{"id":496,"date":"2025-10-31T17:35:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/?post_type=article&p=496"},"modified":"2026-02-04T17:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:24:45","slug":"leaves-start-turning-in-early-november-recommended-hidden-autumn-foliage-spots-near-kyoto-northern-area-edition","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/articles\/leaves-start-turning-in-early-november-recommended-hidden-autumn-foliage-spots-near-kyoto-northern-area-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Early-November Foliage: Recommended Hidden Spots \u2460"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the past, the best time to see Kyoto\u2019s autumn leaves was around mid-November, but due to global warming, in recent years they often peak in late November.
Even if you\u2019ve come all the way to Kyoto, in early November the foliage in the city center is usually only just beginning to change color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here are 20 recommended lesser-known spots in the Kyoto area that are already at their best in early November.
Even in Kyoto, these hidden spots don\u2019t get crowded.
Experience Kyoto in early November and overturn the notion that \u201cKyoto\u2019s autumn leaves = massive crowds\u201d!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because the 2025 foliage is running slightly later than usual, the spots introduced here are expected to be at their best roughly from early to mid-November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For recommendations of lesser-known autumn-foliage spots in Kyoto\u2019s lowland city areas\u2014such as Higashiyama and Arashiyama\u2014that begin coloring as early as November, see here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei (elevation 848 m) \u3008Sakyo Ward \/ Otsu City\u3009<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Enryaku-ji Temple autumn-foliage highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spreading near the summit of Mount Hiei (848 m), Enryaku-ji Temple is a hidden gem where the autumn colors reach their best earlier than in central Kyoto.
Although the headline of this article says \u201ccolors begin in early November,\u201d at Enryaku-ji Temple the leaves start to turn in October, with the peak in early November.
Around the T\u014dd\u014d area at about 660 m elevation, a simple calculation puts the temperature roughly 4\u00b0C lower than in Kyoto City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At Enryaku-ji Temple, it\u2019s as if the seasons advance nearly 20 days earlier than in central Kyoto. Late November in the city corresponds to early November at Enryaku-ji Temple. By early November, the autumn foliage is already at its peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Kyoto terms, although it sits slightly lower than Mount Atago, home to Atago Shrine, as a sightseeing autumn-foliage spot it\u2019s a hidden gem that reaches peak viewing the earliest in Kyoto. Moreover, it\u2019s not just that the leaves turn early\u2014peaking in early November. Because the temperature swings are harsher than in central Kyoto, the maples greet you with a more vivid red than in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Famous founders of various Buddhist sects likely enjoyed the beautiful autumn foliage at Enryaku-ji Temple while spending their days in rigorous training. In the past, the peak season for the leaves may have been around late October rather than early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Access is available from both the Kyoto side and the \u014ctsu side by cable railway and the like. In Yase on the Kyoto side and Sakamoto on the \u014ctsu side, early November is admittedly a bit early for peak foliage, but the leaves have begun to turn. It\u2019s also a hidden gem you can climb to on foot as a hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to enjoy Kyoto\u2019s autumn foliage a little early in early November, taking a taxi is recommended.
The viewpoints located at various spots along the Hieizan Driveway and the Oku-Hiei Driveway, which run around the peaks of Mount Hiei, also reach their best viewing period around early November.
With a casual drive, you can make the rounds of all three pagoda areas\u2014T\u014dt\u014d, Sait\u014d, and Yokawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Yokawa, the \u201cHieizan Autumn Foliage Festival\u201d will be held from Saturday, November 1, 2025, to Monday (national holiday), November 24, 2025.
During the period, including early November, a free raffle will be held every day from 10:00 to 16:00, with chances to win original goods and more.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 16:00, a variety of food trucks will be on site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the festival period there will also be a special viewing of the Inner Sanctuary of Yokawa Ch\u016bd\u014d.
Visitors will be able to view the Inner Sanctuary, which is normally accessible only to monks.
A Three-Pagoda Pilgrimage Ticket is required, but there is no additional admission fee for the special Inner Sanctuary viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Saturday, October 11 to Monday, December 8, 2024\u2014including early November\u2014the Kokuh\u014dden (Hall of National Treasures) at Enryakuji Temple is holding its autumn special exhibition, the commemorative exhibition \u201cBuddhism and Children\u201d marking the designation of the Standing Statue of Goh\u014d D\u014dji as an Important Cultural Property.
Various cultural properties are on display, including the \u201cStanding Statue of Goh\u014d D\u014dji,\u201d which has newly been designated an Important Cultural Property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden-gem rating: C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the nearly 80,000 Buddhist temples said to exist throughout Japan, Enryakuji on Mount Hiei boasts outstanding name recognition. It may be a bit of a stretch to call it a \u201chidden spot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, Enryakuji Temple is featured less often than you might expect in Kyoto autumn-foliage specials, so as a foliage spot it\u2019s something of a hidden gem.
If you want to see leaves at their best in early November, Enryakuji on Mount Hiei is the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Enryakuji on Mount Hiei<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ry\u014dgen image \u201cKokushi Daizukan.\u201d Source: National Diet Library Digital Collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So deep are the temple\u2019s ties with Kyoto that in classical writings, simply saying \u201cthe Mountain\u201d (yama) referred to Mount Hiei.
It long commanded great influence not only in Kyoto but nationwide; however, in Genki 2 (1571) it was subjected to an attack by Oda Nobunaga, and most of its buildings were destroyed.
The present temple complex was rebuilt thereafter.
Its broad precincts, straddling Kyoto City and \u014ctsu City, are divided into three areas: T\u014dt\u014d (East Pagoda), Sait\u014d (West Pagoda), and Yokawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Among these, the central area is T\u014dt\u014d (the East Pagoda district), the birthplace of Enryakuji and the site of its main hall, Konpon Ch\u016bd\u014d (Main Hall).
In the National Treasure Konpon Ch\u016bd\u014d, the \u201cInextinguishable Dharma Lamp,\u201d kept alight without a single interruption for 1,200 years since Saich\u014d, is burning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even after Oda Nobunaga\u2019s burning attack, they brought the flame from Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture, where a branch light had been kept burning.
In the T\u014dt\u014d (East Pagoda) area, in addition to the Kaidan-in, the Amida-d\u014d , and the \u014cshoin, there are also the Kokuh\u014dden, which serves as the repository, the temple office, and the Enryakuji Kaikan, which is the temple lodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located about 1 kilometer north of T\u014dt\u014d, Sait\u014d (the West Pagoda area) was opened next after T\u014dt\u014d.
Within Enryakuji it features the oldest surviving Shakad\u014d, alongside Important Cultural Property buildings such as the J\u014dgy\u014dd\u014d, Hokked\u014d, and Rurid\u014d.
Yokawa, about 4 kilometers farther north from Sait\u014d, was the last of the three areas to be developed, and includes Yokawa Ch\u016bd\u014d, Eshin-d\u014d, and the Mausoleum of Gansan Daishi. In addition to the three areas of Sait\u014d, T\u014dt\u014d, and Yokawa, Mount Hiei also has various districts known as the \u201cSixteen Valleys\u201d scattered throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Access to Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Access to Enryakuji is via the toll driveways for automobiles, as well as the cable car and ropeway that link the Kyoto side and the \u014ctsu side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the Mount Hiei area, the Hieizan Driveway and the Oku-Hiei Driveway run north\u2013south through the precincts.
The Hieizan Driveway is an 8.1 km toll road connecting Tanotani Pass on the Yamanaka Crossing\u2014between Kyoto and \u014ctsu\u2014to Enryakuji\u2019s T\u014dt\u014d (East Pagoda) area.
It opened in 1958, with Keihan Electric Railway playing a leading role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the Hieizan Driveway are spots such as L\u2019H\u00f4tel de Hiei and Yumemigaoka, a lookout offering a sweeping view of Lake Biwa.
At these viewpoints you can enjoy beautiful autumn foliage from early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to private cars, the Hieizan Drive Bus\u2014a route bus linking the area around Kyoto Station with the summit of Mount Hiei\u2014also operates.
You can enjoy the autumn colors from the bus windows as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Oku-Hiei Driveway is an 11.8 km road that runs from Enryakuji\u2019s T\u014dt\u014d (East Pagoda) \u2014 the terminus of the Hieizan Driveway \u2014 through Sait\u014d (West Pagoda) and Yokawa to Ogi on the \u014ctsu side.
It opened in 1966, eight years after the Hieizan Driveway.
Along the route are spots such as the Biwako Observation Deck, which offers sweeping views of Lake Biwa.
Because it lies farther north than the Hieizan Driveway, autumn colors reach their peak at various points from early November.
A Mount Hiei shuttle bus connecting T\u014dt\u014d, Sait\u014d, and Yokawa operates frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the Kyoto side, the Eizan Cable Car operates between Cable Yase Station and Cable Hiei Station, and the Eizan Ropeway operates between Rope Hiei Station and Hieizan Summit Station.
The Eizan Cable opened in 1925 and covers 1.3 km in nine minutes. The Eizan Ropeway opened in 1928 and covers 0.5 km in three minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the \u014ctsu side, the Hieizan Sakamoto Cable operates between Cable Sakamoto Station and Cable Enryakuji Station.
With a total length of 2.0 km, it is known as Japan\u2019s longest cable-car line.
There are intermediate stops at H\u014draigaoka Station and Motateyama Station, where the car will stop upon request if you inform staff when boarding.
At the time of its opening in 1927, it boasted the largest scale in the Orient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition to automobiles and cable cars, a network of mountain trails crisscrosses the area.
In particular, Kirara-zaka on the Kyoto side and Honzaka on the \u014ctsu side are popular, and in spring and autumn they bustle with many hikers.
The T\u014dkai Nature Trail also runs north\u2013south through the area.
In early November the weather is just right, and on fine days hiking up on foot is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jikk\u014d-in Temple: \u201cEnjoy cherry blossoms and autumn foliage at the same time\u201d (Saky\u014d Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jikk\u014d-in Temple autumn foliage highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u014chara, known as Kyoto\u2019s hidden hamlet, is also a lesser-known spot for autumn colors.
It is especially popular with women traveling alone to Kyoto.
Because \u014chara lies north of the city center and is cooler than Kyoto proper, the leaves begin reaching their best from early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In \u014chara there is the renowned autumn-foliage spot Sanzen-in, but since we\u2019re highlighting \u201chidden gems\u201d this time, we\u2019ll introduce Jikk\u014d-in Temple.
It\u2019s a temple located just about 100 meters north of Sanzen-in.
By all means, don\u2019t visit only Sanzen-in\u2014please also stop by Jikk\u014d-in Temple, a relatively lesser-known spot for autumn colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u014chara has many famous autumn foliage spots, but among them Jikk\u014d-in Temple (Jikk\u014din) is a hidden gem that reaches its peak much earlier than in central Kyoto.
You can fully enjoy the autumn colors even in early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to Jikk\u014d-in Temple, it is famous not only for its autumn foliage but also for the \u201cFudan-zakura\u201d that bloom in autumn. This is a different cherry from the cultivar known as Fudan-zakura.
Although cherry blossoms that bloom in autumn are not especially rare, the garden at Jikk\u014d-in Temple is laid out expressly on the premise of viewing them side by side with the autumn colors.
By early November they have already begun to bloom.
Savor to your heart\u2019s content the dream \u201cco-starring\u201d of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hidden-gem rating: B<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even in \u014chara, which is famed for its autumn foliage, Jikk\u014d-in Temple is less well known than Sanzen-in or Jakk\u014d-in, making it a relatively hidden spot.
Even when Sanzen-in is so crowded that you can\u2019t take your time enjoying the leaves, Jikk\u014d-in Temple is usually not nearly as packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Jikk\u014d-in<\/strong> Temple<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was founded as a sub-temple of the adjacent Sh\u014drin-in<\/strong>, together with H\u014dsen-in<\/strong> and others.
On the south side of the guest hall spreads Keishin-en<\/strong>, a pond-viewing garden centered on a waterfall and a shinji-ike<\/strong> (\u201cheart-character\u201d pond).
On the west side of the guest hall is the pond-strolling garden of the former Rikaku-in<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Fudan-zakura planted in the garden are cherry trees that continue blooming without interruption from autumn through spring.
By early November the Fudan-zakura are already well in bloom, so you can enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn foliage at the same time.
There are other spots in Kyoto for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, but the most famous in Kyoto is Jikk\u014d-in Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden: \u201cA beautiful zelkova-tree-lined avenue\u201d (Saky\u014d Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Autumn-foliage highlights at the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not only maples and ginkgo that turn color. Many different plants take on a rich palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, where some 12,000 species are planted, many begin reaching their best from early November.
First on the list is the zelkova-lined avenue in front of the main gate.
This beautiful row of zelkovas turns red and orange starting in early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it\u2019s not only the kind of autumn colors you can see everywhere in Japan, like those of zelkova.
Less commonly seen trees\u2014such as ranshinboku<\/em>, a China-native in the Anacardiaceae (sumac) family\u2014also begin turning red from early November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hidden-gem rating: C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As one of Kyoto\u2019s signature autumn-foliage spots, it isn\u2019t exactly a \u201chidden\u201d place.
However, in the sense that you can view a wide variety of red and yellow autumn colors beyond the classic iroha-momiji<\/strong> (Japanese maple) and ginkgo, it does have a hidden-gem aspect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In early November, not only the autumn leaves but also the cosmos are at their best, with blooms in full splendor throughout the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every year on Culture Day, November 3, the \u201cFumin K\u014dry\u016b Festa\u201d (Prefectural Residents\u2019 Exchange Festa) is held.
On November 3 the garden is opened free of charge and bustles with many visitors.
At the 2025 Festa on Monday, November 3 (a national holiday), there will be events such as a special concert by the Kyoto Prefectural Police Band & Color Guard. It is typically very lively, especially with families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kifune Shrine: \u201cGorgeous ravine foliage at the site famed for riverside dining\u201d (Saky\u014d Ward)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kifune Shrine autumn-foliage highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When people think of Kifune, they think of its famous summer kawadoko<\/em> riverside dining, a very popular sightseeing draw.
Because the platforms set up over the river operate roughly from May to September each year, you can\u2019t enjoy kawadoko<\/em> cuisine in autumn; however, in fact Kifune is not only about summer\u2014the autumn leaves here are beautiful as well.
As it is also known as a summer retreat for Kyoto, the temperatures are lower, and the foliage typically reaches its best from early November. That said, because it is located in a ravine, the peak viewing period can sometimes be pushed back to around mid-November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kifune Shrine has three sanctuaries arrayed along the ravine carved by the Kifune River, from downstream to upstream: Hong\u016b (Main Sanctuary), Yui-sha (\u7d50\u793e), and Okumiya.
Visiting all three is called \u201cSansha-m\u014dde\u201d (the three-shrine pilgrimage) and has long been popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hong\u016b, located farthest downstream, is\u2014as its name suggests\u2014the core of Kifune Shrine.
In Tenki 3 (1055) the Hong\u016b was moved to its present site. About 300 meters upstream along the Kifune River from the Hong\u016b stands Yui-sha, which is also referred to as the Naka-miya (\u201cMiddle Shrine\u201d). As the name indicates, it is famous for blessings of enmusubi (matchmaking).
Roughly 400 meters farther upstream from Yui-sha is the Okumiya. Until the main sanctuary was relocated, the Okumiya was the center of Kifune Shrine.
For the Sansha-m\u014dde, the usual order of worship is Hong\u016b \u2192 Okumiya \u2192 Yui-sha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Kifune, a fall foliage light-up called \u201cKifune Momiji T\u014dr\u014d\u201d is also held.
The steps and shrine buildings of Kifune Shrine\u2019s Hong\u016b are illuminated together with the autumn leaves.
Andon lanterns are set up throughout the Kifune streetscape, bathing it in beautiful light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the Eizan Railway runs a \u201cMomiji no Tunnel\u201d event from Kibuneguchi Station.
The rows of maples arching over the tracks are lit up, and as the train passes through, the interior lights are turned off.
It\u2019s a uniquely Kifune way to enjoy the autumn colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kurama-dera, which adjoins Kifune Shrine, also reaches its peak autumn colors around the same time.
It makes for a bit of a hike, but we recommend visiting Kifune Shrine and Kurama-dera together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden-gem rating: C<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kifune is a rare summer sightseeing spot in Kyoto. While traffic restrictions on passenger cars are imposed in summer, no such restrictions are in place in autumn.
In the sense that it isn\u2019t widely known as an autumn destination, it can be considered a hidden gem.
That said, Kifune is still one of Kyoto\u2019s big-name destinations, so it is by no means free of tourists.
If you\u2019ve enjoyed kawadoko<\/em> riverside dining in Kifune in summer, do visit Kifune once during the autumn foliage season as well.
You can\u2019t enjoy kawadoko<\/em> dining itself then, but it\u2019s nice that you can still savor the cuisine from the kawadoko<\/em> restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Kifune Shrine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kifune area, as the headwaters of the Kamo River that flows through Kyoto, has long been a focus of devotion.
Records mentioning Kifune Shrine appear at least as early as the 7th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The enshrined deity is Takaokami no Kami<\/strong>, who governs water, and this shrine is the head shrine of the roughly 500 Kifune Shrines nationwide.
As the source of the Kamo River and a water deity, rain-invoking rites have been conducted here in times of drought.
In the Heian period it was counted among the Twenty-Two Shrines (Nij\u016bnisha)<\/strong> and received special recognition from the imperial court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: the place name \u8cb4\u8239 is usually read Kibune<\/strong>, but the shrine\u2019s official reading is Kifune<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For sightseeing in Kyoto, leave it to MK\u2019s chartered sightseeing taxi.<\/strong>
Your private driver is a Kyoto expert who handles both transport and guiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":570,"template":"","article_category":[],"class_list":["post-496","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","en-US"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mktaxi-japan.com\/kyoto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}