Autumn in Kyoto: A Complete One-Day Walking Itinerary in Higashiyama District
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Kyoto, when the changing leaves transform the city’s countless shrines and temples into stunning landscapes of gold and crimson. One of the best places to experience this seasonal beauty is the historic Higashiyama District on the eastern side of the city. However, with the arrival of autumn, Kyoto becomes especially crowded, which can make navigating the area a bit tricky.
In this article, I’m sharing a one-day walking itinerary I followed that covers both popular and hidden autumn spots, giving you the chance to enjoy a magical day of leaf hunting - known as momijigari in Japanese.
Whether you're visiting Kyoto for the first time or have been there before, I hope this guide will help you make the most of your autumn adventure in one of the city’s most charming areas!
➡️ Don’t miss the map of this itinerary at the bottom of the article if you’d like to follow it along.
A One Day Self-Guided Walking Itinerary in Higashiyama, Kyoto
Arrive at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station and Begin Your Day at Kiyomizu-dera
Begin your autumn adventure by arriving at Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (清水五条駅), or another nearby train or bus station at your convenience, ideally early in the morning to beat the crowds to visit one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, Kyomizu-dera (清水寺). From the station, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the temple.
✨ TRAVELY TIP: Instead of walking the Kiyomizu Zaka (清水坂) up to the Kiyomizu-dera, I’d recommend instead to head to the right and follow the path past Otani Hombyo Temple (大谷本廟) and Tsumyō-ji Temple (通妙寺) and through the impressive Otani Cemetery (大谷墓地) for a serene and scenic approach.
Now, time to visit the majestic Kiyomizu-dera (¥500 entrance fee)! In autumn, it is renowned for its large wooden stage that extends over a sea of maple trees. When I visited, the autumn foliage had already reached its peak, but the remaining colors still created a stunning backdrop.
Take your time to explore the temple grounds, visit the sacred Otowa Waterfall (you might want to join the queue to wash your hands/drink the water from one of the three streams, each bringing blessings for success, love or longevity), and stroll through the surrounding gardens, which are even more enchanting with the colorful foliage.
Stroll Through Gion’s Historic Streets to Yasaka-Jinja Shrine
After soaking in the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera, head towards the famous Gion area. As you wander through its historic streets, you'll pass charming traditional wooden machiya houses, small shops selling handcrafted goods and souvenirs, and cozy tea houses. The colorful autumn leaves scattered throughout add to the beautiful traditional cityscape. Walk through Sannenzaka (産寧坂) and Ninenzaka (二寧坂) and Nene-no-michi (ねねの道), making as many stops as you’d like to quaint shops and small temples that catch your eye, such the colorful Yasaka Kōshin-dō Temple (八坂庚申堂) or the peaceful Gesshin-in Temple (月真院).
✨TRAVELY TIP: You might want to come again in the evening to enjoy the autumn night illuminations in temples like Kodaiji Temple (高台寺).
Continue your walk towards Yasaka-Jinja (八坂神社), a lively shrine known for its striking vermilion gate and centuries-long role as Kyoto’s protector, located at the end of Shijo-dori street (四条通). You can admire the fall foliage scattered through the shrine grounds, while enjoying the busy and vibrant atmosphere and stopping for a snack at one of its food stalls, before moving on.
Admire the Stunning Fall Foliage in Maruyama Park
Just a short stroll from Yasaka-Jinja is Maruyama Park (円山公園). Known primarily as a cherry blossom spot in spring, I fell in love with the park’s charm during the fall. The central pond, surrounded by mapple trees, offers a peaceful retreat where you can pause after all this morning exploring and soak in the beautiful scenery.
✨TRAVELY TIP: I highly recommend taking the time to explore the park, especially the quieter back area, where you’ll find stunning autumn foliage with hardly any crowds. It’s truly a hidden gem you won’t want to miss!
Discover Nearby Hidden Gems for Fall Foliage: Chion-in and Shoren-in
After enjoying the vibrant fall scenery of Maruyama Park, take a short walk to two of Kyoto’s lesser-known autumn gems: Chion-in (知恩院) and Shoren-in (青蓮院). These neighboring temples, often overlooked by tourists, provide a quieter, more intimate experience of Kyoto's autumn beauty.
Chion-in is the grand head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. There is an entrance from the back of Maruyama park, next to the Grand Bell Tower, Chion-in Daishoro (大鐘楼). Otherwise, you might want to make a detour to enter through the majestic Sanmon Gate (三門), one of Japan’s largest wooden gates. After visiting the temple and admiring its stunning autumn foliage, continue your walk through Chion-in Kitamon (北門) to the next destination.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is Shoren-in (青蓮院), a serene Buddhist temple nestled at the foot of the Higashiyama mountains (admission fee: ¥600). The temple’s garden, designed in traditional Japanese style, features a pond surrounded by centuries-old trees that burst into brilliant hues of gold and crimson in autumn. The gentle rustle of the leaves and the reflection of the foliage in the pond create a calming, almost meditative atmosphere, inviting visitors to embrace a moment of peaceful contemplation. Inside, be sure to also admire Shoren-in’s beautifully painted fusuma sliding doors.
I highly recommend taking the time to stroll through the garden, especially in the Kirishima no Niwa (霧島の庭) where you can enjoy even more stunning fall foliage. As you wander, be sure to explore the small bamboo forest that leads to the Shogunzuka Dainichi-do temple and its two observatories. From there, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Shoren-in framed by autumn leaves and the sprawling city of Kyoto in the distance.
Walk to the Start of the Philosopher’s Path and Stop on the Way at Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do Temple for Breathtaking Autumn Colors
As you continue your journey through Higashiyama, make your way toward the start of the Philosopher’s Path, one of Kyoto's most famous walking routes. Before reaching the path itself, you can take a moment to visit two magnificent temples that are particularly breathtaking during autumn: Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do.
Nanzen-ji (南禅寺), a Zen Buddhist temple, is renowned not only for its impressive architecture but also for its vast temple grounds which burst to life in vivid colors in autumn. If you’d like you can climb to the top of the Sanmon Gate (for a small fee), from which you can admire panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
✨TRAVELY TIP: During your visit of Nanzen-ji, don’t miss the Suirokaku Aqueduct (水路閣) and the nearby Saishou-in temple (最勝院) for their stunning autumn colors.
Next, a short walk will lead you to Eikan-do Temple (禅林寺 (永観堂)), one of Kyoto’s most celebrated destinations for autumn foliage. Known for its exceptional gardens and maple-lined paths, Eikan-do transforms into a stunning autumn paradise, with over 3000 vividly colored maple trees around its Hojo pond. To be honest, it was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever encountered.
The reflection of the autumn colors in the temple's pond adds to the magic, creating a scene straight out of a painting. Even though it was extremely busy when I visited, and it might be challenging for some people, I wholeheartedly recommend 100% visiting Eikan-do if you can. The beauty of the fall there is truly unforgettable!
Walk the Philosopher’s Path and Stop at Honen-in
It's time to begin your peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, one of Kyoto’s most scenic walks, which starts next to the Kumano Nyakuoji Shrine. When I visited, it was significantly less crowded than other popular autumn spots. After the bustling Eikan-do, it was a delight to take a relaxing walk on this ancient stone path, following the canal lined with trees in an array of autumn colours.
As you stroll along the two-kilometer route, you’ll encounter small shrines, tea houses, and cozy cafes tucked into the quiet corners of the neighborhood. About halfway along, don’t miss Honen-in (法然院), a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. Passing through the moss-covered thatched gate felt like stepping into another world! Take time to wander the small stone paths and admire the temple’s peaceful gardens, before continuing your journey along the Philosopher’s Path.
End Your Day at Ginkaku-ji
As this day of momijigari is coming to an end, you can head over to Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), also known as the Silver Pavilion. After all this walking, before visiting this temple, you might want to take a break at one of the restaurants along the street leading to the temple—grab some dango and warm tea (like I did)!
Located at the northern end of the Philosopher’s Path, this Zen temple (entrance fee: ¥500) is the perfect final stop on your Higashiyama walking itinerary. Built in the late 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has a humble appearance that embodies “wabi-sabi”, a Japanese concept where beauty is found in imperfection. The sand garden, featuring the iconic "Moon-Viewing Platform" (which is also a Zen representation of Mount Fuji) beautifully contrasts with the colorful foliage. Don’t miss the winding path up the hillside for a beautiful view of the temple framed by autumn colours.
After all this day of exploring, you’ll likely want to catch a bus or a taxi back to your accommodation for a well deserved rest, your head buzzing with memories of the stunning momiji.
Higashiyama One-Day Autumn Walking Itinerary in a Map
The itinerary is packed with plenty of things to do, so depending on your pace and interests, you might consider splitting it into two days for a more leisurely experience.
Other Things to Do in Kyoto in the Fall
There are so many other places to visit around Kyoto in autumn. I’ll write more Kyoto autumn guides and itineraries in the future, so make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to be informed when it is published.
There are also great day trips to do from Kyoto during the autumn season, such as the Kibune-Kurama hike or a day trip to Uji. You can check out my article: “Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers”.
To Conclude
I had a wonderful time exploring Kyoto’s Higashiyama District in autumn, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this one-day autumn walk suggestion!
Wandering through Higashiyama during this season is truly magical. From the iconic Kiyomizu-dera to the serene Ginkaku-ji, each stop offers its own unique charm and breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Whether you choose to tackle this itinerary in one day or spread it out over two, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories of Kyoto's vibrant autumn colors. So lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of momijigari in this enchanting part of the city!
Found this article helpful? Buy me a coffee. 😊
Want to stay in touch? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter (with latest articles, updates, travel tips and more...) delivered straight to your inbox. 📩
