Kyoto in November: The Perfect Fall Travel Guide
Kyoto in November; fiery fall foliage, crisp days, and a season of celebration. Discover the best things to do in Kyoto in November, as well as why this is one of the best times of year to visit Japan’s former capital city.
Kyoto is synonymous with the historic charm of Gion and Higashiyama, exciting seasonal festivals, and some of the best autumn leaf viewing in Japan. If you’re wondering whether November is a good time to visit, you’re in the right place.
My favourite time of year in Japan, autumn is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful occasions. Many of Kyoto’s temples and shrines host evening illumination events for leaf peepers, making this a special time to visit.
November spells the peak of fall colours in Kyoto, which brings with it crowds. But, if you know when and where to go, and prepare your plans for any ticketed events, you will experience some of the most beautiful views of Japan’s former capital.
Read on to find out how to make the most of your time in Kyoto in November.
Is November a good time to visit Kyoto?
November is one of the best times of the year to visit Kyoto due to comfortable temperatures, less rainy days, and beautiful autumn foliage. There are also numerous special events in November across Kyoto, particularly those related to special fall foliage illuminations at various temples across the city.
November is one of the most popular times of year to visit Kyoto, only after cherry blossom season in spring. This can mean larger crowds and more demand for accommodation. I recommend booking your accommodation a minimum of 4-6 months in advance if you can, as this will give you more options that may fit your budget in the area you would prefer to stay in.
If you’re visiting to see autumn leaves in Kyoto, mid-November usually marks the peak of fall foliage. It’s better to visit earlier than too late for autumn colours, as a kaleidoscope of greens, yellows, and reds is better than bare or thinning trees. Crowds also grow as the month progresses, so you may prefer to avoid the busiest times for this reason too.
What to do in Kyoto in November
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Kyoto in November, there are dozens of special events and celebrations at this time. It’s perfect for autumn leave illumination events, dedicated momijigari activities, and seasonal festivals.
Kiyomizudera Temple
One of Kyoto’s most famous temple views is from Kiyomizudera Temple. In November, the hillside turns vibrant shades of orange and red, which is especially beautiful during sunset. Perched at the top of the hillside at the back of Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera Temple also offers an illumination event from 18 - 30 November 2023. You need to purchase a ticket for ¥400 before entering, and the crowds do peak from sunset and into the evening for this special autumn leaf illumination event.
Kodaiji Lightscape
Perhaps the most popular of all the night illumination events in Kyoto, Kodaiji Temple runs for the longest duration - from 21 October - 10 December 2023. While other illumination events focus on the autumn leaves, this one is based more around a high-tech projection show as well as an illuminated bamboo forest. Entrance costs ¥600.
Eikando Zenrinji Temple Illumination
This was my favourite temple in Kyoto with a huge range of buildings and gardens that were full of brilliant yellow and red maple leaves. From 3 November - 3 December 2023, the illumination autumn event lets guests see the temple and its garden in a new light (literally). I recommend visiting Eikando Zenrinji Temple both during the day and night to enjoy both viewing options. The daytime viewing runs from 9am to 4pm and the night viewing is from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The gates are closed between these sessions and you will need to purchase separate tickets for each. Daytime tickets cost ¥1000 and night tickets are ¥600.
Gion Odari
Hosted at the Gion Kaikan Theatre, geiko and maiko perform a public dance performance. If you aren’t booking a private geisha experience, this is a great opportunity to see a performance during November. The various geisha districts from across Kyoto perform these events throughout the year, but most take place during spring. Running from 1-10 November 2023, performances are held twice daily at 1:30pm and 4pm. Tickets cost ¥6000 for regular entry, or ¥7000 with a special tea ceremony, and can be purchased online via the official website.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple is a must-visit for those in search of autumn leaves in Kyoto. Located in Arashiyama in Kyoto’s west, the 14th-century temple features a vast Zen garden against a backdrop of Arashiyama's mountains. is a serene retreat for those looking to escape the midday crowds in the Bamboo Forest.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Tenryu-ji Temple as autumn foliage transforms the gardens into a vibrant tapestry of colour. You will need to remove your shoes to access various buildings throughout the complex, so wear something that is easy to slip on and off.
Yusai-Tei Gallery
Fall foliage season is one of the best times to visit Yusai-Tei Gallery, sometimes referred to as Somekobo Yumeyusai art gallery, as the large circular windows and reflection pools create unique opportunities to see the autumn colours.
Housed in a 150-year-old Meiji Era building that once operated as a restaurant and inn, I’d recommend booking an early slot for this event. Entry is timed and tickets should be purchased in advance online and cost ¥2000. The system ensures no overcrowding and that everyone can get great photos.
The gallery operates year-round for visitors to admire the unique dyeing technique by Yusai Okuda with a display of stunning silk kimonos.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride
A boat ride along the Hozugawa River is one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn foliage in Arashiyama. Snaking along the waterway from Kameoka to Arashiyama, the boat ride passes through lush valleys and leafy landscapes.
Guests travel in traditional flat-bottomed boats steered by boatmen with bamboo sticks during a two-hour ride as they take in the fiery foliage that transforms the usually verdant green landscape.
Hogon-In Temple
Hogon-In Temple is undeniably stunning during November. Also located in the west of Kyoto in Arashiyama, it is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji and turns a palette of saffron and vermillion during autumn.
The temple’s front Garden features a beautifully manicured landscape with meticulously placed rocks and gravel while the Rear Garden has moss-covered grounds and a less manicured appearance. From 11 November - 3 December 2023 the temple holds an illumination event at night which is a great way to finish your day in Arashiyama.
What is the weather in November in Kyoto?
Temperatures in November start to drop in Kyoto as the season moves closer to winter. Fall in Kyoto typically sees daytime temperatures range from lows of 8c-17c (46f-63f) and drier weather as it’s further from typhoon season than October. Daylight is approximately 10-11 hours in Kyoto in November.
What to wear in Kyoto in November
Temperatures can vary quite a bit in Kyoto throughout November and how far into the month you are visiting. When we travel to Kyoto in autumn, we focus on layers so we can mix and match outfits depending on the changing situations. Some days we’ve worn a T-shirt and jeans/skirt while other days have required jumpers and/or coats.
On sunny days, the weather during the day can be quite warm, but mornings and evenings are typically cool. My autumn packing list for Japan gives you a complete plan for what to pack for a fall trip in Honshu.
Most days, you can expect to need a long-sleeved top or light jacket in the day, with jeans, and something a little heavier in the mornings and at night.
What festivals are there in Kyoto in November?
Japan is known for its seasonal festivals and there are several held in Kyoto in November.
Aki Matsuri / 3 November 2023 | Hosted at Tanukidani-san Fudō-in temple, visitors write wishes on wooden tablets and monks throw the wooden tablets into a sacred bonfire, as part of a form of mountain asceticism called shugendō.
Hitaki-sai Fire Festival / 8 November 2023 | Held at Fushimi Inari Shrine, this is one of the biggest fire festivals in the country with approximately 100,000 prayer sticks thrown into the fire to purge away people’s sins and grant wishes.
Japan Umeshu Festa / 16-19 November 2023 | Bringing together umeshu (plum liqueur) brewers from across Japan, this 3-day festival at Kitano Tenmangū allows visitors to sample various types of umeshu and umeshu-related products including beer and food.
Kibune Momiji Toro / 3-26 November 2023 | Autumn foliage is one of the most renowned characteristics of Kyoto and is celebrated throughout the city. The Kibune Autumn Leaves Lantern Festival illuminates the Eizan Railway Line surrounding Kifune Shrine and Kibune Way. Illuminated fall leaves and red lanterns intermingle for a view not possible any other time of the year.
Is Kyoto better than Tokyo in November?
Kyoto and Tokyo are both excellent destinations to visit in November, but if your main goal is to make the most of Japan’s autumn leaves, then Kyoto offers more opportunities. Kyoto is a hotspot for fall colours and many of the temples hold special night illumination events and celebrations to make the most of the season.
If you want to see excellent autumn foliage near Tokyo, then I’d recommend visiting Kawaguchiko which has the famous maple tunnel as well as a Momiji festival.
How long to spend in Kyoto in November?
If it’s your first time in Kyoto, I’d recommend giving yourself at least four days to explore the sights of the city. In autumn, I could easily dedicate two weeks alone to this spectacular destination because there’s so much to see and do in November. Four days will give you one day in Arashiyama, and three days to cover the various temples and shrines, as well as Gion and downtown Kyoto. This five-day Kyoto itinerary is a great guide on how to make the most of your time in the city.
If you have time, you can also add on a day trip to Nara either from Kyoto or Osaka, which is also a brilliant place for fall colours in November. We find the autumn foliage peaks slightly earlier (only by a few days) in Nara, so consider this when planning your Japan itinerary.
