Arashiyama has long been a place where Japanese locals make seasonal pilgrimages to view cherry blossoms in spring and maple trees in fall. The district is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto city and it teems with temples and shrines. For a list of places to admire vibrant shades of reds and yellows between October and December, here’s our quintessential guide that covers all the best spots you should visit in Arashiyama in autumn.
Tenryu-ji Temple: As “zen” as it gets
“Heavenly Dragon” Tenryu-ji Temple is the largest and most impressive temple found in Arashiyama. One of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Tenryu-ji is widely considered as one of Kyoto’s greatest Zen temples of the Rinzai sect. The temple was founded in 1339 during the Muromachi Period (1338-1753). Due to destruction by fire, it has had all of its buildings reconstructed. Miraculously, its outdoor Zen garden has been around since the 14th century. The garden has a stunning lake that incorporates a view of rolling hills with fall foliage.
You can access the garden for ¥500, and pay an extra ¥100 to enter the buildings themselves.
Nonomiya Shrine: An intimate Shinto shrine for blissful marriage
Nestled in the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Sun Goddess and the Deity of Fire. In ancient times, unmarried imperial princesses were sent here by the emperor to undergo purification. Today, it is a shrine proclaimed for marriage, and remains popular with those seeking purity and love.
Here, it’s worth admiring the beautiful moss garden shaded by maple trees. At the shrine, visitors write their prayers and wishes on little wooden enmusubi ema. Enmusubi means “to join together”, and the term is used to describe matchmaking charms.
Togetsukyo Bridge: A timeless landmark with a picturesque backdrop
The Togetsukyo Bridge (“Moon Crossing Bridge”) is one of Arashiyama’s most timeless and iconic landmarks. Built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and reconstructed in the 1930s, it creates a path across the slow-flowing Katsura River. Graced with superb views of the forested mountainside, the backdrop of deciduous trees makes the river one of the best places to enjoy Arashiyama in autumn.
Horin-ji Temple (Saga no Kokuzo): Up in the hills with a nice viewing platform
Located near the south end of the Togetsukyo Bridge, Horin-ji Temple is nestled in the forested hills nearby. This makes it somewhat isolated from the main tourist hotspots of Arashiyama. Even the locals aren’t quite aware of this temple, so it stays quiet and peaceful.
Getting to Horin-ji requires a small climb up some stairs, but its secluded location makes it an absolute joy to savour. There is a nice little viewing platform at the edge of the mountain that offers spectacular views of the town below. In our opinion, one of the best finds in Arashiyama.
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