Rakuhoku Fresh Green Maple Spots

Kibune Shrine (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Kibune Shrine

Kyoto is known for its extremely hot summers, and Kibune is a popular retreat to escape the heat.
Located in a mountain valley, Kibune stays cool even in summer, and its riverside dining is especially popular.

Kibune Shrine is known as the god of water and is popular for blessings such as good relationships and matchmaking. Its approach is lined with cedar trees and fresh green leaves.
From July to early August, the shrine also holds a Tanabata bamboo decoration light-up event.
Be sure to write down your wish and hang it on the bamboo branches.

The fresh green maple leaves enjoyed alongside the soothing sound of the Kibune River are especially beautiful. The contrast between the clear stream and the vibrant greenery is so stunning that photos cannot fully capture it.
Feel the refreshing breeze created by the clear waters of the Kibune River and the Kitayama cedar forest while enjoying the beautiful fresh green maple leaves.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Main Shrine / 6:00–20:00 (May 1 – November 30)
Amulet Office / 9:00–17:00

Admission
Free entry to the shrine grounds

TEL
075-741-2016

Address
180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Access
5-minute walk from the Kyoto Bus “Kibune” stop
30-minute walk from Eizan Railway “Kibuneguchi” Station

Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Light-Up
Event Period
July 1, 2026 (Wed) – August 15, 2026 (Sat)

Event Hours
From sunset to 20:00

Admission
Free entry to the shrine grounds (wish strips: 100 yen)

Enkoji Temple (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Enkoji Temple

During the autumn foliage season, Enkoji Temple requires advance reservations and is known as a very popular spot that is difficult to book at peak season.
Its fresh green maple leaves are just as beautiful as the autumn colors, but there are far fewer visitors.
Of course, no reservation is needed.

The seated-view garden “Jugyu no Niwa” is known as a framed landscape garden.
The scenery framed by the pillars is filled with fresh, vibrant greenery. The combination of the moss garden and fresh green maple leaves creates a view that looks like a beautiful painted scroll.

Around the quietly standing Jizo statue in the Jugyu Garden, fresh green leaves spread gently, softly calming the hearts of visitors.
Without flashy decorations or crowds, each person can relax and enjoy the space at their own pace.
By quietly closing your eyes, you may feel as if you have stepped away from the noise of everyday life into a peaceful place.

The reflection of the fresh greenery on the garden pond is also one of the reasons for its popularity.

Visitor Information
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission Fee: Adults: 600 yen
High school, junior high, and elementary school students: 300 yen
TEL: 075-781-8025
Address: 13 Ichijoji Kotanicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 10-minute walk from the city bus stop “Ichijoji Sagarimatsu”
　　　　15-minute walk from Eizan Railway “Ichijoji” Station

Rurikoin Temple (Sakyo Ward)

Highlights of Rurikoin’s Fresh Green Maple Leaves

During the peak autumn foliage season, Rurikoin becomes such a popular spot that waiting for four hours is quite normal.
Kyoto has many famous autumn leaf viewing spots, but places with waits this long are truly rare.

Rurikoin is not only open during autumn, but also specially opens to visitors during the fresh green season.
Unlike the autumn foliage season, there is no need for advance reservations or waiting in long lines.

The secret behind Rurikoin’s popularity is the garden scenery reflected on its black lacquered desk.
During the autumn season, vivid red maple leaves appear in the reflection, while in the fresh green season, bright greenery spreads beautifully across the entire desk.

During the crowded autumn foliage season, it is difficult to take your time and fully enjoy the view. In the fresh green season, however, you can calmly appreciate the beautiful reflections, which makes it highly recommended.
The green maple leaves reflected on the desk in the study room captivate every visitor.

The quiet space filled with greenery seems to gently calm the noise and restlessness in one’s heart.

Visitor Information
Hours　Open during the daytime
Admission　Free
Access　15-minute walk from Randen “Arashiyama” Station
　　　　20-minute walk from JR “Saga-Arashiyama” Station
　　　　20-minute walk from Hankyu “Arashiyama” Station

Conclusion

Late April to May is the best time to enjoy fresh green maple leaves and also one of the most comfortable seasons of the year.
The weather is pleasant, and the longer daylight hours make it perfect for sightseeing.
Kyoto’s green maples show different expressions each time you visit. Even in the same place, the shades and light of green change depending on the weather, time of day, and viewing angle, offering a new experience every time.

With a sightseeing taxi, you can visit multiple green maple spots easily with guidance from Va driver.
Places famous for autumn leaves are also beautiful during the green season.
There are still many more green maple spots to discover in Kyoto.

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