Kyoto: Peak Colors

Five days after our previous report from Kyoto, I returned to the city to confirm that the peak of the autumn color season has been reached there in the meantime.

While the colors may not be the best of the century due to the intense heat of the past summer, they provided a breathtaking seasonal spectacle across the city, attracting huge numbers of tourists.

I expect the peak of the season to continue for another week or so.

The autumn color season is peaking in the popular Arashiyama district on the outskirts of the city, and today - a sunny Sunday - must have been one of the busiest days in the year. Accordingly, large numbers of policemen and security personnel tried to keep pedestrian and car traffic moving - with mixed success.

The forested mountain slopes behind the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge were colorful, albeit not as intense as in past years. I suspect that the muted intensity is partially explained by many trees having lost their leaves prematurely this year due to the intense summer heat. The sight was impressive, nevertheless.

A 5-10 minute walk from the bridge, Tenryuji Temple's garden also felt to have a few more bald spots than in past years, but the seasonal colors were vibrant and spectacular, nevertheless.

The highlight of my visit to Arashiyama was - as usual - Jojakkoji Temple, a smaller temple, a ten minute walk from Tenryuji. The colors were not only peaking but also at par with past years.

The autumn colors at Eikando Temple were also at their peak today. Nightly illuminations are held until December 3 (entry until 20:30).

The colors were at a similarly spectacular state at nearby Nanzenji Temple. Here, too, the peak of the spectacle should last another week or so.

A final highlight of the day was Kiyomizudera, where the main hall was surrounded by many intensely red maple trees. No wonder that the temple grounds and the approach to it were as busy as Shinjuku Station during peak hours. Nightly illuminations at Kiyomizudera continue until November 30 (entry until 21:00).