Although have made up the mind to enjoy the red maple leaves in Kyoto, it is difficult to have holidays in November? Or hotels will not be available? Is everyone still in hesitation? Now I recommend the viewpoints outside the main town, and mostly red maple leaves can be seen in the end of October. It is possible to visit the Kyoto town together in the trip. let's go to see the red maple leaves earlier.
Joshokoji Temple
It was built by Emperor Kogon who was the early“North Empire”Emperor at the age 1331-92 named as Nanboku-cho (Northern and Southern Courts period). Here is famous for the sakura re-planted from the Imperial Palace of Kyoto. Here is also well-known for the red maple leaves. Artifical mountains were built in the temple as the style. It is very magnificent. It is suitable for taking photos of red maple leaves inside the temple. Although it is a little bit far away from Kyoto , it is still worth a visit. You can also take a look of Ohara if you take your own driving to here.Address:
Maruyama-14-6 Keihokuidocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
- Get off at Shuzan bus by JR bus (from Kyoto bus stop for 1.5hours), change to Furusato bus (Yamakuni Direction) and get off at Yamagunigoryomae bus stop , walk for 7 mins
Red maple leaves period: Late October to Early November
Mount Hiei - Enryaku-ji Temple
The height of Mount Hiei is 848.3m. The temple belongs to Tiantai. It includes 3 areas: East Pagoda, West Pagoda and Yokokawa. You can travel across these areas by bus. There is also a path among the hills. People like hiking can enjoy the beautiful views at the same time. In Mount Hiei, apart from Enryaku-ji Temple, visitors can drive along Mount Hiei Driveway and Hieizan Driveway. In these areas, there are almost about 2000 maple trees and 1000 sakura trees. It is good for surveying the red leaves.Address:
4220 Sakamotohonmachiotsu-shi, Shiga-ken
- Starts at Kyoto Station or Sanjokeihan Station, get off at Semachiyanagi Station and take Enryaku-ji Temple shuttle bus , get off at Enryaku-ji Temple bus stop.
- Starts at Hieizan Sakamoto Station by JR Kosei line or Sakamoto station by Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line or walk to Sakamoto cable car station, get off at Peak station, walk for 7 mins
Red maple leaves period: Mid October to Late November
Oeyama Mountain
The 7km Oeyama Mountain is well-known for the story of fierce ghosts. In the story, the Doji Ibaraki and Shuten-douji from ghost city lived at here. People can climb up these mountains and hike through them. In the route, it is full of red maple leaves. There is an Oeyamaonitakeinari Shrine at the Eighth station of Oeyama Mountain. In the morning from Late October to early November, if it is under good weather condition, people can have chance to enjoy the shocking view of clouds ocean.Address
Oecho Butsushoji
- Get off at Ooe station by Willer Railway Miyafuku Line, get on the City bus (Oeyama Line) for 20 mins, get off at Oeyama bus stop ( 1.5 hours for walking)
- Free Car park
Red maple leaves: Mid October to Late November
Nariaiji Temple
In the scope of Nariaiji Temple, there is a sightseeing platform to survey the whole view of Amanohashidate. Your eyes will be full of red leaves. Besides, there is another platform near the 5 storeyed pagoda. People can take photos in here surrounded by red maple leaves. If time is allowed, suggest taking bicycle to the platform of the opposite side to have a look of red maple leaves at Nariaiji Temple.Address
339 Nariaiji, Miyazu, Kyoto
- Get off at Amanohashidate station by Willer Railway Miyako Line, get on sightseeing boat to Ichinomiya station, walk for 5mins, take cable car or elevator and get off at Kasamatsu Park. If arrive by bus , get off at Nariaiji Temple bus stop (50 mins from Amanohashidate station)
Red maple leaves period: Mid October to Mid November
Rurikei Valley
This river valley is about 4km in length and located at 500 meters altitude. 12 viewpoints named as “ 12 views of Rurikei Valley”. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the artificial lake name ”Tsuten Lake”, surrounded by red maple leaves. Reminded that you can see the red maple leaves through the rock in KinShu valley in autumn. There are motels and Rurikei spring nearby, relax and let the negative air ions surround you. Red maple leaves period: Late October to Late November Click here for more informationAddress
南丹市園部町大河内
- JR園部駅から南丹市営バス「八田」乗り換え「るり渓」下車
Red maple leaves period: Mid October to Mid November
Epilogue Other than Enryaku-ji Temple, the places I recommended maybe strange for many readers. Although many places are famous for sightseeing in Kyoto, people will still get amused and surprised even they have already visited before. It is unforgettable to visit these view points of red maple leaves, but it is still interesting to dig out new places. These places are special for tourists who always visit Kyoto for red leaves. Please come in late October to know more about red maple leaves!