basic information

Below is a list of some of Kyoto's most popular koyo spots. Autumn colors in Kyoto are usually at their best in the second half of November.

	Tofukuji Tofukuji Station, JR Nara Line and Keihan Main Line Usually best in the second half of November, Tokukuji Temple displays some of Kyoto's most spectacular autumn foliage and gets very crowded.
	Takao JR Bus or Kyoto City Bus The spectacular autumn colors around the temples in this forested valley north of Kyoto are usually at their best a few days before the autumn colors in the city center.
	Yoshiminedera Bus from Mukomachi or Higashi-Muko Station Similar to Kiyomizudera on Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama), Yoshiminedera is a temple on the slopes of Kyoto's western mountains (Nishiyama) with nice views over the city.
	Arashiyama Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line) Arashiyama is a district at the outskirts of Kyoto. The forested mountains in the background and the trees on the grounds of Arashiyama's temples usually turn colors in the second half of November.
	Shugakuin Imperial Villa Shugakuin Station or Shugakuin-rikyu bus stop The spacious and elegant gardens of this imperial villa feature beautiful autumn colors during the second half of November. It can only be visited on tours, and advance reservations are mandatory.
	Enkoji Ichijoji Station or Ichijoji-Sagarimatsucho bus stop A small temple within walking distance of Shugakuin Imperial Villa (see above), Enkoji offers beautiful autumn colors. Be sure not to miss the spectacular bird's view of the temple from the hill behind.
	Eikando Nanzenji-Eizando-michi bus stop Eikando, also known as Zenrinji Temple, is another of Kyoto's most popular koyo spots. It is one of several temples to offer special light-up opening hours in the evenings.

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news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

hotels & ryokan

Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Station Ryokan Seiki Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station. Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto. Hotel Sanoya 3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby. Ryokan Wakamiya Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor. Kyoto Ryokan Shoei This charming budget hotel is located in the historical Shimabara district of Kyoto. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Kyoto White Hotel From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Ryokan Saka-no-ue Traditional, cozy ryokan with 12 rooms. Japanese cottage style houses available. Located near Yasaka Shrine and Gion. Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.