When do the leaves usually turn?
In a typical year Kyoto's colours run from early November to early December, and they move downhill. The mountain areas in the north, such as Takao and Ohara, turn first. The central city, Higashiyama and Arashiyama usually follow in mid to late November, and some low, sheltered gardens hold their colour into early December.
That is a pattern, not a promise: a warm autumn pushes everything later. As of 20 September 2026, neither Kyoto City nor the major forecasters have published a 2026 forecast. Once the season starts, the city's official Autumn Leaf Report tracks about 75 spots with current photos. It is in Japanese, but the colour stages are easy to follow with browser translation.
What is already confirmed for 2026
| Place | 2026 dates | Hours | Adult fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eikando — autumn treasure exhibition (daytime) | Wed 11 Nov – Sun 6 Dec | 9:00–16:00 entry, gate closes 17:00 | ¥1,500 |
| Eikando — night illumination | Fri 20 Nov – Sun 6 Dec | 17:30–20:30 entry, gate closes 21:00 | ¥1,000 |
| Kitano Tenmangu maple garden — daytime | Sat 31 Oct – Sun 6 Dec | 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:40) | ¥1,500 incl. tea and a sweet |
| Kitano Tenmangu maple garden — with illumination | Sat 7 Nov – Sun 6 Dec | 9:00–20:00 (last entry 19:40), lit from sunset | same ticket |
| Kiyomizu-dera — night illumination | Sat 21 Nov – Mon 30 Nov | 17:30–21:00 (last entry) | ¥500 |
At Eikando the day and night sessions are separate: everyone leaves after the daytime session, and the evening needs its own ticket. If you want both, plan for two entries.
Announced, but details still to come
Tofukuji, home of the famous Tsutenkyo bridge, has posted a notice that its admission fees change from 1 November 2026. The new amounts were not on the page when we checked, so look at the temple's site before you go. Many other temples, including Daigoji, had not announced 2026 autumn dates at the time of writing. We will add them as they are published.
How to stay ahead of the crowds
1. Check the city's crowd forecast before you leave the hotel
Kyoto City runs a Sightseeing Comfort Map that forecasts crowd levels hour by hour for the most popular areas, adjusted for the weather, with live cameras at some locations. Five minutes with it in the morning tells you which area to do first.
2. Be at the gate when it opens
Opening times are in the table above for a reason. The first hour of the day is the calmest you will get at a famous temple in late November, and weekday mornings are calmer again.
3. Take the train when there is one
City buses on the eastern side of town fill up badly in leaf season. Trains and the subway don't get stuck in traffic. See our transport guide for which sights have a rail option and which pass to buy.
4. Don't drag a suitcase through it
Large bags are officially discouraged on city buses. Kyoto's Hands Free Kyoto portal lists luggage storage and same-day delivery counters at Kyoto Station.
5. At the busiest bridges, expect to keep moving
In peak weeks, staff at the most crowded viewpoints may ask people not to stop or take photos, for safety. Follow the signs on the day.
Coming next
We are checking opening dates and fees for quieter alternatives to the big-name temples, and will publish that list once each place has confirmed its 2026 details.
Sources
- Eikando official notices (2026 exhibition and illumination): https://www.eikando.or.jp/osirase.html
- Kyoto City official event page, Kitano Tenmangu maple garden 2026: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=5054
- Kyoto City official event page, Kiyomizu-dera night viewing 2026: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=3730
- Tofukuji official site (fee change notice): https://tofukuji.jp/
- Kyoto City Autumn Leaf Report: https://ja.kyoto.travel/flower/momiji/
- Kyoto Sightseeing Comfort Map: https://ja.kyoto.travel/comfort/
- Hands Free Kyoto (official portal): https://hands-free.kyoto.travel/?lang=en