November is one of the most beautiful months to visit Kyoto, when the city’s temple gardens, mountain slopes, and historic streets are transformed by autumn colour. The foliage usually peaks between mid and late November, making this the best time to see famous spots such as Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji, Eikando, Arashiyama, and the Philosopher’s Path.
It is also one of Kyoto’s busiest seasons, so timing your visits carefully matters. This complete guide explains when the autumn colours peak, where to see the best foliage, what the crowds are like, and what to pack for November weather.
November Weather in Kyoto
Early November: 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F) during the day. Cool mornings and evenings (8 to 12°C). Comfortable for walking in layers. Very little rain.
Mid-November: 12 to 17°C (54 to 63°F) during the day. Evenings drop to 6 to 9°C. The foliage is typically at or near peak during this period. Pack a proper jacket.
Late November: 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) during the day. Evenings below 5°C are possible in the final week. A warm coat is needed for early mornings. The best late-season foliage spots are still holding colour.
Rain: November is dry, with an average of 5 to 7 rainy days. Rain is usually brief. The dry weather makes the foliage colours more vivid.
Autumn Foliage Timing in Kyoto
The standard foliage window in Kyoto is from November 15 to November 30. The exact peak shifts by about one week year to year, depending on autumn temperatures. A warm October pushes the peak later; a cold October brings it earlier.
Best indicators: The Japan Meteorological Corporation and JapanWeatherStation.com publish annual foliage forecasts from September onward. Checking these in early October gives a reasonable estimate of peak timing for the year.
Ginkgo peak: Typically 5 to 7 days before the maple peak. The golden-yellow ginkgo avenues in the surroundings of Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle turn first.
Maple peak: The red and orange maples at Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do, and the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung typically peak in the third week of November.
Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Kyoto
Tofuku-ji: The most famous and most crowded maple viewing spot in Kyoto. The Tsutenkyo bridge above the Togenikyo ravine of maples is the signature view—entry to the garden: 600 yen. Arrive before 8:30 am on weekends to avoid the worst crowds.
Eikan-do (Zenrin-ji): Arguably the finest foliage garden in Kyoto,o with pond reflections and a multi-level garden entryway, 600 yen. Evening illuminations run in November (typically 5:30 pm to 9 pmm, additional entry fee). Quieter than Tofuku-ji in the mornings.
Kiyomizudera: The hillside stage of Kiyomizudera Temple, framed by autumn maples on the surrounding hillside, is one of Kyoto’s most photographed November views. The approach streets (Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka) are lined with turning maples.
Arashiyama: The mountain backdrop of Arashiyama turns orange and red throughout November. The Togetsukyo bridge reflected in the Oi River with autumn hills behind is the classic Arashiyama November photograph.
Fushimi Inari: The forested mountain trail at Fushimi Inari is surrounded by deciduous trees alongside the cedars and pines. The upper mountain is quieter than the lower gates and shows autumn foliage above the crowd level.
Crowds and Practical Planning
The final two weeks of November are among the most crowded in Kyoto’s year. Weekends during the peak foliage period (typically November 18 to 30) are severely crowded at the main spots. Strategies that help: arrive at opening time (before 9 am at most temples), visit on weekdays, prioritize the less-visited spots (Ruriko-in, Jojakko-ji in Sagano, Kokedera) over the famous ones, and consider evening illuminations at Eikan-do and Kiyomizudera when crowds thin somewhat.
Accommodation books out well in advance for November. If planning a visit to Kyoto in foliage season, book accommodation 2 to 3 months in advance. See the best time to visit Kyoto guide for the full seasonal breakdown.
What to Wear in Kyoto in November
Layers are essential. A base layer, a mid-layer fleece or light sweater, and a proper jacket or coat cover the month’s full temperature range. Walking shoes or boots for the temple gardens. Early mornings in late November are cold enough for gloves and a scarf.
