🍁 Kyoto's Autumn Kodai-ji Temple Stroll | A Hidden Route for Stunning Autumn Leaves

#September2025

If you ask me where to go in Kyoto for the best autumn foliage viewing, Kodai-ji Temple has to be my absolute favorite. The autumn foliage season here truly embodies the pinnacle of Kyoto aesthetics. The vermilion corridors, swaying in the gentle breeze, seem to connect past and present. The brilliant crimson of the century-old maple trees, combined with the reflections in the garden pond, creates a poetic and breathtaking space.

🌸Sneak Peek of Trip Highlights
Kodai-ji Temple is more than just an ancient temple; it's a fusion of garden and art. Designed by renowned artist Kobori Enshu, the gardens and ponds, paired with the fiery autumn foliage, create a captivating scene reminiscent of a Ukiyo-e painting. The temple grounds aren't just for foliage viewing; when illuminated at night, the leaves intertwine with the architecture, creating a breathtaking spectacle that seems almost unreal. Add to that the vermilion corridors and tranquil teahouses within the temple, and you'll find inspiration and tranquility for both photo-obsessed and soothing individuals.

📍 Recommended Attraction: Kodai-ji Temple
Address: 526 Kodai-ji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan 605-0825
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
To avoid the crowds, we recommend arriving early in the morning for a refreshing autumn viewing experience. The air is fresh and the scent of the maple leaves is palpable. There's no rush to wander around the main hall, the Hojo Garden, the teahouse, and the pond. In autumn, you can relax on the benches. There are also a few nearby cafes, so grab a cup of hot matcha and enjoy the scenery.

My Tips:
In autumn, Kodai-ji Temple is particularly recommended for a leisurely stroll along the vermilion corridors, where you can soak in the historical atmosphere. While there are many century-old maple trees, if you want to take photos without a crowd, it's recommended to arrive early or arrive in the evening for the night illumination. During the day, the reflections of the pond create a breathtakingly picturesque scene. When illuminated at night, the temple becomes mysterious and dreamy, and the rich, multicolored leaves make any photo look like a magazine cover.

Useful Information:
Transportation Tips: Take the Kyoto City Bus to the Higashiyama Yasui stop and walk to Kodai-ji Temple in about 7 minutes. Transportation is also very convenient in the surrounding area.
Dining Recommendations: After enjoying the fall foliage, there are many matcha and wagashi cafes outside the temple, such as Kodaiji Tea House and Jixiang Guoli, which are great places to enjoy a stroll and a meal. The limited-edition autumn desserts are a must-try!
Notes: The temple trails are often paved with stone, so comfortable shoes are recommended for viewing the fall foliage. Feeding the pond carp is prohibited. Selfie sticks and large tripods are prohibited inside and outside Kodai-ji Temple. Please respect others when taking photos.

The true beauty of Kyoto's fall foliage lies in Kodai-ji Temple. Whether you're an aesthetic enthusiast, a meditator, or someone who enjoys taking photos, Kodai-ji Temple in autumn will not disappoint!

#Kyoto #Kodai-ji Temple #Autumn Travel #Maple Viewing #Red Leaf Lover