Typical season: Early Nov – early Dec
Sanzen-in · Ohara
Quiet moss gardens and deep autumn colors in northern Kyoto. A long, hilly bike trip best planned as a full day.
Open location ↗AUTUMN IN KYOTO · 2026
Kyoto autumn leaves by bike.
Find your autumn ride: six scenic spots, seasonal tips and cycling maps. Start near Nishiki Market.
Dates are typical viewing windows from previous years, not a live prediction. Color changes with weather and altitude. Check the official 2026 updates before setting out.
01 · When to visit
When do Kyoto's leaves turn red?
A practical guide to choosing an area. The most photogenic date is different every year.
LATE OCT – EARLY NOVFirst colors
Higher mountain areas may turn first, but many city temples are still green.
EARLY – MID NOVNorthern Kyoto
Consider Ohara, Yase and foothill temples as colors begin.
MID – LATE NOVClassic Kyoto
Eikan-do, Nanzen-ji, Tofuku-ji and Arashiyama become popular choices.
LATE NOV – EARLY DECThe final glow
Rurikō-in and some sheltered gardens can remain colorful; check the latest report.
02 · Where to go
Six places worth seeing in autumn
Real photos taken in Kyoto. Click a location to open it on Google Maps; choose a bike route further below.
Typical season: Late Nov – early Dec
Eikan-do · East Kyoto
One of Kyoto's famous maple viewing temples. Ride nearby, then park and enjoy the temple gardens on foot.
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Typical season: Mid – late Nov
Tenju-an · Nanzen-ji
A calm garden in the Nanzen-ji complex. Visit on foot after using designated bicycle parking.
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Typical season: Late Nov – early Dec
Arashiyama · Togetsukyo
Riverside mountain colors and a beautiful bridge. Expect heavy weekend crowds and walk the bicycle in busy areas.
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Typical season: Mid – late Nov
Tofuku-ji · South Kyoto
A popular place for rich red maples and the Tsutenkyo bridge view. This stop fits our southern Kyoto route.
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Typical season: Late Nov – early Dec
Rurikō-in · Yase
Reflections of fall foliage in polished interiors. Advance booking is required on specified 2026 dates.
Open location ↗03 · Cycling maps
Open a real Kyoto cycling map
Choose a route to see its map and stops. Follow local cycling signs and use designated parking at temples.
East Kyoto & Kamo RiverTemples, riverside riding, Nanzen-ji area
Arashiyama & West KyotoGardens, Tenryu-ji and Togetsukyo Bridge
Fushimi & South KyotoTofuku-ji, Fushimi Inari and old town
Ohara Mountain EscapeYase, Sanzen-in and northern mountain scenery
An autumn ride that actually works
Park before entering
Bicycles are not permitted inside most temple grounds. Use only designated parking.
Allow enough time
Our standard rental hours are 9:00–18:00. Popular autumn sites can take longer than expected.
Choose a suitable bike
An e-bike is useful for the long, hilly Ohara route. City bikes suit shorter central rides.
Explore Kyoto's autumn at your own pace
Start near Nishiki Market. Free helmet, phone holder, basket and lock included.