katsura River, it is particularly healing to view the sprawling mountains, the glowing autumn leaves and hear the running river water.

FAQs: Fall foliage viewing in Kansai