Kyoto Autumn Leaves Forecast 2026: Temple Peaks, Light-ups (Updated Oct 15)

You fly in for the third week of November, walk into Eikan-do, and the pond is still mostly green. Or you trust a headline that says Kyoto "peaks on December 11", arrive mid-December, and Tofuku-ji's famous bridge looks down on bare branches.

This Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2026 guide answers one question: which dates actually give you the best color at the temples you want to see?

Quick answer (checked October 15, 2026)

• Kyoto's big temple gardens are forecast to peak from mid to late November, with leaves starting to drop in early to mid-December.
• The "December 11" date from the Japan Meteorological Corporation is for a single official sample tree, not for the famous spots.
• On busy days, the EX100/EX101 sightseeing express buses (Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu in 12 minutes) plus IKOKA's crowd LEVELs save the most time.

Kyoto autumn leaves forecast 2026: why the dates disagree

[Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama framed by red maple leaves] Three Japanese forecasters get quoted every autumn. Their dates look contradictory because they measure different things.

In its October 1 forecast, JMC puts Kyoto's maple date at December 11, close to the normal December 5, and ginkgo at November 27. That city sample tree turns later than hillside temple gardens, so treat it as the tail end of the season. In its October 14 update, the Japan Weather Association said many lowland spots in eastern and western Japan will run later than normal this year, yet still expects Arashiyama to be worth seeing from November 13. JMC's next update is due in early November.

Behind that December 11 figure is the Japan Meteorological Agency's sample-tree standard: the forecast date is "the first day most of the tree's leaves have turned red (or yellow)", and for Kyoto the tree is an iroha maple. JMC explains that leaves color as autumn temperatures drop and that it is cooler higher up, which is why it forecasts mountain foliage separately by altitude.

Kyoto fall foliage peak 2026 by temple

If you want the widest overlap across central Kyoto, aim for November 23 to the first week of December. Tofuku-ji's view from Tsutenkyo bridge is the classic "sea of maples" shot, but its Weathernews listing notes that photography may be banned when it is crowded.

On your route, also check crowd LEVELs for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nanzen-ji and the Philosopher's Path.

CrowdsTofuku-ji crowd LEVEL right now

Kiyomizu-dera night illumination 2026

[Kiyomizu-dera main hall stage surrounded by autumn colors] Weathernews lists Kiyomizu-dera's autumn night viewing for Saturday November 21 to Monday November 30, from 17:30 (last entry 21:00). Day and night are separate admissions, so plan on queuing again if you go back after dark. Confirm on the temple's own notice before you go.

CrowdsKiyomizu-dera crowd LEVEL right now

Does ginkgo turn before maple?

[Giant yellow ginkgo tree in the grounds of Nishi Hongan-ji, Kyoto] Ginkgo turns at slightly warmer temperatures than maple, so it usually peaks earlier. JMC expects Kyoto's ginkgo around November 27 and Osaka's around November 24, which means a late-November trip has a good chance of catching gold and red together.

Which bus beats the crowds?

Kyoto City Bus's Limited Express EX100 and EX101 stop only near major sights: Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera (Gojo-zaka) in 12 minutes, Gion in 17, Ginkaku-ji in 30. The fare is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children by cash or IC card, and it is included in the Subway and Bus 1-Day Pass. On operating days they run about every 7 to 8 minutes toward Kiyomizu-dera in the morning (check Kyoto City Bus for operating days). Use IKOKA's yen converter if you want the fare in your own currency.

CrowdsEikan-do crowd LEVEL right now

Where to go in early November?

[Visitors walking a path under maples by the hillside at Sanzen-in, Ohara] When central Kyoto shows LEVEL 4 or 5 on a weekend, head north. Ohara's Sanzen-in is forecast to peak from November 16, a little ahead of the city. The Kibune area typically colors from early to late November, and during the Kibune Momiji Toro event the shrine, the approach road, and Eizan Railway's Kibuneguchi and Ninose stations are lit from sunset until about 21:00 (per tenki.jp; check this year's dates officially). Our Kurama guide covers the Eizan line.

FAQ

Is early November too early for Kyoto? For central Kyoto temples, usually yes. Kibune typically colors from early November (tenki.jp) and Ohara is forecast from November 16, so go north if your dates are early.

Will there still be leaves in December? Weathernews expects leaves to start falling around December 10 at Arashiyama, Tofuku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, so the first days of December can still work. The JMC sample-tree date of December 11 is another sign the city keeps some color into early December.

Kyoto autumn checklist

• One week out, recheck JMC (3rd update, early Nov) and tenki.jp
• Remember "Dec 11" is a sample-tree date, not a temple peak
• Hit headline temples at opening time or on a weekday morning
• On EX100/EX101 operating days, pair them with the 1-Day Pass; otherwise mix in the subway
• Confirm light-up dates and last entry on official notices
• Expect photo limits on Tofuku-ji's bridge when crowded

What to check the night before?

The night before, compare LEVELs for Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera on the IKOKA crowd forecast, and check the Arashiyama sky on our live cams. Save this page and come back after the early-November forecast update. Which Kyoto spot is at the top of your list this year?

Next read: our free guide to the quietest times at 83 popular spots in Japan, Kyoto temples included.

Next readThe quietest times at 83 popular spots in Japan

Information checked on October 15, 2026. Foliage timing changes with the weather.