Rakusai Fresh Green Maple Spot

Takao (Ukyo Ward)

Highlights of Takao’s Fresh Green Maple

Takao has long been known as one of the “Sanbi,” making it a famous autumn foliage spot in Kyoto.
It’s not only beautiful during the fall season, but also an attractive destination during the fresh green season.

Takao is located in a valley carved by the Kiyotaki River.
As its name suggests, the clear and fast-flowing river beautifully highlights the vivid fresh greenery.

It’s recommended to visit together with Jingo-ji Temple (Mt. Takao), Saimyo-ji Temple (Mt. Makinoo), and Kozan-ji Temple (Toganoo), known collectively as the “Sanbi.”

Visitor Information
Access　About 50 minutes by West Japan JR Bus from Kyoto

Hogon-in Temple (Ukyo Ward)

Highlights of Hogon-in Temple’s Fresh Green Maple

The Arashiyama area, along with Higashiyama, is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots.
Hogon-in Temple, in particular, is highly recommended and is specially open to visitors not only during the autumn foliage season but also in the fresh green season.

The Shishiku Garden at Hogon-in Temple is filled with bright, lush greenery.
Looking up, you see fresh green leaves; looking down, you see green moss—your entire view is covered in green.

In addition, rhododendrons and iris flowers add touches of color here and there.
The carefully designed garden is truly impressive.

Visitor Information
Open Period　March 14, 2026 (Sat) – June 30, 2026 (Tue)
Hours　9:00–17:00
Admission　Adults: 700 yen
　　　　　Children (elementary & junior high): 300 yen (Main hall visit requires an additional offering)
　　　　　Adults: 500 yen
　　　　　Children (elementary & junior high): 300 yen
Tel　075-861-0091
Address　36 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Access　3-minute walk from Keifuku Railway “Arashiyama” Station
　　　　10-minute walk from JR “Saga-Arashiyama” Station
　　　　10-minute walk from Hankyu “Arashiyama” Station

Gio-ji Temple (Ukyo Ward)

Highlights of Gio-ji Temple’s Fresh Green Maple

Gio-ji Temple is a sightseeing spot that is even more recommended in the fresh green season than in the autumn foliage season.
Its charm lies in the maple trees and moss. While the maple leaves are beautiful in both autumn and fresh green seasons, the moss is clearly more attractive during the fresh green season.

The entire temple grounds are covered in green, filling both body and mind with its color.
A beautiful, lush moss garden and fresh, vibrant greenery.

If you only know Gio-ji Temple during the autumn foliage season, be sure to visit it in the fresh green season as well.
Not only Gio-ji, but the Arashiyama–Sagano area is also highly recommended during the fresh green season.

Visitor Information
Hours　9:00–16:30 (last admission)
Admission　Adults: 500 yen
　　　　　Children (elementary, junior high, high school): 100 yen (revised from April 2026)
Tel　075-861-3574
Address　32 Sagatoriimoto Kosakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Access　25-minute walk from JR “Saga-Arashiyama” Station
　　　　25-minute walk from Randen “Arashiyama” Station

Kameyama Park (Ukyo Ward)

Highlights of Kameyama Park’s Fresh Green Maple

Kameyama Park stretches from the summit to the foot of Mt. Kameyama at the western edge of the Arashiyama area.
Compared to the usually crowded Arashiyama area, this park is relatively शांत and less crowded.

At Kameyama Park, you can enjoy various views of fresh greenery from the riverside along the Oi River up to the observation deck near the summit.
Although it’s called a mountain, the elevation difference is only about 50 meters, so there’s no need to worry.

At Kameyama Park, a must-see view is from the Hozukyo Observatory near the summit.
Below, you can see the dramatic Hozu Gorge, with boats from the Hozu River ride occasionally passing through.
Since it is slightly off the main sightseeing route in Arashiyama, it is not very crowded.

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. 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?

For sightseeing in Kyoto, leave it to MK’s chartered sightseeing taxi.
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