The first stop for autumn maple viewing in Kyoto is Tofukuji Temple, Omotoyama. The beautiful red maples here are a favorite of countless tourists. I listened to an expert lecture introducing this scenic spot, and I was deeply attracted by the beauty of the red leaves at Tofukuji Temple. really! After going there in person, strolling on the bridge of Tofukuji Temple to admire the layers of red leaves is stunning. It has become an unmissable highlight of your trip to Kyoto.
How to get to Tofukuji Temple for maple viewing from Kyoto Station?
Tofukuji Temple is located in Higashiyama District, Kyoto. It is very convenient to get there by transportation. You can choose from:
- By JR Nara Line: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station towards Nara. It only takes one stop to reach Tofukuji Station. After getting off, you can walk for about 10 minutes to reach Tofukuji Temple.
- By Keihan Railway: Walk from Kyoto Station to Shichijo Station (about a 10-minute walk), take the Keihan Main Line towards Osaka, get off at Tofukuji Station, and walk for about 10 minutes.
- 市區巴士：從京都車站搭乘市巴士202、207、208號線，在東福寺巴士站下車，車程約10-15分鐘。
We took a bus there, and when we arrived at around 8 a.m., there were already crowds of people watching the maple leaves, and we walked there with them. Several Japanese travel bloggers I know choose to go out at five or six o'clock in order to take photos of the uninhabited and beautiful scenery. They wait at the door early in the morning and wait for the door to open, then rush to the shooting location with a knife. This is also provided to those who are also interested in photography. For your reference. (hot-blooded)
▲ The above No. XNUMX buses all arrive at Tofukuji Temple from Kyoto Station.
A little reminder to prepare in advance and have your mobile phone capacity ready!
As we walked slowly with everyone, the air in Kyoto in the morning was very clean but a little bit cold. Under the care of the autumn sun, we were amazed by the occasional red leaves showing up in the alleys! I have taken hundreds of photos just around Tofukuji Temple. In addition, we also ask passing tourists to help take photos. It is recommended that everyone go with friends to experience the charm of Kyoto’s famous red leaves.
▲ Kyoto is so spectacular in late November that it is not lost to Spring Sakura at all.
▲ When I turned the corner, I looked up at the maple tree and was amazed.
The stunning scenery of Tofukuji Temple during the maple season is irresistible.
Looking down from Tongtian Bridge, the entire red leaves look like red clouds covering the earth. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning so that you can take beautiful pictures without people. Tofukuji Temple is not only a place for viewing maples, but it also retains many Zen buildings from the Kamakura and Muromachi shogunate eras, such as the three gates, the Ryūga main hall, the Zen hall and the Toji, etc., exuding a strong historical atmosphere. In addition, the Hojo Hachiko Garden and the Dry Landscape Garden are also attractions not to be missed. You need to purchase separate tickets to visit these places.
When admiring the maples this time, pay special attention to the changes in light. We chose to visit on November 11th, a day when the sky was clear and the sun shone on the red, orange, yellow and green maple leaves, creating a gorgeous change of light and shadow. Every time I walk, I will stop and observe the light from different angles to capture the most beautiful scenery. Every scene shot this time shows the multi-layered colors of maple leaves under natural light, adding infinite beautiful memories to the entire trip.
※ Inside view of Tofukuji Temple
▲ The red leaves all over the sky make people can't bear to leave easily.
▲ To take aerial shots, be sure to rush in as soon as the door opens.
▲ This is the Woyun Bridge where we first came in.
▲ We met the best time this trip, worth the fare!
▲ The dry landscape in front of the courtyard is also one of the focus of viewing.
▲ Pieces of maple leaves bring the most beautiful moment in autumn.
▲ The weather is good, as long as there is a little sunshine, it will be extremely beautiful in an instant!
▲ The most beautiful thing about maple viewing is that you will see a lot of colors, with rich colors one after another.
▲Waiting for this moment, after taking this picture, I also looked at the Arbor next to me and smiled, and both took the pictures I wanted.
▲ The front and back sides of the maple are different colors. It is a small souvenir of this trip.
▲ The best time for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto is about 11/18～11/28, so take your time!
Kyoto Tofukuji Temple
- Address: 15, 778 Honmachi, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City
- Phone: 075-561-0087
- 拝観時間：09:00～16:00 (11月賞楓 8:30〜16:30)
- Ticket price: Tsutenbashi and Kaisendo 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for juniors (in autumn, 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for juniors) / Tofukuji Honbo Garden 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for juniors
- Official website: https://tofukuji.jp/
