[Kyoto Autumn 2025] Illuminated Autumn Foliage & Special Evening Viewings in Central Kyoto — Nijo Castle, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto State Guest House, and More

Every year, countless visitors from Japan and abroad flock to Kyoto for the breathtaking autumn foliage season.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, in 2025 the leaves in Kyoto are expected to reach their peak around November 17.

Because Kyoto stretches lengthwise from north to south, the northern areas begin to change color from late October through mid-November, with the foliage front gradually moving south about a week later.

In other words, across the entire Kyoto region, you can enjoy the autumn leaves from late October to early December. Even after the leaves have fallen, many temples feature beautiful “floor maple” scenes where the fallen leaves blanket the ground in vibrant red hues—making it possible to admire autumn colors until mid-December in some areas.

In this article, we’ll introduce the best autumn foliage spots in central Kyoto, including shrines and temples that open for special autumn viewings and evening illumination events.
If you’re planning to savor the beauty of Kyoto’s autumn, this is the perfect guide for you!

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非公開: 京都市内の紅葉×ライトアップ・特別限定公開スポット一覧 このページでは、京都市内にある紅葉×ライトアップ・特別限定公開スポットを一覧にして紹介しています。京都に紅葉を見に訪れる予定がある方は、ぜひ参考にしてみてくだ…

Characteristics of Central Kyoto Area

Located in the heart of Kyoto, the Rakuchu area (Central Kyoto) is home to countless shopping and gourmet spots, including the Kyoto Station area and Nishiki Market.

In addition to historic landmarks such as Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, visitors can also enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum, making it a destination that appeals to all generations.

Because this area allows you to experience the essence of Kyoto in a short amount of time, it is especially recommended for those with limited time in the city.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the autumn foliage illumination events and limited special openings taking place in this central area!

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非公開: 京都市内観光に役立つ！京都市内のエリア別観光スポットとグルメ・お土産・Q＆Aも 京都には、神社仏閣のような歴史スポットだけでなく、グルメスポットやショッピングスポットなど見どころたくさん。 桜や紅葉の時期には、京都の自然の美しさを感じられ…

Nijō Castle – Enjoy It Both Day and Night!

Nijō Castle Festival 2025 & “NAKED meets Nijō Castle 2025 – Moon Viewing”

Nijō Castle, a former imperial villa, is home to three distinct gardens: the Honmaru Garden within the Honmaru Palace, the Ninomaru Garden inside the Ninomaru Palace, and the Seiryu-en Garden, a refined blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics. In autumn, the castle grounds are beautifully adorned with golden ginkgo leaves, crimson maples, and colorful azaleas.

During this season, Nijō Castle hosts special daytime and evening events that celebrate the beauty of autumn.

Daytime Events

Visitors can enjoy the “Nijō Castle Stamp Rally,” where you complete an original design by collecting stamps throughout the castle grounds. The “Kyoto Specialty Fair” showcases renowned local sweets, sake, and traditional crafts from famous Kyoto stores. In addition, the “Japanese Traditional Performing Art: Sarumawashi (Monkey Performance)” entertains guests with its charming and historic artistry.

Nighttime Event: NAKED meets Nijō Castle 2025 – Moon Viewing

As night falls, the castle transforms into a mesmerizing illuminated art space. The “NAKED meets Nijō Castle 2025 Moon Viewing” event expresses the serene beauty of the moonlight reflecting on the castle’s historic structures. When visitors gently place their hands over the water basin, soft sounds of traditional Japanese instruments echo like ripples of moonlight. The Seiryu-en Garden, illuminated with vibrant autumn colors, offers a stunning display of Japanese aesthetics blending nature, light, and history.

Both daytime and nighttime events offer early-bird discounts, so be sure to check details in advance if you plan to visit!

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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – The Breathtaking “Odoi Momiji Garden”

The maple leaves at Kitano Tenmangū Shrine have a deep connection with its enshrined deity, Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.

Next to the main precinct lies the Historic Odoi Maple Garden, where visitors can admire the vivid red foliage surrounding the bright vermilion Uguisu Bridge and enjoy a panoramic view of the shrine grounds—including the National Treasure Main Hall—from the observatory.

The “Odoi” originally refers to an earthen embankment built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to protect Kyoto’s city center from invaders and river floods. Today, however, it has become such a breathtaking autumn landscape that it almost seems to have been made just for enjoying the beauty of the maples.

At the Maple Garden, be sure to experience the scenery from both perspectives—looking up at the fiery leaves above and looking down over the crimson canopy from the hilltop.
During the autumn viewing period, visitors can also savor a traditional sweet called “Funo-yaki”, recreated after the recipe devised by Sen no Rikyū, the great tea master.

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Myokaku-ji Temple – Special Autumn Viewing of “Hosshien Garden”

Myokaku-ji Temple was once used as a residence by notable historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga and Date Masamune during their stays in Kyoto. It was also a venue for tea ceremonies hosted by Sen no Rikyū, and served as Nobunaga’s favored lodging.

Normally, the temple halls and gardens are closed to the public, but they are specially opened during the spring and autumn seasons. Among the three gardens within the precincts, the Hōshi-en Garden, located in front of the main hall, is particularly captivating for its stunning combination of moss and autumn foliage.

This garden, inspired by the Lotus Sutra’s teaching that “as you are, you are wonderful,” is called a “natural garden” — it is left untouched except for regular cleaning, allowing nature to maintain its own beauty.

Take your time to appreciate the tranquil harmony of lush moss and the delicately colored maple leaves in this serene space.

Umekoji Park – Enjoy Autumn Colors at Kyoto’s Urban Oasis

Just a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Umekoji Park is a lush green oasis popular among families, thanks to its proximity to the Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum.

The park features wide lawns perfect for picnics and strolls, as well as the beautiful Suzaku Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden that offers a peaceful retreat for visitors.

In autumn, Suzaku Garden hosts an evening autumn foliage illumination, where the maple leaves are spectacularly reflected on the pond’s mirror-like surface—creating a breathtaking scene quite different from the daytime atmosphere.

Kyoto State Guest House – Enjoy the Late-Autumn Atmosphere During the Special Extended Evening Opening

The Kyoto State Guest House welcomes distinguished guests from around the world and serves as the venue for banquets, ministerial meetings, and official ceremonies.
The main highlights of the guest house are the following five areas.

・Main Entrance: A stunning fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese architecture.
・Juraku-no-Ma: A refined reception room for guests, adorned with exquisite examples of traditional craftsmanship such as Nishijin textiles and bamboo art.
・Yūbae-no-Ma: A beautifully decorated antechamber used as a waiting area before banquets, notable for its elegant wall designs.
・Fuji-no-Ma: The largest banquet hall, accommodating up to 120 guests for formal meals.
・Kiri-no-Ma: A traditional Japanese dining room where guests can enjoy performances by geiko and maiko.

During regular hours, visitors can explore the Kyoto State Guest House through guided tours that showcase its artistry and architectural harmony in depth. In autumn, however, a special evening tour is held for a limited time. As dusk falls, the shoji screens softly glow like giant lanterns, and the grand pond and decorative walls are illuminated, creating a serene and enchanting late-autumn atmosphere.

Since the Kyoto State Guest House becomes completely dark after sunset, it is recommended to bring a flashlight for safety.。

Myōken-ji Temple – Light-Up & Special Evening Viewing

Myōken-ji Temple was once a regular lodging place for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Nestled in a quiet residential area, the approach from the main gate to the main hall is lined alternately with maple and pine trees, creating a striking contrast of red and green foliage.

During the special night illumination, visitors can enjoy not only the beauty of the autumn leaves but also the refined elegance of the Shikai Shōdō no Niwa (“Garden of the Four Seas and Enlightenment”), beautifully lit to reveal its tranquil charm.

Another highlight is the Kōrin Kyokusui no Niwa (“Kōrin’s Meandering Stream Garden”), designed by Edo-period painter and craftsman Ogata Kōrin — a must-see for those interested in Japan’s traditional arts and craftsmanship.

Useful Tips for Enjoying Kyoto’s Autumn Foliage!

From November onward, when Kyoto enters the autumn foliage season, the temperature difference between day and night becomes quite noticeable.
Therefore, it’s best to bring a jacket or outer layer that you can easily put on or take off as needed.

Also, since Kyoto has many slopes and gravel paths, wearing comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers is essential!

To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning for daytime viewing, or later in the evening if you plan to enjoy the light-up events.

Conclusion

This time, we’ve selected some of the best autumn foliage spots in central Kyoto (the Rakuchū area) where you can enjoy beautiful light-ups and limited-time special openings!

From iconic landmarks like Nijō Castle and Kitano Tenmangū Shrine to the expansive Umekoji Park glowing with vibrant autumn colors, each location offers a uniquely Kyoto experience you won’t want to miss.

Since these spots are all located in central Kyoto—close to Kyoto Station—they’re easy to visit in the late afternoon or evening for a relaxing autumn stroll.

Be sure to check the schedules and plan your visit around your favorite sights and times of year!

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