KyotoUsually mid to late November
Autumn leaves in Kyoto
Tofuku-ji, Eikando, Arashiyama
Maples turn red across Kyoto’s temple gardens. The most popular spots are packed, so go early in the morning.
Open in Google Maps ↗← Kansai by monthLuka Peternel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kansai by month · 9–18°C
November
Maple reds, crisp air and Kyoto at full glow
Crowds
November is autumn at its finest. The air turns crisp, the skies stay clear and from mid-month Kyoto's maples blaze red and orange. Temples hold evening light-ups, and there's a warm, festive feeling as the year winds down.
It's perfect for photographers, garden lovers and anyone chasing classic Japan. The honest trade-off: this is Kyoto's busiest season, with crowded buses and sights and high prices. Staying in Osaka and day-tripping in early morning is a smart way to enjoy it.
Festivals and big moments
OsakaNovember to December
Midosuji Illumination
Midosuji avenue, central Osaka
About 4 km of ginkgo trees along Osaka’s main avenue are lit up every evening.
Getting there · From Umeda to Namba on foot or by subway
Open in Google Maps ↗Kyoto
Kyoto’s busiest weeks
Start early, or stay in Kyoto so you can reach the gardens before the day-trippers.
More to do this month
1Hike to Minoo Falls
A gentle forest walk under maples to a waterfall, only about 30 minutes by train from central Osaka.
Osaka Minoo Park, north Osaka
2See the temple night light-ups
Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji light their autumn trees after dark for a few weeks. It's magical, but go early to avoid lines.
Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji, Higashiyama
3Reflections at Rurikoin
A temple famous for maple reflections on a polished black desk. It's only open in special seasons and usually needs a reservation.
Kyoto Rurikoin, Yase, north Kyoto
4Quiet maples at Shinnyo-do
A calmer alternative to the big-name spots, with a three-story pagoda and deep-red maples.
Kyoto Shinnyo-do, near Ginkaku-ji
5Golden ginkgo at Osaka Castle
In late November the castle park's ginkgo trees turn bright yellow around the moat.
Osaka Osaka Castle Park
A ready-made route
Eat this month
Momiji tempuraMaple leaves fried in sweet batter, a unique snack sold along the path to Minoo waterfall in north Osaka.
Snow crabCrab season on the Sea of Japan coast opens in early November. Crab hot pots and crab kaiseki appear across Kansai.
SenmaizukeKyoto's thinly sliced turnip pickles in sweet vinegar. The new season's batch starts around late autumn.
Good to know
- Mid-to-late November is Kyoto's peak. Visit famous spots at opening time and use trains or walking instead of the crowded buses.
- Book stays and dinner reservations as early as possible, and consider staying in Osaka, only 15–30 minutes from Kyoto by train.
- Leaf timing varies year to year. Check local color reports, and remember that the hills turn earlier than the city.