Kyoto: Starting to Change

After weeks of warmer temperatures, the mercury dipped slightly over the last few days, and it now feels like we're in the full swing of autumn heading towards winter. Since September 15, we have been reporting on the autumn colors starting in Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido, and have seen the colors change as they move down from the higher elevations. We visited Kyoto on October 31 and Tokyo on November 6 when the leaves were just beginning to change colors in the two popular cities. Two weeks have passed since our last visit to Kyoto, and today, I revisited the old capital to see how the autumn colors have progressed. The leaves in the spots I visited were still predominantly green, however there were definite signs that the peak of the season is not too far away. I expect more leaves to change colors over the next week or so and the best viewing to start from around late November.

Last time I was here, the leaves were just starting to take on some colors, and there were few visitors enjoying the early autumn season. Today, the fall palette of red, orange and yellows were still taking their time to dominate the temple grounds. I expect the colors to improve over the next week or so and the best viewing to start from around late November. Until December 3, admission to the Tsutenkyo Bridge area to see the fall colors in Tofukuji costs 1000 yen, and the opening hours are from 8:30 to 16:30 (admission until 16:00).

The maple trees in the ever popular temple have taken on a bit more reds and oranges since my last visit, but were still overall quite green. I expect the colors to improve over the next week or so and the best viewing to start from around late November. From November 18 till 30, the temple grounds are illuminated from sunset till 21:30. Admission to Kiyomizudera costs 400 yen.

Nanzenji is a quiet temple not far from the Keage Incline, which is a popular cherry blossom spot in Kyoto. The maple trees are concentrated around the temple's towering Sanmon Gate and around the aquaduct. Today I found the leaves at Nanzenji Temple to be mostly green. I expect their colors to improve over the next week or so and the best viewing to start from around late November.

My last spot of the day was Eikando Temple, one of Kyoto's popular autumn color spot. There was a small progression of colors since the last time I was there two weeks ago. I expect the situation to improve over the next week or so, and the best viewing to start from around late November. From November 3 till December 3, admission into Eikando Temple costs 1000 yen, and the day time opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00 (admission until 16:00). The temple grounds are illuminated from 17:30 till 21:00, and evening admission cost 600 yen.