Maple Leaf Special! Overlooking Stunning Mountain and River Views

This trip takes you to Kyoto to enjoy the autumn foliage. Under the beautiful autumn weather, you can experience Kyoto's unique cultural charm and natural beauty. Kyoto has always been a popular destination in Kansai for viewing autumn leaves. Major gardens, temples, and riversides are covered with red maple leaves. Whether strolling through ancient temples, climbing for panoramic views, or wandering along forest paths, you can capture stunning autumn photos. This five-day itinerary focuses on several iconic autumn foliage spots, all with convenient transportation, making it perfect for independent travelers. 🌳 Must-Visit Autumn Foliage Spots: 1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City Opening Hours: 06:00－18:00 Recommended Route: Walk up to Kiyomizu-dera via Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. The traditional street scenery paired with maple trees is perfect for photography. The Kiyomizu stage offers a panoramic view of a sea of red leaves, exuding Kyoto's charm. Tip: Visit early in the morning when it's less crowded; entering around 7 AM is ideal for comfortable photography. 2. Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge Address: Beside Tenryu-ji Temple, Saga Why Visit: The autumn scenery along the Arashiyama riverside is breathtaking. Maple trees line both sides of Togetsukyo Bridge, complemented by blue skies and mountain views, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Tip: Rent a bike to explore the Arashiyama area. The reflection of maple leaves on the river is stunning. 3. Nanzen-ji Temple Address: Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Opening Hours: 08:40－17:00 Recommended Route: Inside the temple, there is an ancient aqueduct and a garden. Stroll along the stone-paved paths and capture the red-leaf archway. The tranquil atmosphere of the temple is poetic. Tip: Avoid weekend afternoons when it's crowded; the foliage is more vibrant on weekday mornings. 4. Kurama Kibune/Kibune Shrine Address: Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Why Visit: Walk along the Kibune River, where red leaves and shimmering water create a paradise-like scene. The maple-lined entrance to Kibune Shrine is dreamlike. Tip: It gets chilly in the mountains in the evening, so bring a jacket. 🍁 Suggested Itinerary: Focus on famous temples and Arashiyama for the first three days, and spend the last two days in mountain and riverside areas to experience different layers of autumn beauty. City and suburban attractions can be connected via JR or bus, with convenient transportation. Visiting two to three spots per day ensures a relaxed pace. 📸 Recommended Photo Spots: Kiyomizu-dera stage, Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge morning view, Nanzen-ji aqueduct stone path, Kibune River maple path Use a wide-angle lens or portrait mode on your phone to capture Kyoto's traditional architecture paired with close-ups of maple leaves. 🔎 Practical Tips: 1. Bring snacks and water, as some restaurants near temples close early. 2. Kyoto's autumn weather can be chilly in the morning and evening, so bring a light jacket. 3. Popular spots can get crowded during peak foliage season; start early to avoid the rush. 4. Use an IC card for transportation to save time and travel efficiently. 🎒 Notes: 1. Most temples charge an entrance fee (300–600 yen), so prepare cash. 2. Maintain a quiet environment and respect temple rules. 3. Be mindful not to block others or climb on ancient structures when taking photos. 4. The riverside area in Arashiyama has many bikes and pedestrians; be cautious when crossing the road. Visiting Kyoto during the autumn foliage season offers a relaxing and worthwhile journey, whether strolling through temples or along riversides, with breathtaking views of red leaves everywhere!