Recommended Spots for Fresh Green Maple Leaves in Southern Kyoto

Komyoji Temple (Nagaokakyo City)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Komyoji Temple

Although located outside Kyoto City, this temple is famous for its “Maple Approach” during the autumn foliage season.
In the fresh green season, the main attraction is also this beautiful maple-lined approach.

During the autumn leaves season, an admission fee of 1,000 yen is required, but during the fresh greenery season, the temple grounds are open free of charge.
Unlike the popular autumn leaves season, you can enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

About 250 maple trees are planted along the Maple Approach, creating a fresh green tunnel stretching for about 200 meters.
Partway along the path stands a Yakui-mon gate, blending beautifully into the greenery.
The area is also sometimes used as a filming location for movies.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Miei-do Hall until 16:00)
Admission: Free access to the temple grounds
Paid admission during the autumn foliage season
TEL: 075-955-0002
Address: 26-1 Ao Saijo-no-Uchi, Nagaokakyo City
Access: About a 30-minute walk from Hankyu “Nagaoka Tenjin” Station

Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple (Nagaokakyo City)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple

Located in the mountains of Nagaokakyo, Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple has recently become very popular for its “Hanachozu,” flower arrangements placed in the temple water basins.
The temple has long attracted many visitors during the hydrangea and autumn foliage seasons, and it is now also focusing on the beauty of the fresh green season.

To coincide with Golden Week, when the fresh greenery is at its most beautiful, the temple has held a “Fresh Green Week” event since several years ago.
During this event period, the Kami-Shoin hall, which is usually open only on the 17th of each month, is specially opened to visitors.

The Kami-Shoin hall, originally a tea room used to welcome special visitors such as members of the imperial family, offers beautiful views.
Below the windows spreads a lovely pond garden called Jodoen.
Fresh and vibrant greenery unfolds right before your eyes.

Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple is located in a quiet mountain setting.
The fresh greenery surrounding the stone steps of the approach and the flower water basins feels as if it gently cleanses the hearts of visitors.
Together with the surrounding mountain scenery, it offers a deeply refreshing experience for all five senses.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:00–16:00 (Kami-Shoin Hall and Temple Treasure House until 15:00)
Admission: Mountain entry fee 700 yen
(500 yen outside the Fresh Green Week, Hydrangea Week, and Autumn Leaves Week periods)
Kami-Shoin Hall admission: Additional 800 yen
TEL: 075-956-0017
Address: 2 Jododani Donotani, Nagaokakyo City

Shojuin Temple (Ujitawara Town)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Shojuin Temple

Shojuin Temple in Ujitawara Town has quickly become a famous tourist spot over the past few years.
Its most popular feature is the heart-shaped “Inome Window” in the guest hall.

Because it is very photogenic, many visitors, especially young women, have started coming here in recent years.
It is popular not only as a great photo spot, but also as a place believed to bring happiness.

The ceiling of the guest hall is decorated with 160 paintings depicting seasonal flowers and Japanese landscapes.
These impressive ceiling paintings were completed with the cooperation of many Japanese artists.
It is also fun to look at each painting and imagine what it represents.

From around June to September, when the fresh green maple leaves are at their most beautiful, the “Wind Chime Festival” is held here.
More than 2,000 wind chimes are displayed in front of the main hall, filling the air with refreshing sounds.
In 2026, the event will be held from Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, September 30.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30
Admission: 600 yen (includes a sweet)
Except during the Wind Chime Festival period
TEL: 0774-88-3601
Address: 149 Okuyamada Kawakami, Ujitawara Town, Tsuzuki District
Access: About 30 minutes by car from Keihan “Uji” Station

Wind Chime Festival

Event Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Admission: 800 yen (includes a sweet)

Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple (Kyotanabe City)

Highlights of the Fresh Green Maple Leaves at Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple

Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple is one of the most famous autumn foliage spots in Kyotanabe City, but the fresh green season is equally charming.
About 200 maple trees stand within the temple grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy brilliantly beautiful fresh greenery.
As soon as you step inside, a lovely stone-paved approach lined with maple trees stretches ahead, filled with vibrant green leaves in summer and stunning autumn colors later in the year.

Within the peaceful Zen atmosphere of Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple, the fresh green maple leaves spreading along the stone paths bring a sense of calm to visitors.
The view of the dry landscape garden and fresh greenery from the veranda of the Hojo hall feels as if it is quietly speaking to the heart.
Sunlight shines through the leaves, illuminating the vibrant green scenery and filling the space with pure, refreshing air.
This thoughtful and deeply atmospheric early summer greenery is something unique to Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple, which is closely connected to Zen Master Ikkyu.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission:
Adults: 600 yen
Junior high and high school students: 300 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen
TEL: 0774-62-0193
Address: 102 Takigi Satonouchi, Kyotanabe City
Access: About a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu “Shin-Tanabe” 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 the 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. With MK’s private sightseeing taxi, you can fully enjoy Kyoto at your own pace.
Why not experience a unique Kyoto trip with professional guides and hospitality experts?