Kyoto's autumn scenery is going wild! These 4 secret spots for maple viewing in September and October are all wallpaper-worthy shots
Hey guys! Kyoto in September and October is unbelievably beautiful! The red maples and yellow leaves wrap the entire city like a fairy tale book. Want to catch the tail end of autumn and have a blast? These 4 secret autumn spots, trust me, are a must-lock!
1. Arashiyama: Take the little train into a maple leaf wonderland
Arashiyama, the classic autumn spot in Kyoto, is a must-visit! Don’t just walk around to see the maples, you have to ride the Arashiyama small train—it leisurely runs along the Hozu River valley, with layers of maple leaves outside the window ranging from light red to deep crimson, like someone splattered a palette of colors on the mountains. Your eyes won’t get enough!
After the train ride, stroll around Togetsukyo Bridge. The clear Katsura River reflects the red leaves on the shore, and when the wind blows, leaves drift into the water, creating ripples full of autumn’s gentleness. Any photo you take looks like it’s straight out of a Japanese manga!
2. Kiyomizu-dera: Maple viewing + check in at the famous "Conan scene," so romantically unfair
The autumn scenery at Kiyomizu-dera is absolutely stunning! The red torii gates paired with the mountains covered in red maples, standing on the Kiyomizu stage looking down, the whole mountain’s maple leaves look like flames. Wear a kimono for photos and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a Japanese drama!
Secret tip: This is also a "Detective Conan" filming location. Check in following the anime scenes, and your friends on social media will ask if you were filming a drama!
3. Philosopher’s Path: The maple tunnel for artsy youth
A riverside walkway covered with fallen maple leaves in autumn. Take a slow stroll and soak in the full artsy vibe. Along the way, there are some off-the-beaten-path coffee shops. When you get tired, have a hot latte by the window and watch the red leaves—it’s so cozy you won’t want to leave.
Photo tip: Come between 3-4 PM when sunlight filters through the maple leaves onto the path. Photos taken then have a natural soft light filter effect—amazing!
4. Eikando: A paradise for night maple lovers
If you want to see night maples, come to Eikando! When the lights come on at night, the red maples look especially stunning in the darkness, and their reflections on the water look like a painting. Plus, there are fewer people here than at Kiyomizu-dera, so no crowding for photos, and the experience is top-notch!
📅 Best time for autumn viewing + detailed guide
- Time: Late September to mid-November (go early for Arashiyama, later for Kiyomizu-dera and Eikando, and if you want to catch all the red maples, aim for the middle period)
- Transportation: Buses within Kyoto city are very convenient. Buy a "Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass" (500 yen) for unlimited rides; to get to Arashiyama, take the JR or Hankyu train.
- Accommodation: For easy access to attractions, stay near Kyoto Station at the Kyoto Granbell Hotel; for a Japanese-style experience, choose Kyoto Gion Sanjo Eian Hotel in Gion, right on the way to Kiyomizu-dera.
- Food: Must-try maple leaf tempura (crispy, sweet fried maple leaves) and chestnut Mont Blanc (autumn limited, with incredibly smooth chestnut puree).
📸 Perfect photo spots + outfit tips
- Spots:
- Arashiyama small train window seat: Capture the maple leaf tunnel outside the window; snapping photos while the train moves adds dynamic effect.
- Kiyomizu-dera Ninenzaka: Stand on the slope with red maples and ancient buildings as the background; shooting from above creates great depth.
- Outfit: Wear a kimono (Kyoto is full of rental shops; choose maple red or off-white colors for great photos), or a trench coat + sweater in caramel or khaki tones that perfectly match the autumn scenery.
Guys, Kyoto’s autumn scenery is fleeting. Hurry and book your flights and hotels on Trip.com, follow this guide to check in at these spots, and you’re guaranteed to take stunning photos that will blow up your social feed and have an amazing time!