Autumn Leaves Around Lake Biwa: 14 Spots in Shiga with Peak Timing and Illuminations

Autumn color in Shiga starts in late October on Mount Hiei and at Biwako Valley, and runs through to the metasequoia avenue in early December, giving more than a month of viewing. The old temples of the Koto Sanzan, the illuminated grounds of Hikone Castle and the quiet temple approaches of the northern lakeshore each offer something different, so you can choose a destination by the kind of scenery you want.

This article covers the autumn leaf spots around Lake Biwa, along with peak timing, illuminations and ways to avoid the crowds.

It is written for travelers who want to extend a Kyoto trip for autumn color, who would rather see the leaves away from the busy city, or who plan to drive between the sites.

When Is the Peak for Autumn Leaves in Shiga? Timing by Area

Autumn color in Shiga moves from the mountains down to the lakeshore, so it helps to choose your destination by when you are visiting. Start with the peak timing for each area.

Mountains in early November, temples in mid-November, and the metasequoia avenue from late November into early December is an easy way to plan the dates.

Autumn Color Starts in the Mountains: Three Spots from Late October

Mount Hiei and Biwako Valley turn earlier than the lowlands. If you want autumn color within October, start here.

Hieizan Enryakuji: Early Autumn Color in a World Heritage Temple Complex

Hieizan Enryakuji in Otsu is a World Heritage site divided into three areas: Todo, Saito and Yokawa. The elevation is high, so the leaves usually turn from late October to mid-November, earlier than on the plain.

The three areas are some distance apart, so allow about half a day to see all of them. In some years an event is held around the autumn leaves.

Okuhiei Driveway: Watching the Color Change with Elevation, from the Car

The Okuhiei Driveway links the Todo, Saito and Yokawa areas of Enryakuji, and the stage of the color changes with the elevation along the way.

At Yumemigaoka on the Hieizan Driveway, an event combining autumn leaves and night views is held in some years. The dates vary, so check the official information before setting out.

Biwako Valley: Looking Down on Lake Biwa and the Autumn Color from the Summit

Biwako Valley is a mountain resort where a ropeway takes you straight up to the summit. From late October into early November you can look down on the colored slopes and Lake Biwa at the same time.

It is much colder at the top than on the plain, so bring warm clothes. The ropeway also stops in strong winds, so check the day’s operating status before you go.

Temples and Gardens: Six Spots That Peak in November

Once November begins, the temples of the Koto area and Otsu come into their best. The maples are numerous enough that the grounds feel wrapped in red the moment you step in.

Koto Sanzan (Saimyoji, Kongorinji, Hyakusaiji): National Treasure Halls Among the Maples

Saimyoji, Kongorinji and Hyakusaiji are known together as the Koto Sanzan, and maples spread across all three sets of grounds. Saimyoji has a National Treasure main hall and three-storied pagoda, Kongorinji the deep red known as the blood-stained maples, and Hyakusaiji the view from its stone walls and garden.

All three have stone steps on the approach, so wear comfortable shoes. Visiting all three in a day, known as the three-temple circuit, is also popular.

Eigenji: A Tunnel of Maples Along the Echi River

Eigenji in Higashiomi is known for the tunnel of maples that covers its approach. The scenery along the Echi River is part of the appeal, and the peak usually runs from early to late November, with mid-November the high point.

In some years there are evening openings or illuminations. Whether they are held varies by year, so check the official information before you go.

Kyorinbo: A Garden Ringed by Bamboo, and Maples Reflected on a Table

At Kyorinbo in Omihachiman, the maples of a scenic garden surrounded by bamboo turn color. The reflected maples that appear on the polished tables and floors draw the most attention.

In autumn the temple opens only during a special period, usually every day from November 1 to December 21. Evening illuminations are held during that period, but the dates vary by year, so check the official information before visiting.

Ishiyamadera: National Treasures and Autumn Leaves at a Temple Tied to Murasaki Shikibu

Ishiyamadera in Otsu is the temple where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have conceived The Tale of Genji. You can see the National Treasure main hall, a pagoda described as the oldest of its kind in Japan, and the wollastonite rock formations in the grounds set against the autumn color.

It is easy to reach from Kyoto Station, which makes it simple to combine with autumn leaves in central Kyoto.

Hiyoshi Taisha: A Maple Road Through Some 3,000 Trees

Hiyoshi Taisha in Sakamoto, Otsu, has what is said to be around 3,000 maples across its grounds. The maple road that runs from Omiya Bridge to the Sanno torii gate sets the vermilion bridge and gate against the leaves, and it photographs well.

A maple festival is usually held in November, and the walk pairs well with the old streets of Sakamoto.

Keisokuji: Fallen Maple Leaves Covering the Approach

Keisokuji in Kinomoto-cho, Nagahama, is known for an approach lined with about 200 old maples. Later in the season the fallen leaves turn the path red.

Local residents organize the reception during the leaf season to help protect the site. In 2026 it is open from Saturday, November 14 to Thursday, December 3, 8:30-16:00, with a 500 yen contribution per person. Parking is set up at Kokoukaku and the first and second leaf-season lots, but these fill up on peak weekends, so allow extra time if you are driving.

The Lakeshore and the Castle Town: Three Spots Best from Late November to Early December

From late November the lakeshore and the castle town come into their best. Even a visit in December can catch scenery particular to this part of the season.

Hikone Castle and Genkyuen: A National Treasure Castle and an Illuminated Feudal Garden

Genkyuen, the feudal garden on the north side of the National Treasure Hikone Castle, shows maples reflected in its pond. The peak runs from mid-November to early December.

The 2026 illumination runs from Saturday, November 14 to Sunday, November 29, 18:00-21:00, with entry until 20:30. Tour the castle during the day and move on to the illumination in the evening, and you can see both in one day.

The Metasequoia Avenue: 2.4 Kilometers Turning from Gold to Brick Red

The metasequoia avenue in Makino-cho, Takashima, is a straight 2.4 km road lined with about 500 metasequoia trees. In late November many leaves remain and the color is a bright gold; by early December it settles into brick red, so the same place looks different depending on when you come.

Peak weekends bring heavy foot and car traffic, and the area around Makino Pick Land, which serves as the base, gets busy. Visit early in the morning or on a weekday and you can take the avenue at your own pace.

The avenue is also a local road.
Please do not stop your car to take photographs; use the Makino Pick Land parking lot instead.

Okubiwako Parkway: Looking Down on the Northern Lake from the Tsuzuraozaki Observatory

The Okubiwako Parkway runs along the north side of Lake Biwa, with the shoreline and the colored hillsides in view as you drive. From the Tsuzuraozaki Observatory you can see the indented shoreline of the northern lake and out toward Chikubushima.

The stretch from the Tsuzuraozaki Observatory to Iwakuma is one way, and can only be entered from the Sugaura side. It is open 8:00-18:00, with the gate closing around 17:30, and it is usually closed for winter from early December to mid-March. For autumn color, go within November and allow plenty of time.

A One-Day Route Through Shiga’s Autumn Color

This route drives out from Kyoto and takes in the old temples of the Koto area and the Hikone Castle illumination in a single day.

The three Koto Sanzan temples are about 15 minutes apart by car. Seeing all three makes for a rushed day, so if you want to finish with the Hikone Castle illumination, narrowing it to two gives you more room. Add the metasequoia avenue in Takashima the next day and you cover both mountain and lakeshore color.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the peak for autumn leaves in Shiga?

Mount Hiei and Biwako Valley start in late October, the Koto Sanzan and the old temples of Otsu run from early to late November, and Hikone Castle and the metasequoia avenue peak from late November into early December. The color moves from the mountains down to the lakeshore over more than a month.

Where can I see illuminations?

At Genkyuen beside Hikone Castle, the 2026 illumination runs from November 14 to November 29, 18:00-21:00. Eigenji and Kyorinbo also hold evening openings in some years, so check their official information.

Can I get around without a car?

Ishiyamadera, Hiyoshi Taisha and Hikone Castle are all within walking distance of a station, and the metasequoia avenue is about 6 minutes by community bus from Makino Station on the JR Kosei Line. A car is more practical for the Koto Sanzan and the northern lake.

How can I avoid the crowds?

Parking at the main sites fills up on peak weekends. Going early in the morning or on a weekday is the easier option. The metasequoia avenue is also quieter early in the day.

Summary

Autumn in Shiga runs from Mount Hiei in late October to the metasequoia avenue in early December, so you can come back more than once by shifting the dates. National Treasure halls, feudal gardens and summits overlooking the lake add up to a different kind of autumn from central Kyoto.

If you plan to visit several sites, staying a night near Lake Biwa is the easier option. It opens up the hours a day trip cannot reach, from a quiet temple approach first thing in the morning to the night view after an illumination.